The tests
The six tests that make up The Green Standard: Tests for environmental leadership reflect the areas in which political parties must demonstrate action and progress in order to be seen as credible on environmental issues. The tests are:
UK action on climate change: Achieve reductions in UK carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of at least 3 per cent year on year, en route to a low-carbon economy based on energy efficiency, renewable sources of energy and decentralised energy.
International action on climate change: Provide international leadership to restrict global temperature rises to 2°C and ensure worldwide emissions are falling by 2015.
Green living: Make it cheaper and easier for individuals to reduce their environmental impact through tax, regulation, information and other powers of government.
Natural environment: Protect and enhance the beauty, accessibility and wildlife of the environment in our countryside, towns and seas through incentives, regulation, investment and other powers of government.
Planning: Value, support and develop our planning system as a democratic tool for protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment of our countryside and towns.
Environmental tax and subsidies: Green the tax system by increasing the amount of revenue from taxes that reduce environmental damage, and eliminate environmentally perverse subsidies.