Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has reiterated the ambition to be "the greenest government ever" as she launched a vision for the green economy which fails to mention soil, land reclamation or brownfield policy but praises the proposals to weaken the planning system.
Ministers from DEFRA, DBIS and DECC jointly launched the short document on Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy: Government and Business Working Together which they say is the basis for continuing dialogue between government, business and communities.
It was developed in response to business seeking greater clarity on what the Government means by a "green economy".
It should now be clearer about which environmental industries are excluded.
The paper concentrates on low-carbon energy and innovation in sectors like automotive, retail and construction as well as ways for industry to use less energy.
In a timeline of policy and incentives there are mentions for other issues like, water, waste, the marine environment and low-carbon buildings, but the only references to land, soil or spatial planning are assurances that planning reforms will enable delivery of infrastructure.
"The Government's objective of reducing the deficit and strengthening the economy goes hand in hand with our ambition to be the greenest government ever," said Mrs Spelman.
"Moving to a green economy presents huge opportunities for British businesses not only to reduce their environmental impact, but also to transform products and services, develop cleaner technologies, and capture new international markets."
The document says the Government is committed to promoting international action, attracting investment in infrastructure, proportionate environmental regulation which minimizes the burdens on business, voluntary agreements as an alternative to regulation and equipping the work force with the right skills.
"We have produced Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy in response to businesses who have told us that they needed greater clarity on what environmental policy means for them," said business secretary Vince Cable.
