The Path To Net Zero: Helping Businesses Achieve A More Sustainable Future
By Steve Gardner, Managing Director, Eco UK Group.
When climate change became a more visible threat, it was the UK who became the world’s first major economy to pass laws in order to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. Reaching this target will be no easy feat, and will require extensive changes across the business landscape.
With COP26 taking place last year, the growing net zero agenda has dramatically shifted from ‘concern’ to ‘emergency’. The science is clear; to avoid the worst effects of climate change we must limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century, which is an ambitious target. In The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) 2021 study on the current trajectory of our climate, the findings declared a ‘code red for humanity’, with irreversible damage to our planet already done.
The COP26 conference had the purpose of discussing and agreeing measures to combat climate change. This includes aiming to limit global warming to below 2°C while making efforts to hold global warming at 1.5°C, strengthening resilience and enhancing abilities to adapt to the climate effects and investing in ways to lower emissions and drive climate-resilient development. So what can businesses do to get on track for net zero?
Recognise Usage
Customers are now more aware of the changes they need to make in the years to come, and for many this starts with the everyday running of their premises. From HVAC systems to good quality lighting, small changes can make a positive impact on not only the site’s running costs but also make a difference to the planet.
Businesses have often embraced the importance of improving energy management, and in recent years many have focused their attention on making themselves more energy efficient. With lighting alone contributing to 5% of the world’s Co2 emissions, one simple solution to achieving a more circular economy is switching from traditional lamps to LED lighting.
There are many benefits to LED lighting, from cost savings right through to quality and improved functionality, and with lighting needed everywhere, having the right system in place is hugely beneficial to both people and the environment.
New energy management approaches are now featuring in overarching business strategies, with senior teams expressing a willingness to take a different approach within their organisations. Decision-makers today are much more aware than their predecessors, and can see a clear synergy between reducing energy use and reducing cost and carbon output.
Eliminate Emissions
The main challenge many businesses and customers face when looking to become more sustainable is knowing where to start on the road to net zero. The first and most important measure is to drastically reduce emissions. This can be through the likes of electric vehicles in their fleets, introducing solar panels and replacing outdated technologies, which all play a part and need to be built into operations immediately.
Gain Perspective
Businesses need to be more observant about where and when they are using energy in order to take necessary preventative action. For example, seeing when lighting is in use, how much of it is needed and how it can be improved. Once decision-makers gain a better perspective of their energy use, they can implement carbon reduction strategies, which benefit the environment and help the UK achieve its ambitious net zero target, all while still making savings.
Energy management used to be a cost-saving exercise, today, it is a carbon-cutting one. Energy is now far more measurable and manageable than it has ever been before, meaning that businesses can easily monitor how much energy they are using, where they are wasting it, and how they can use it more effectively.
Improving efficiency starts small, with simple behavioural changes like ensuring all relevant power is off, reviewing wider production and operations, and embracing energy management technologies. More efficient day-to-day operations and better staff awareness means businesses can bolster their performance and maintain a competitive advantage.
By taking the time to fully monitor your site’s energy portfolio, the savings made can be reinvested into the businesses through new materials, machinery or recruitment. The energy and carbon strategy landscapes are constantly evolving, with new regulations regularly being introduced alongside the net zero target. Companies could even face fines for having no sustainability strategy in place, so need to start making changes now.
With spring fast approaching it is the perfect time to review current policies and not only ensure they are in line with the expectations of both the targets and regulations in place, but also with those who utilise the business’ services. Customers and supply chains are less likely to work with businesses without comprehensive carbon reduction credentials, so making better decisions today can create a better and more sustainable tomorrow and provide greater opportunities for success. Even the smallest change can make a big impact, and implementing better working environments will allow industries to preserve and future-proof them for generations to come.
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