Achieving net zero by 2050 is one of the most ambitious targets set by the Government. The carbon net zero target requires a total decarbonisation of electricity, transport, buildings and industry. In order to provide a pathway to achieving this a key milestone target, to achieve a 78% reduction by 2035, was put in place.
BUT WHAT DOES ACHIEVING NET ZERO MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Harnessing the innovation and potential of new greener technologies to meet the target will contribute to fighting climate change. At the same time it can help create innovative thinking towards energy usage in the built environment and potentially drive businesses to achieve economic growth.
The public sector in particular has the opportunity to lead this change and influence the behaviours of those that it serves across the UK. However, it is the responsibility of both the private and public sector to encourage this innovation and deliver real change by building greener.
PLANNING YOUR PATHWAY TO CARBON NET ZERO
Creating a carbon net zero strategy may seem daunting for a business. CO2 target has developed a 5 step plan to help support organisations with a workable, real world pathway to achieving Carbon net zero. Wherever you currently are on your journey, by following each of the 5 steps, you will be able to map out your greener delivery.
Of course, the team of experts at CO2 Target are here to help support both private and public sector organisations to take those steps towards achieving a Net Zero target.
If you have questions about planning your pathway to Net Zero, we are here to help – contact the team.
STEP 01: ASSESS & UNDERSTAND YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Firstly, you need to understand your actual carbon footprint. You can do this by looking at the data that you already have available. By reviewing your current position, you can start to benchmark and monitor success over time.
Emissions are often classified into ‘scopes’, which can be defined as:
‘Scope 1’ emissions come from sources that your organisation owns, e.g., emissions associated with fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles.
‘Scope 2’ emissions come from your energy usage, e.g., emissions associated with your consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling, for heating your offices for example
‘Scope 3’ emissions come from sources you don’t own or control, which are produced as a consequence of your organisation’s actions. An example of this could be staff behaviour – how they commute, travel for business, or use energy when working remotely or your suppliers’ emissions.
The easiest way to monitor these areas is to use a data system or platform that collates, measures and tracks the carbon emissions across your business. This is where CO2Target comes in.
We will assess your assets and use data systems that allow us to gather Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. We will then present this information in easy to understand and visual reports to paint a picture of your current carbon emissions and energy usage.
STEP 02: CREATE A PLAN
Once the data is available, it will be easier to identify where you can have the biggest impact in reducing your carbon footprint. You will almost certainly be able to identify some “quick wins”. This could be changing your energy tariff or switching to LED lighting for example.
It is important to make sure that you inform and educate all your stakeholders whilst you are making your plan. Getting their buy in and commitment is key to achieving all scope elements. Alongside your internal stakeholders you should also consider the impact on your customers or service users.
Breaking your plan into manageable steps, with stakeholder engagement, will make it less daunting and more achievable. In a lot of cases using external expertise, such as CO2 Target to help assess, plan, engage and educate can help with adoption of the plan.
Using the knowledge and experience of consultants can help planning and implementation more manageable and scalable.
Future Proof as much as possible. This is also an opportune moment to think about the future too. For example, look at the sustainability of your building materials or consider what electrical vehicle charging infrastructure is needed to meet future demands.
The time to understand and embrace innovation is now.
Step 03: Implement the changes
The key to this step is creating manageable, workable solutions. You don’t need to do everything all at once.
Slowly planning and implementing changes will result in better conceived benefits and longer term results. This also enables your stakeholders to understand why these choices were made so they can support or accept whatever decision comes next (or both).
A rushed implementation could lead to key areas being missed. In fact, slow and incremental changes can be more cost effective in the long term.
STEP 04: REVIEW YOUR IMPACT
Have you achieved the benefits in carbon reduction you targeted? If so, can you do more of them? Have you created new problems elsewhere in the organisation? Have you realised other benefits that you hadn’t anticipated? Embrace the new commitments that you have made and monitor and manage these changes easily by becoming part of the ISO framework 14001 & 50001.
As you deliver your plan, you may identify more areas for incremental change. It’s important to take the time to understand the impact your changes have had. Carbon Net Zero is a long journey, so make sure you acknowledge and celebrate your successes. Every positive change you make is helping to fight climate change.
Have the changes positively impacted your business in other ways too? Perhaps reducing energy consumption has resulted in financial savings and increased profitability. Or are you working more efficiently and effectively?
Where possible share any successes and lessons learned externally too. Remember, helping your supply chain adapt helps your ‘Scope 3’ emissions we mentioned earlier.
STEP 5: ONGOING SUPPORT & MONITORING
Your carbon Net Zero campaign should be a cycle of continuous improvement. In order to do this you’ll need to make sure data is monitored and set against the initial benchmarks of step 1.
Review the data and see if there are any opportunities to further improve what you are doing. Look at innovations that can be introduced within your contracts to support further upgrades or enhancements.
Maintain engagement with your stakeholders. Use this as an opportunity to explore further investments or operational enhancements to support your Net Zero goals.
YOUR STEPS TO CARBON NET ZERO
Achieving Carbon Net Zero is one of the most complex targets ever set by our Government. Every element of it relies on significant change to many aspects of our organisations. CO2 Target are here to help you understand and support you in taking those steps towards achieving it. To learn more, visit our Carbon Net Zero page. If you still have questions about planning your pathway to Net Zero, we are here to help – contact the team.
