There isn’t a debate that future economic growth is going to be clean and green. It’s fact.
The urgency to move away from fossil fuels, securing energy supplies and cutting carbon emissions has never been clearer. Yet we are now asking ourselves; is net zero within reach? The latest Progress Report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) highlights what it sees as major failures in the Government’s delivery programmes, which are likely to result in the 2050 net zero target being missed.
Having previously applauded the Government for-setting ambitious targets and launching a new Net Zero Strategy, the CCC now says it has a ‘high-wire approach’ to net zero with policy gaps that need to urgently be plugged.
The window to deliver real progress is short and we’re all waiting with bated breath for the promised action. Commentators have now raised concern that the Government’s job could become even harder in light of recent disruptions within the Conservative party.
Keeping on track
There is no denying the fact that businesses have a key role to play in achieving the UK’s net zero targets. Having set ambitious decarbonisation and net zero strategies to align themselves with national and international targets, many organisations are now finding their attention diverted to other, more pressing challenges. Namely the on-going energy crisis.
In delivering his speech at the Confederation of British Industry’s inaugural Achieving Net Zero Conference last month, its Director General Tony Danker delivered a very clear message: “making our companies net zero is no less a commercial imperative than making our companies more digital.”
Impressing on the audience that energy prices were likely to be higher for longer than imagined, he commented that “crises are temporary, but net zero is permanent.”
Recognising that many businesses would be worried about increased energy costs, he urged them not to lose sight of their climate targets and to stay on track with their own net zero journeys, and to increase their ambitions.
These words are very true. Now is not the time to put a hold on decarbonisation. 2050 may seem some way off, but 2035 is just around the corner, by which time carbon emissions need to be cut by 78% compared to 1990 levels. Ambitions should be increased rather than decreased.
Northwest in action
The northwest is leading the way when it comes to decarbonisation and clean growth, with the clear aim to aim to be the UKs first net zero carbon industrial cluster by 2040. The region’s proactive approach to reaching net zero and accelerating decarbonisation serves as an example to the rest of the UK. To highlight this, recognising the opportunities that arise from the low carbon economy it was the first region to launch a Net Zero Skills Charter plan to help future generations into green jobs.
Even at a more local level, organisations rare recognising the benefits of decarbonisation. Talking to business leaders at a Wirral Chamber of Commerce round table recently, it is clear there is an appetite for clean, green economic growth, transformation and regeneration, and taking advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity this presents.
As a proud business based in the northwest, we are one of the region’s most ambitious and active players in the low carbon solutions sector. Over the last 20 years we have worked with a multitude of visionary customers across many different sectors, delivering truly innovative low carbon schemes. But we know there is more than can be done, and faster.
We’re entering a very important timeframe for sustainable change. If we are to collectively reach the milestones needed to reach a low carbon economy. It’s time for businesses to seize the opportunities available.
With decarbonisation a priority for all UK commercial energy users, as a specialist bioenergy and carbon reduction business we’ve structured ourselves to support the UK on its journey. Indeed, our unique solutions are now better placed than ever to support industry in preparing for the energy transition that lies ahead.
For businesses impacted by the challenge of decarbonisation, or those seeking to enhance their ambitions by taking the next steps, we’re here to help. To find out how we can help you build a brighter, better future, drop us a line here.
