Achieving net zero should be a high priority for all businesses. Net zero refers to the target of completely negating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity. Net zero goals can be achieved by reducing emissions and carbon footprint and becoming more environmentally friendly.
There are many steps businesses can take when working towards net zero. For example, by switching to energy efficient light bulbs (LED) for the workplace and electric vehicles for transport and deliveries. Another great way for small businesses to reduce their carbon footprint would be to have employees walk, run or cycle to work and in doing so, “saving the planet” whilst improving fitness. These factors will not only improve net zero goals but will also save the business substantial costs in the long term.
Not only is achieving net zero great for climate change, but it also gives both commercial and public sector businesses a competitive advantage over those that don’t do as much for the environment. Consumers nowadays are environmentally aware and want to contribute to creating a greener planet. Therefore, many consumers will be more inclined to use and purchase from “green” businesses.
Whilst all businesses both public and private sector strive to reduce their carbon footprint and reach net zero some sectors are at the forefront of this revolution.
For example, the NHS aims to be the “world’s first net zero national health service” and hopes to have achieved net zero by 2040 for the emissions they control directly. The NHS is constantly working towards a greener environment and is improving their carbon footprint.
Our schools and colleges have a shared goal of achieving net zero and recognise it is vital for preserving the planet. Therefore, it is important that schools and colleges take action to help resolve these climate change issues. In particular, schools are working together on a campaign to achieve zero carbon by 2030 and there are currently 1,878 schools taking part.
One of the major causes of CO2 emissions and air pollution is traffic. This is problematic as lots of school children and college students will travel by car. To resolve this issue and reduce emissions, schools are encouraging pupils and staff to walk or cycle to school. Another alternative would be to travel by bus.
Many schools have also taken action towards net zero by switching to energy efficient technologies, such as LED lights or Solar PV.
An industry that was badly affected by COVID-19 and just as it was seeing signs of recovery was severely hit by the energy crisis was the care home environment. In 2020, Eagles Mount Care Home in Dorset became the first nursing home to become carbon neutral in the UK. The care home accomplished this by offsetting its carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy and forest projects around the world that help to reduce greenhouse gases. The cost of becoming carbon neutral was around £25,000. The industry will quickly follow suit.
Similarly for local authorities reaching net zero is an important goal and many steps have been taken to meet carbon neutral goals. Almost two thirds of councils in England are aiming to be carbon neutral 20 years before the national target of 2050.
What ever your business big or small, private or public sector invest in renewable technologies such as LED lighting, Solar PV & EV charging and make significant steps towards not only reaching Net Zero but also significantly reducing your costs.