Low Carbon Energy joins ABG in drafting key Net Zero

Net Zero remains a critical item on the UK’s climate agenda, and it’s never been more important. Back in 2019, the British government passed a law mandating the UK to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, effectively ending our contribution to climate change.

In case you need a quick refresher on the concept behind Net Zero, it’s essentially a more practical alternative to the idea of reducing the UK’s emissions completely (an incredibly difficult goal that’s widely seen as unrealistic). Instead, this alternative refers to effectively taking as many emissions out of the atmosphere as we put into it, so that our net emissions effectively come to zero. (Hence, Net Zero.)

Here at Low Carbon Energy, we already have decades of experience in helping organisations across the UK reduce their carbon footprint with commercial solar panels, bringing them a significant step closer to achieving their Net Zero ambitions. Not only that, but with our decades of experience and national reach, in 2022 we were invited to join the Advisory Business Group (ABG) serving a pivotal role in putting together a key report aiming to help the government devise the best ways to help the UK reach Net Zero. Here’s what it’s all about.

The background of the new Net Zero report

In August of 2022, the Climate Change Committee convened an Advisory Business Group, comprising senior leaders from a range of sectors, regions and experience.

We were invited by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to get involved, and happily accepted. Working closely together with other business leaders, we’ve been contributing our expertise and insight into the different ways in which UK businesses can accelerate progress towards Net Zero. During the process, we’ve been identifying any key barriers, and identifying any opportunities that could be unlocked.

All this collected insight has been collated into a comprehensive report drawn up for the CCC to submit to the government. It will also be presented by the ABG to businesses, policymakers and political parties, essentially serving as a manifesto for strengthening business action on Net Zero.

What’s included in the report?

The report itself mainly focuses on the “Five I’s”, which together comprise a new framework for action. These Five I’s are:

• Integrity and transparency of impact and actions
• Investment into Net Zero solutions
• Implementing Net Zero through supply chains, procurement and infrastructure
• Innovative industries and workers
• Influence of business on society

Within the report, we join the other authors in examining each of these in turn, exploring the ways in which they can unlock the potential of a close partnership between the government and the business community. Along the way, we also look at some of the key factors that can drive action, such as ethical obligations and shareholder pressure.

Here’s a quick summary of some of the report’s other key conclusions:

• Reaching Net Zero will require transformative thinking in terms of the way we move people and goods, how we use our homes business, and what we produce and consume in terms of commodities and energy
• Al major government spending and policy decisions should be subject to stress testing to ensure they support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions
• Action is required urgently if British businesses are to remain competitive in a global race for investment

With the final draft of the report complete, it’s now been sent to the government’s Climate Change Committee for consideration. The CCC will review the report firsthand, and then use it to make final recommendations to the government.

So that’s how things are progressing on a national scale – the question is, how can we help you achieve your own Net Zero ambitions? Our experts have over 30 years of combined experience with commercial solar panels, having helped SMEs and large corporations across a wide variety of sectors transform their business’ energy supply.

Each of our installations is bespoke, and we tailor your solution on your specific energy profile, helping us to maximise carbon reductions and save you up to thousands of pounds in energy bills. Feel free to look at our case studies for just a few examples of businesses which have reaped huge rewards from solar, such as Boeing and Irish Water. To find out how we can help you, feel free to give us a call today on 01282 421 489!