Theresa May is attempting to enshrine in to law the commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The move will make Britain the first G7 country to adopt such a target.
The UK already had a 2050 target to reduce emissions by 80% but this will now be amended to the new ambitious, much tougher target. The ‘Net Zero’ target means emissions from homes, transport, farming and industry will have to be avoided or offset.
What this means for business and how can Low Carbon Europe help you?
It is expected that this ambitious target will be reinforced by strong policies in order to bring about the change required.
At Low Carbon Europe we are highly experienced in working with organisations to reduce carbon, increasing energy efficiency and minimise energy spend. Click here to read more about us, our services and what our clients say about us.
Low Carbon Europe launched Mindset 2050 4 years ago, a service to help companies change the way they tackle sustainability. With this new target and legislation set to come in place this service will be more relevant than ever.
Mindset 2050 is designed to target all of these key areas and find ways to improve efficiency across the board. In doing so, we can help organisations make real savings and safe-guard against the effects of climate change.
Mindset 2050 key services:
Create Sustainable Development Management Plans/ Carbon Management Plans and implement deliverable action plans
Ensure legal compliance and control reporting
Achieve cost savings and reduce overheads
Reduce reputational risk and achieve competitive advantage through positive engagement
Identify areas of potential wastage and gain an understanding of resource consumption
Reduce threats associated with the impacts of climate change and build commercial resilience
Comprehensive workforce engagement and buy in
What they said?
LCE Managing Director Darren Jones said:
“It is good to see at long last at least an attempt by our Government to accelerate the Nations Carbon reaction plans and declare a vision for this, although a lot more practical detail will need to be worked through. I am really keen to align our services into our clients to reflect the net zero ambition.”
Teresa May said:
“Now is the time to go further and faster to safeguard the environment for our children. This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth.
She also added reducing pollution would also benefit public health and cut NHS costs.
CBI’s head, Carolyn Fairbairn said
“Climate leadership can drive UK competitiveness and secure long-term prosperity. This legislation must be followed by a commitment to long-term policies that support decarbonisation across the economy.
“Some sectors will need clear pathways to enable investment in low-carbon technologies, and it is vital that there is cross-government coordination on the policies and regulation needed to deliver a clean future.”
Committee on Climate Change chair John Gummer said:
The net zero target was “necessary, feasible and cost effective”.
“This is just the first step. The target must now be reinforced by credible UK policies, across government, inspiring a strong response from business, industry and society as a whole,”
Chris Skidmore, acting Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, said:
“Legislating for net zero reflects the urgent and pressing challenge of tackling global climate change as well as our aspirations to lead the world in tackling it.
“We’ve been able to build and maintain a world-leading record on tackling climate change thanks to our reputation for pioneering science and innovation. We’ve made the case for urgent action at home and abroad, but that has not happened overnight.
