HOME INSIGHT DECARBONISATION: THE PATHWAY TO NET ZERO OPINION PIECES DECARBONISATION: THE PATHWAY TO NET ZERO Posted 30/07/2021 SHARE THIS ARTICLE THE ENERGY SYSTEM IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, BUT THE CHANGES NEED TO GO FURTHER AND FASTER. The decarbonisation challenge has set about systemic transformation across all industries. This unprecedented transition to net zero is significantly impacting businesses large and small – selecting your route and navigating your way through is no mean feat. In June 2019, British Parliaments made a historic commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for England and Wales, whilst Scotland legislated a target of 2045. This was as a direct consequence of a climate emergency, and a recommendation that the net-zero target was necessary, feasible and cost effective – endorsed by the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC). This landmark step has put energy consumption and carbon emissions high on the priority list for us all. In addition, many businesses may also be eligible for policy-related deductions, such as reduced Climate Change Levy (CCL) fees, if it can demonstrate a green carbon neutral policy or is committed to working towards using energy more efficiently. NEW STANDARDS ARE HAVING AN IMPACT To help achieve this goal organisations have started to provide various frameworks to help businesses drive towards a common goal and standards: ISO 50001: this ISO standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, LEED 4.1:the next generation standard for green building design, construction, operations and performance For businesses this has created challenges in understanding their energy consumption, managing it effectively across operations and perhaps more importantly creating an action plan to help reduce consumption; all while not impacting the growth of the business. CHALLENGES TO DECARBONISATION Achieving decarbonisation is a challenge, and there are a number of enabling and disruptive factors that will shape your path selection; policy, resources, disruptive events, technologies, stakeholder expectation – and the list can be expanded. DETERMINING TRANSITION PATHWAYS There is no one size fits all approach, many government and international bodies have researched the various scenarios, impact and effect of decarbonisation for many industries. Monitoring trends, assessing energy use and emissions provides context and relevance across industries. And its these benchmarks and empirical evidence that will help you to best shape and select the pathway to achieving your own goals. Image Source, UKGBC KEY BENEFITS ECONOMIC REPUTATION SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHT INNOVATION USEFUL LINKS Industrial decarbonisation and energy efficiency action plans Climate math: What a 1.5-degree pathway would take Reducing industrial energy demand in the UK: A review of energy efficiency technologies and energy saving potential in selected sectors Industrial Decarbonisation & Energy Efficiency Roadmaps to 2050 LATEST INSIGHTS SEE ALL NEWS SECTORS SOLUTIONS CASE STUDIES CAPULA FUTURES INSIGHTS ABOUT CAPULA CAREERS CONTACT PRIVACY POLICY SECTION S172 STATEMENT Orion House, Stone Business Park, Staffordshire, ST15 0LT +(44) 01785 827000 contactus@capula.com Part of Stock imagery provided by Unsplash. PRIVACY POLICY © CAPULA LTD 2021 COOKIE POLICY DISCLAIMER