What is Net Zero?
Net Zero refers to the British government’s goal to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. This will mean both reducing consumption and off-setting it where reducing it isn’t possible. Carbon emissions are produced through almost every aspect of business, whether it is transport, administration, or the use of raw materials; in addition to the use of resources, where they come from (that is, your supply chain) is also included in your carbon impact.
What is Scotland’s stance on Net Zero?
The aim of the UK government is to become carbon neutral by 2050; however, local governments can set their own targets and timelines. Edinburgh, for instance, has committed to becoming net zero by 2030 instead. It is worth knowing what your local region’s targets are – there is a lot of potential for companies to set themselves apart by becoming local leaders in their fields.
Why should you care about Net Zero?
At first glance, it might seem like Net Zero isn’t relevant for small to medium businesses; after all, the smaller the business, the lower the emissions in general. However, thinking about how your business aligns with the government’s push towards net zero gives you a valuable selling point for your business that can set you apart from your competition. More than that, it will help you prepare for a future where low carbon emissions may very well become a requirement for businesses, and build your company to be more resilient and less resource dependent.
How can we help you?
To begin with, we can help you understand your emissions so you know what you are working with. We do this by gaining an understanding of what your business needs to operate and where you are sourcing the necessities. We then present you with our findings in a clear and approachable way that will help you keep track of where you started from.
We can identify ways in which you could reduce your impact by analyzing the data we have collected. Using our expertise and experience from previous projects, we will prepare the business case for the opportunities that would fit your company best, so you can make an informed decision on which options to pursue. We can also show you how well you are performing compared to other companies in your sector and help you set achievable goals to meet your business objectives.
Finally, we will suggest ways for you to offset your emissions where appropriate. This is more relevant in some sectors than others, since there may be emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced significantly. Offsetting your emissions essentially means supporting projects that have a negative carbon impact (i.e. they will reduce overall carbon emissions over time), like renewable energy projects or the planting of trees. If your business could produce renewable energy (e.g. by installing solar panels on site), you can also offset emissions by selling your excess renewable energy. We can help you identify the best opportunities for your business to offset carbon emissions.
Want to learn more?
We have a number of case studies on our blog that you can read through. Alternatively, please do get in touch to discuss your business’s needs!