Can we reach net zero by 2050? Yes we can!

Having had numerous conversations with industry contacts in recent years about the possibility of the UK achieving its legally-binding requirement to reach net zero carbon by the year 2050, these have ranged from wildly enthusiastic to overwhelmingly pessimistic and everything in between.

Depending on which organisation or individual one speaks to it would be very easy to be convinced that the UK will reach this target up to a decade before 2050, or that it will never achieve this. When the government first announced it had signed on the dotted line to make this a legally-binding commitment, there was the usual fanfare and predictions this would see the UK emerge as a world-leading green economy, supporting jobs and enjoying enormous boosts to the economy.

The reality has been somewhat different, although a growing numer of businesses can be seen to have embraced this challenge and recorded significant reductions to their carbon emissions. Some of these now state that they are already net carbon and others are close behind, predicting they will reach the net zero status over the next few years.

It is tempting to use these examples to show how the business world frequently provides the best examples of support for government initiatives. It can also be added to this that the current impressive achievements have been delivered with very little support.

Supporters of the government - regardless of which party is at the helm - will no doubt refer to the Covid pandemic and cost of living, recruitment and the various other crises that have impacted the world economy in recent years as reasons for the lack of investment in net zero carbon emissions. While these issues have been frustrating for many - particularly when discussing how the issue of climate change is threatening all life on our planet - it is a prescient reminder of the importance of cost in all areas.

While there is a growing body of opinion that states net zero carbon has to be delivered, regardless of the investment required, business and building owners continue to focus on their company's sustainability. This is also understandable and - some would say - essential in reaching the position of net zero.

It is, of course, true that business is a major contributor to the UK's carbon emissions, but we should also ask ourselves how our country would survive without the business community and its contributions to the economy and many other areas of society.

There is, however, an urgent need for those businesses achieving the best results in reaching their net zero goals to share examples of best practice, which the SFG20 Virtual Summit will provide both in the lead up to the day's discussions and within the event itself. No man, company or organisation is an island and the opportunity to share and receive information about real life progress is invaluable in all areas of our lives, both on a personal and business level and no doubt many others as well.

Regardless of the type of building or estate that you or your client owns and/or manages, there is considerable potential to reduce its carbon emissions. Some of these actions will require little or no cost, while others can be achieved simply by adapting current maintenance or investment strategies to include more efficient machinery and equipment.

One of the most impress examples explained to me in recent years includes that of a north Kent council that has replaced its ageing oil-powered boilers with heat pumps, solar panels and batteries. Not only is its main library building well on the path to net zero, it has also adopted this approach to its more modern sports centre and swimming pool with the result that this now being heated on an emission-free basis.

One of my respected industry contacts informed me that it would never be possible for any large facility that includes a swimming pool to be carbon-free, but they have now been proved wrong. This could not have happened without major advancements in technology - combined with the skill and expertise of the people involved, of course - and we all know the increasing speed with which technological developments are being delivered.

There is a long list of requirements that need to be provided in the journey to net zero and that means an even longer list of potential issues that could prevent this happening, but that will not prevent it becoming a reality if the collective will of the UK continues to support it. We all have a duty to ensure this happens, both by our actions and attitude in general, which will help to bring others on board to continue the momentum.

Whether government support will increase remains a moot point, at present, but this will also no doubt follow when the topic reaches the point where lack of involvement cannot be justified.

The net zero carbon debate is one of our topics being debated during the SFG20 Virtual Summit on 20 November, please comment 'Carbon' below to receive the link to register.