November Newsletter
The OAK Network
Experts in Energy Efficiency ?Reduced Energy Costs and CO2 Emissions.
As the clocks go back and we hunker down for the colder months ahead, the changing season invites us to slow down, gather our resources, and reflect. Or so we’d think! Our team has been unstoppable this month, attending events, gathering news and insights in the energy industry, and even developing a Hackathon of their own, with no slowing down in sight! ?
Asides from our bustling teams energy for energy, we've collated some good news from the sustainability industry, of which we'll start this newsletter off with.
Solar Energy Is Taking Over!??
Exciting developments in solar energy are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. A recent groundbreaking study from Nature Communications confirms that we've likely passed the solar tipping point—making its growth unstoppable!?
Key Highlights:?
The study also emphasises that clean energy now meets nearly 100% of new energy demand growth, pushing traditional fossil fuels into decline for the first time. This shift not only highlights the growing viability of solar but also signals a transformative moment for our energy landscape—think of it as the 'iPhone moment' for energy! ???
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Challenges Ahead: While there are hurdles to overcome, such as grid stability and resource availability, the current momentum in solar manufacturing means we can deploy solar almost 3 times faster than last year.?
It really is good news. Solar is taking over.
Reflecting on a Busy Week of Engagement and Innovation!??
From Engineering and Design to the importance of SDGs to our members' Impact Report Event, our CEO and team have been busy on the ground. Here's a quick round-up:
At the Engineering and Design Show (EDS), our team was invited by CONEX to be a part of the Start-Up Zone, alongside other incredible innovators, where we were able to explore the world of innovation, and share our vision of an energy optimised future. Gaetan Cuvillier , CEO was able to share his thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of running a business, whilst the team on the ground connected with like-minded people and organisations across multiple industries. ?
“It was really interesting to see the variety of innovative solutions and approaches that different companies are taking. It felt like a great opportunity to network and learn from others in the industry. For OAK, the event went well.? I enjoyed engaging with attendees who were genuinely interested in what we do. It was great to see the positive reactions from people when I explained our services, and I think we made some valuable connections.” - Sadegh Khoubyari, MIET – Head of Installations?
Special thanks to ConeX Portal for inviting us to be a part of this amazing two-day event.?
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Fast Forward 2030:?
The Fast Forward 2030 event invited our CEO, Gaetan Cuvillier to the panel to discuss his thoughts on ways to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) alongside Selin Yigitbasi-Ducker ?? and Fran Harris, PhD , where they explored strategies for impactful partnerships and the importance of contributing skills, resources, and connections for a sustainable future. Amongst the attendees were students from UCL, who contributed to important conversations around these topics.?
“This event made me realise how engaged the next generation are with sustainability, paticularly the SDG’s. It was apparent that they had pure passion and understanding of the challenges ahead. In a way, it gave me hope for the future that these will be the bright minds entering the work force in the next few years” Jonas Ternell- Acting COO?
Conduit Event:?
Our last newsletter shared the successes of The Conduit's efforts on energy optimisation, and this month, our team was invited to attend and speak at their Impact Report Event. As you may remember, The Conduit has made some incredible steps towards energy efficiency, but what stood out for our team attending, was the scope in which the Conduit has reached in terms of community impact and environmental impact.?
“It was inspiring to see, and a very validating experience that our company gets to work with businesses that aren’t doing energy optimisation for just the cost benefits, but truly care about sustainability as a whole” - Mia Hildebrandt , Head of Sales?
“The scope of sustainability doesn’t just lie at energy efficiency, we know this, but it was really interesting to see how much work can be done if a business truly wants to be sustainable. It was a great to see our company as a cog in a machine, with many moving parts of other suppliers and partners that echo our vision and mission” - Jonas Ternell – Acting COO?
Overall, these events reinforced the importance of visibility and connection in our industry, and that there are so many other people out there working hard every day to make the Net Zero future a reality. It just shows that those working in the climate industry are in an echo chamber where we hear so much negative news about the climate, making it a lonely place to work. But these events inspired our team, knowing we’re not alone, that there’s incredible work happening in the world of sustainability, and we’re a part of it! ?
Leading By Example
Aldi’s Commitment to Net-Zero: A Pioneering Step for Grocery Retailers
In a significant move towards sustainability, Aldi has become one of the first grocery retailers to have its net-zero emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation marks a crucial milestone, not only for Aldi, but for the entire retail sector as companies strive to meet the increasing demand for corporate responsibility regarding climate change.
The SBTi provides a framework for companies to set science-based targets that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Aldi's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 has been rigorously validated, highlighting the retailer’s proactive approach to addressing climate change while ensuring accountability and transparency in its environmental goals.
Aldi’s ambitious targets encompass a comprehensive strategy that involves reducing emissions across its entire value chain. This includes efforts to enhance energy efficiency in stores (wahoo), optimise transportation logistics, and partner with suppliers to minimise their carbon footprints. By focusing on these areas, Aldi not only aims to reduce its direct emissions but also to influence a broader change across the industry, which we're certainly backing them up on!
As we witness the growing importance of CSR and ESG in business practices, Aldi’s validation by the SBTi serves as a powerful reminder of the role that retail companies can play in combating climate change. It sets a precedent for others in the industry to follow suit, demonstrating that ambitious climate targets are not just achievable but essential for long-term success.
In summary, Aldi’s validated net-zero emissions targets underscore a critical shift in the grocery retail landscape, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and proactive measures in sustainability. This move not only benefits the environment but also strengthens Aldi’s market position as a forward-thinking retailer committed to a sustainable future.
Unlocking Clean Energy: Scottish and UK Governments Streamline Projects
In a significant development for the renewable energy sector, the Scottish and UK governments have announced new measures aimed at accelerating clean energy projects across Scotland. By reducing bureaucratic barriers and streamlining approval processes, these initiatives seek to unlock a wave of new energy projects, propelling the nation toward a more sustainable future.
The joint effort focuses on simplifying regulations surrounding the development of clean energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This proactive approach is designed to expedite project timelines, enabling developers to bring their innovations to market faster and more efficiently. By slashing red tape, the governments are creating an environment that encourages investment in renewable energy, crucial for meeting the UK’s ambitious climate goals.
The emphasis on clean power aligns with broader national targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The initiatives are expected to not only enhance energy security but also stimulate economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector. With the energy transition underway, Scotland is poised to become a leader in clean technology, showcasing how strategic governmental support can drive progress.
Moreover, this collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the importance of local energy solutions. By empowering communities and developers to pursue clean energy projects with fewer obstacles, the initiative aims to harness Scotland’s abundant natural resources while fostering local engagement and investment.
As these projects begin to take shape, they represent more than just a shift toward renewable energy; they signify a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The government’s efforts to unlock clean energy potential in Scotland highlight the critical role of policy in shaping a greener future.
In conclusion, the Scottish and UK government's plans to streamline clean energy project approvals are a crucial step towards building a robust renewable energy landscape. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investment, they are paving the way for Scotland to achieve its energy transition goals while setting an example for other regions to follow.
Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-scottish-energy-projects-unlocked-to-deliver-clean-power
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A New Hackathon is on the Horizon??
We know the power of collaboration, and what’s a better way to collaborate than an AI Hackathon?
This winter, we’re excited to host a Hackathon where innovative minds will collaborate to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for optimising energy usage and enhancing the energy grid. Participants will dive into real-world challenges, developing prototypes that harness machine learning and data analytics to create sustainable energy solutions.
Stay tuned for sneak peeks into the projects, team profiles, and insights from mentors as we showcase the creativity and ingenuity of these future leaders in energy management. We can't wait to see the impactful solutions they develop!
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