The OAK Network's December Newsletter

As the year winds down and the festive season kicks in, we're taking a moment to reflect on the latest developments in sustainability and energy management.

In this month's newsletter, we're diving into the key challenges and opportunities facing the tech sector on its journey to net zero, exploring the power of strategic asset management, and catching up on the highlights from COP29. We'll also share some inspiring initiatives that are driving innovation in the UK's energy networks.

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The 6 Big Emission Challenges to Reaching Net Zero (Tech Zero Report 2024)

The journey to Net Zero is a formidable challenge for industries worldwide, and the tech sector is no exception. According to the Tech Zero Report 2024, tech companies must tackle six significant emission challenges to pave the way for a sustainable future. These challenges span infrastructure, production, and energy management, each presenting unique hurdles and opportunities. Here's a closer look at these areas:?

1. Data Centers & Cloud Providers: While data centers are becoming more efficient with server virtualisation, renewable energy, and waste heat recovery, growing demand means continued effort is needed to achieve truly sustainable operations.
2. Hardware: E-waste and rare earth materials pose huge challenges, both ethical and physical. I'm sure we all wince when finding out how unsustainable our phones and laptops are when it comes to raw materials. However, circular economy principles, sustainable design, and innovative recycling offer hope for a more eco-friendly tech ecosystem. But this still has a huge way to go.
3. Supply Chains: Scope 3 emissions are the largest challenge. Tools like the GHG Protocol and carbon accounting software are vital for tracking and reduction. Collaboration and incentives are key to encouraging suppliers to adopt science-based targets.
4. Financing: Switching to green banks and sustainable pension funds aligns financing with Net-Zero Goals. It can be a bit of a mind-field out there when it comes to finding the right financial partners, but checking out a companies sustainability impact through ESG reports and green financing standards is a step in the right direction.
5. Energy Use: This we think is the one all companies need to be focusing on (naturally). With businesses wasting around 30% of the energy they buy, and energy use contributing to 16.4% of overall UK carbon emissions, there's an obvious need for energy optimisation! Smart devices, energy monitoring systems, and IoT sensors are there to help all companies find ways to optimise their usage and ultimately, cut their energy bills! Get your three month free trial with us today!
6. Carbon Removal: When further emission reduction isn't possible, carbon removal technologies are crucial. There's been a lot of discourse around this subject recently, with carbon offsetting programmes not actually delivering what they claimed. So make sure to evaluate projects based on transparency, verifiability, and alignment with recognised standards.

Accelerating Climate Innovation: A Reflection on Progress and Potential?

The launch of the Earthshot Prize Climate Innovation Accelerator by Imperial College and the Royal Institution is a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis. With support from HSBC and Arup, this initiative aims to nurture startups that deliver impactful solutions for climate resilience and decarbonisation.?

Having participated in an accelerator with Imperial College ourselves, we understand firsthand how transformative these programs can be. They provide essential resources, networks, and mentorship to drive startups from vision to scalable reality. Initiatives like this are critical for empowering innovators to address pressing global challenges with groundbreaking solutions.?

We’re inspired by this bold step and look forward to seeing the pioneering ideas it will help bring to life. Programs like these reaffirm our belief in the role of startups in creating meaningful change.?

Find out more here!

Unlocking the Power of Strategic Asset Management

Our recent blog post on Strategic Asset Management was incredibly in-depth, and although all the information was necessary, we thought it would be good to give you the key points to get your Asset Management game on point.

Strategic Asset Management is a vital approach for businesses aiming to optimise their resources while reducing costs and boosting productivity. It’s more than maintaining equipment—it’s about ensuring every asset contributes to your organisation’s long-term goals. Here’s a closer look at the key elements:?

1. Life Cycle Focus?

Effective management starts by considering the entire life cycle of assets—from acquisition and operation to maintenance and retirement. By planning ahead, businesses can extend asset life and maximise return on investment.?

2. Preventive Maintenance?

Waiting for something to break can be costly. Preventive maintenance, powered by tools like IoT sensors, ensures regular care and early detection of issues. This approach can cut repair costs by up to 18% while minimising downtime.?

3. Technology Integration?

Using technologies such as Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, organisations can monitor assets in real-time. These tools provide actionable insights, streamline workflows, and support smarter decision-making.?

4. Performance Tracking and Optimisation?

Tracking asset performance helps businesses identify inefficiencies and prioritise resources. Regular data analysis ensures assets are running at peak performance, contributing to operational goals.?

5. Alignment with Business Objectives?

At its core, strategic asset management ties every asset decision to broader organisational objectives. This alignment ensures that resources are not just well-maintained but are actively driving business success.?

Strategic asset management isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset that transforms how organisations operate, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and long-term success. By focusing on these key areas, businesses can unlock the full potential of their assets while staying ahead in today’s competitive landscape.?

?? COP29: A Climate Crossroads - Did it Deliver? ??

The dust has settled on COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, leaving us with a mixed bag of progress, frustration, and a renewed sense of urgency. While the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, this summit served as a stark reminder of the challenges – and opportunities – that lie ahead.

From the Pacific Islands' desperate plea for action to the ongoing tensions between developed and developing nations, COP29 exposed the complexities of global climate negotiations. But amidst the disagreements, there were also glimmers of hope, with a growing focus on circular economies and calls for transformational change.

Let's delve into the key takeaways from this pivotal summit and explore what they mean for the future of climate action.

Verging Interests and a Call for Fairness

Tensions are evident as countries like China and India resist binding emission reduction commitments. They argue that wealthier nations, historically responsible for the majority of emissions, must lead with greater financial and technological support. However, it is being fought that the categorisation of 'developing countries' is now unfair, as China and India are being treated the same as countries that don't emit the same emissions, or have the same money. This has caused an ongoing rift between developed and developing nations, exacerbating challenges in reaching consensus.

The Circular Economy on the Agenda

On a positive note, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) emphasised the potential of circular economy investments. These initiatives, blending environmental benefits with socio-economic gains, signal a pragmatic path forward. Projects addressing waste reduction, resource efficiency, and job creation align with broader sustainability goals and offer tangible solutions.

Calls for Reforms

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the need for transformational climate finance systems, citing the inadequacy of current funding mechanisms to meet the needs of vulnerable nations. Critics argue that reforms must streamline financial access and ensure accountability for pledges made by wealthier nations.

Unmet Expectations

While the urgency of action is clear, many observers feel COP29 lacks the momentum required to drive systemic change. As protests outside the summit demand bolder commitments, the urgency for leaders to reconcile political differences and prioritise the global good becomes ever more pressing.

COP29 serves as both a reflection of the current state of climate action and a reminder of the immense potential for progress when collective action is prioritised. The world watches as decisions made—or deferred—will shape the climate narrative for decades to come.

Driving Innovation in the UK’s Energy Networks

As we move toward a net-zero future, the UK’s energy networks, including high-voltage transmission systems and regional distribution networks, are at the heart of the transition. The Energy Networks Association’s 2024 report highlights the role these networks play, showcasing the progress made under the RIIO-2 framework, which funds projects focused on innovation, sustainability, and customer benefits.?

RIIO-2 Framework? The RIIO-2 framework (Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs), established by Ofgem, encourages energy networks to innovate while keeping customer costs manageable. This second phase (2021–2026 for gas networks and 2023–2028 for electricity) supports projects aimed at improving energy system efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.?

Notable Progress in 2024? In 2024, 235 projects were registered under this framework, with 92 originating from external collaborations, underscoring the importance of partnerships. A total of 208 projects were completed, marking significant advances across the sector. Notably, 20 projects were integrated into Business As Usual (BAU), showing tangible results that will be sustained beyond the innovation phase.?

The progress made in 2024 is encouraging, but there’s still work to do. With a growing commitment to innovation and sustainability, the UK’s energy networks are making significant strides toward a greener, more efficient future, ultimately benefiting both customers and the planet.?