What is Net Zero and Why Should Your Company Embrace It?
As our attention is increasingly shifted toward more environmentalism and ‘Net Zero’ efforts, many are asking what Net Zero even is, how (and if) it can be achieved, and if it’s just going to hinder companies and businesses.
Read on to find out what’s meant by Net Zero and how your business will benefit from embracing it.
What is Net Zero?
‘Net Zero’ or ‘becoming carbon neutral’ is a bit of a contradiction. It’s generally understood as cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible. The rest of the greenhouse gases can then be reabsorbed by natural means (by huge forests and oceans). Whilst zero will never actually be reached, the principle remains the same.
Importantly, the Paris Agreement states that, to keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, Net Zero would have to be reached by 2050; and this is the aim for a lot of developed countries. In the UK, for example, this target is legally binding and new interim targets have been set to reduce emission by 78% by 2035.
However, Net Zero is a balancing act. Companies need to be able to make good returns and go about their processes and practices as closely to ‘business as usual’ as possible. On the other hand, companies need to consciously change how they impact the environment to meet the above targets.
Why Should Your Company Embrace Net Zero?
Companies’ responses to Net Zero will generally fall under two categories: action and reaction.
Those who ‘react’ make an impulsive decision which is usually based on subjective emotion. Those who ‘act’ are more calculated, having assessed the situation carefully and objectively, along with the opportunities and risks associated with it.
On the one hand, Net Zero can be seen as inconvenient bureaucracy but, on the other, it can be viewed as a genuine opportunity to improve practices on multiple fronts.
New Opportunities and Jobs
Given that 75% of carbon gas output is down to the energy sector, there is a lot of innovation to be done around energy generation and use. It’s likely that this will be a focus moving forward and Net Zero is a fantastic opportunity to rethink how your company operates.
Not only this, but a new focus on Net Zero will also come with the requirement for new roles and expertise. This is a great chance to hire new talent who are at the forefront of changes in your field or industry.
More Investment and Savings
Net Zero may even be a chance to make some savings. By trying to reduce energy waste, increase efficiency, and refitting your equipment, you’ll likely be making some significant savings – and this often isn’t discussed in relation to Net Zero and environmentalism.
Investment doesn’t have to revolve around machines, systems, and facilities either; it can also include staff. It can be hugely beneficial for companies to retrain and further educate the staff they already have. Not only does this help with employee retention but it’ll make your company more attractive to future prospects as well.
Another thing to mention is that, by complying with Net Zero and committing to make a difference, your company may be eligible for government grants and incentives. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on Gov.uk for this!
It should now be clear that embracing Net Zero can be beneficial for your business for a number of reasons. Not only will it bring about new opportunities and jobs, but your company could also make some significant savings, use it as an opportunity to invest in the business, and futureproof the company for the future by getting ahead of the curve.
Most of, if not all our clients have an underlying corporate, social responsibility to try to align their business outputs and objectives to achieve lower carbon emissions. So whether that be The Handbag Clinic looking to re-do their packaging to ensure the sustainable story is told and everything can be recycled, The Alnwick Garden ensuring that their community programmes align to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint as a whole or Northern Powergrid having more and more electric vehicles in their fleet, most of our clients are doing something towards Net Zero.
Here at Blumilk, we help businesses understand and communicate their sustainability propositions in a simple and meaningful way. With a focus on creating and maintaining a positive brand story, we unearth what matters most and provide clear direction, helping businesses gain competitive advantage. We also help to craft solutions which communicate businesses net zero missions to target audiences, stakeholders, and internal staff through on and offline solutions, events, corporate and regulatory reporting, animation, illustration and much much more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!
