As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, there has been a growing call for businesses to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. The energy sector, in particular, has a critical role to play in this transition towards a sustainable future. Energy suppliers are making significant efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and move towards net-zero emissions.

What is Net Zero?

The concept of net-zero emissions is based on the idea of achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere and the amount that is removed or offset. The net-zero goal is to achieve a state where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is crucial in tackling climate change and achieving the target set out by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Many energy suppliers have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 or even earlier. Some have set more ambitious targets, aiming to achieve net zero by 2030. To achieve this goal, energy suppliers are taking various steps to reduce their carbon emissions and transition towards clean energy sources. These include:

Investing in Renewable Energy

Energy suppliers are investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. By shifting towards renewable energy sources, suppliers can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to tackle climate change. These investments also help to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Several UK energy suppliers are investing in renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Here are some examples of UK energy suppliers that focus on investing in renewable energy:

1. Octopus Energy: This supplier is known for its 100% renewable energy tariff and has invested in renewable energy projects across the UK, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Octopus Energy owns a number of renewable energy assets, such as wind farms in Scotland and hydroelectric power stations in Wales.
2. Good Energy: This supplier sources its electricity from 100% renewable sources and has invested in solar, wind, hydroelectric, and tidal power projects. Good Energy owns a number of renewable energy assets, such as wind turbines and solar farms across the UK.
3. Bulb: This supplier sources its electricity from 100% renewable sources and has invested in solar and wind power projects across the UK. Bulb has invested in a range of renewable energy assets, including wind turbines in Scotland and solar farms in southern England.
4. Ecotricity: This supplier is dedicated to investing in renewable energy and has invested in wind power projects across the UK, including its own wind turbine network. Ecotricity also owns a solar farm in Lincolnshire and is developing plans for a new hybrid wind and solar farm in the Midlands.
5. EDF Energy: This supplier is investing in renewable energy projects and has set a target to increase its renewable energy capacity by 30% by 2030. It is investing in wind, solar, and battery storage projects. EDF Energy owns several wind farms across the UK, including the 62.5 MW Blyth Offshore Wind Farm in Northumberland.

These are just a few examples of UK energy suppliers that are investing in renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Many more energy suppliers are also investing in renewable energy to meet their sustainability goals and help the UK achieve its climate targets.

Reducing Emissions Across the Supply Chain

To achieve net-zero emissions, energy suppliers are also taking steps to reduce emissions across their supply chain. This includes working with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. This is particularly important for scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions that occur throughout the supply chain.

Energy suppliers are implementing energy efficiency measures across their operations, such as improving the insulation of buildings, upgrading equipment and machinery, and optimizing the use of energy in their facilities.

They are also developing low-carbon products and services: Energy suppliers are developing and offering low-carbon products and services to their customers, such as electric vehicle charging stations and energy-efficient appliances, to help them reduce their own carbon footprint.

Transitioning to Electric Vehicles

Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Energy suppliers are therefore transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes converting their own vehicle fleets to electric vehicles and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles among their customers.

Reducing Business Travel Emissions

Business travel is another significant contributor to GHG emissions. Energy suppliers are therefore taking steps to reduce business travel emissions by encouraging the use of video conferencing and other remote communication technologies. They are also promoting sustainable travel options such as public transport, cycling, and walking.

Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

Energy suppliers are committed to reducing their GHG emissions across all scopes. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, such as emissions from fuel combustion. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heating, and cooling. Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that occur throughout the supply chain, such as emissions from business travel and the production of goods and services.

Setting Science-Based Emissions Reduction Targets

Energy suppliers are setting science-based emissions reduction targets to align with the global effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. These targets are based on the latest climate science and are designed to ensure that emissions reduction efforts are sufficient to achieve the net-zero target.

In conclusion, the energy sector has a critical role to play in the transition towards a net-zero economy. Energy suppliers are committing to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and making the transition towards clean energy sources.

What are some UK Suppliers that are making steps towards net zero?

British Gas has introduced a suite of services that aim to reduce household emissions and help customers save money on energy. These new solutions include offerings in the areas of solar, home energy efficiency, insulation, and electric vehicles.

Research conducted by the company revealed that a majority of people (78%) are open to taking steps to address climate change within their homes. In fact, almost half of homeowners (48%) expressed interest in upgrading their insulation over the next two years, while 42% were willing to consider installing solar panels.

To support these efforts, British Gas has established a new business unit dedicated to helping customers become more energy efficient on their path to achieving net zero emissions. The company plans to hire and train 3,500 engineers with expertise in green technologies, who will be responsible for installing and maintaining electric vehicle charging points, insulation, solar panels, hydrogen-ready boilers, and heat pumps.

Andrew Middleton, Managing Director of Net Zero at British Gas, stated that the company is committed to helping customers lower their household energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint. By making greener home solutions more affordable and accessible, British Gas hopes to ensure that everyone has access to the tools they need to contribute to a sustainable future.