Green Business Journal by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

APRIL 2020

ISSUE 1

COLLABORATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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CO N TENTS

Editor Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Design Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 580 5990 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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24 30

GR E E N T E C H N O LO GY A lb o t he r m

G REEN TEC HN OLOGY A l b o t he r m

SCIENTISTS’ NEW TECH COULD SLASH ENERGY USE Albotherm raises £370k to develop climate change-fighting coating

wo scientists are developing climate changefighting technology that could slash energy use in buildings.

Albotherm’s new temperature responsive glass coating reflects sunlight, reducing the energy required to cool agricultural, domestic and commercial buildings, which is expected to account for 13% of global energy use by 2050. As temperatures rise the coating naturally transitions from clear to white, helping to regulate the temperature inside without the need for energy input. Albotherm is a University of Bristol spin-out company founded and led by two female scientists, CEO Molly Allington and CTO Sian Fussell. Molly said they were “proud” to be a female-led company – a rarity in the tech sector. The pair met when they were both researchers at Bristol University. It was there that they discovered a shared passion for using science as a force for good.

Molly Allington said: “Two of the biggest climate challenges facing us today are securing food supply and lowering carbon emissions.

Although Sian is still finishing her PhD at Bristol, the pair decided to begin developing what could be a game-changing product, and have now secured £370,000 ($500,000) in seed funding to take it to market.

“Albotherm is combating these issues using our passive cooling technology to improve crop yields and cool buildings without energy input.”

Sian said: “When I started my PhD as part of the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, I became aware of the work being done on this fascinating new technology.

The funding round was led by Sustainable Ventures. Albotherm is also part of the Spin Up Science Ventures (SUSV) acceleration program which helps academic founding teams to launch businesses based on scientific discoveries.

Two of the biggest climate challenges facing us today are securing food supply and lowering carbon emissions.

“I wanted to understand how we could utilise this technology's potential to combat climate change. It is very exciting to see Albotherm gain the opportunity to bring this technology to the market.”

Maintaining temperatures is particularly important in agricultural buildings, where fluctuations not only costs money, but also reduces yields.

Dr Ben Miles, CEO of Spin Up Science, said: “We’ve been excited to work with Albotherm from the beginning to help realise their startup journey and support them through this funding round. Particularly as, out of all VC investments, only 1% go to all-female founding teams.

ALBOTHERM www.albotherm.com

“This is a really important success. The team’s ambition and vision for a sustainable energy future really impressed us and we look forward to seeing this technology make an impact in the fight against climate change.”

GR E E N T E C H N O LO GY F u g ro E di nb u r g h l a bs C OMPR

FUGRO EXPANDS UK MARINE LABORATORY CAPACITY TO SUPPORT GREEN INDUSTRY SERVICES Fugro has opened new state-of-the art marine chemistry and biology laboratories within the Heriot-Watt University Research Park in Edinburgh, UK.

ugro’s newly outfitted chemistry laboratories will be able to simultaneously analyse a wider range of environmental contaminants in marine sediments, biota and water, from background trace levels to more contaminated sources, while the new marine biology laboratory will allow Fugro to expand their marine taxonomic service.

FUGRO www.fugro.com

The laboratories form part of Fugro’s Edinburgh office, where a team of 40 marine chemists, biologists, and environmental scientists and consultants support a range of environmental Geo-data services. This increased capacity will support Fugro’s growing green industry client base in the offshore wind, marine cables and coastal

development sectors, offering them an expanded range and increased capacity of laboratory services, including marine fauna identification and a range of organic and inorganic analysis. John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Director of Marine Site Characterisation for Europe and Africa, said: “The expansion of our marine environmental laboratories strengthens our position as a centre of excellence providing vital Geo-data results to clients. These new facilities demonstrate Fugro’s commitment to marine environmental services and build on over 25 years’ experience in acquiring, analysing and advising on marine environmental Geo-data.”

We are really pleased to have partnered with the leading University in the field of polymers to tackle one of the key challenges of our age - plastic. 6

Earth Wind & Tyre 2 Days, 10 Wind Farms, 216 Miles

9 - 10 June 2018

Durham to Edinburgh

Sign up to our wind-themed cycle challenge today and help us tackle poverty through renewable energy. Earth Wind & Tyre is a charity cycle challenge that brings together teams and individuals from across the renewable energy industry and beyond to raise funds for Renewable World’s work. In celebration of clean energy, the route passes by 10 iconic wind farms as it winds its way up from Durham to Edinburgh. With leg-testing climbs and euphoric views, it’s a truly spectacular event for all involved. www.renewable-world.org/earth-wind-and-tyre

Email: events@renewable-world.org

Registered charity number: 1119467

7 Tel: 01273 234801

R E CYC LI N G

E M R Me t a l R e c yc l i ng

RECY CL I NG

E MR Me t al R e c yc li n g

CONSORTIUM TO BEGIN RECYCLING ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES IN UK FIRST A British consortium began working on a new circular, end-of-life supply chain for the electric vehicle industry in January, with grant support from the Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre.

R E CYC LI N G

E M R Me t a l R e c yc l i ng

he project, christened RECOVAS, brings together most of the members of Britain’s remaining automotive industry.

Under current EU law and also post Brexit, manufacturers retain responsibility for the safe disposal of electric car batteries. There are already 164,100 pure electric vehicles on Britain’s roads, with that number rising to 373,600 when plug-in hybrids are included. The Recovas project aims to provide a standardised and reliable route for recycling and repurposing lithium ion car batteries at a scale that can cope with the expected sales of electric vehicles in the UK. The project will run for three years, by which time the partners expect the circular supply chain to be operating commercially. Those partners are: EMR Metal Recycling, WMG University of Warwick, three major vehicle manufacturers - Bentley Motors, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, the Health and Safety Executive, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, Autocraft Solutions Group, Connected Energy, which repurpose electric car batteries and uRecycle, which will develop the UK’s first commercial scale recycling facility for automotive battery packs. Remanufacturing is the process of repairing and re-engineering existing batteries in new cars. Reuse involves giving batteries a second life in stationary storage to help balance the use of the electricity grid during peak times and optimise the use of renewable energy and other applications.

The new supply chain will help all partners to triage batteries when they arrive at approved end-of-life vehicle treatment facilities across the UK for either remanufacturing, reuse or – where this is not possible – recycling. Professor David Greenwood, chief executive of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, WMG, University of Warwick, said: “Delivery of end-of-life provision for electric vehicle batteries is a strategic necessity for the UK, and this project will establish its first full scale facility. Without proper provision, end of life batteries could become a major safety and environmental concern. “This project will implement state-of-the art recycling methods to meet and exceed the requirements of the current regulations. In addition, we will conduct research into new processes which could make the recovery of a much higher proportion of the battery material economically feasible. “In doing so we will reduce the need for mining and refining of critical materials and we will reduce the carbon footprint of future electric vehicles. WMG is delighted to be at the core of this project, and we look forward to its delivery.” Roger Morton, managing director for technology and innovation at EMR, said: “Our aim is to create a circular supply chain for batteries and, in the process, reduce the cost for end-of-life disposal for the vehicle manufacturer or last owner of the car to zero.

RECY CL I NG

E MR Me t al R e c yc li n g

“By working in partnership with the RECOVAS consortium, electric vehicle manufacturers will develop simple design changes that greatly improve the potential to remanufacture, reuse or recycle their batteries at end of life. This will help to transform the economics of the electric vehicle market.” Ian Constance, chief executive at the APC, said: “Recycling of electric vehicle batteries is a principal part of the electric supply chain, so it’s vital that we get it right. The investment in innovative projects like RECOVAS, by EMR Metal Recycling, awarded as part of our APC 16 programme, demonstrates the importance of creativity and engineering excellence in the UK’s bid for a sustainable and commercial net-zero future.”

As part of the project, leading automotive manufacturers have agreed to share more information about the design and construction of their batteries, allowing the consortium to more effectively and efficiently repurpose or recycle them. Roger Morton added: “We have a very strong electric vehicle industry in the UK and it is changing fast. RECOVAS is an essential part of the sustainable roll out of electric vehicles.”

Recycling of electric vehicle batteries is a principal part of the electric supply chain, so it’s vital that we get it right.

Developing and managing the infrastructure to process end-of-life electric vehicles and their batteries will generate new economic activity for the UK and create over 550 green jobs in the UK within the consortium members and their supply chain.

The UK Government is supporting RECOVAS as part of a £49m investment in technologies that will help the automotive industry to go green.

EMR METAL RECYCLING www.emrvehiclerecycling.com

The Minister for Business and Industry, Nadhim Zahawi, said the investment showed that the UK was leading the global battle against climate change. “Backed by government funding, these trailblazing projects will help the UK to build back better by creating all-important green jobs, ensuring the sector can make further strides towards an electrified automotive future,” he said.

R E CYC LI N G Te e s s ide Uni ve rs i t y a nd S tuf f 4L i fe

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY AND STUFF4LIFE ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP Developing a circular economy and removing plastics from the environment will be the focus of a new partnership between Teesside University and an innovative environmental start-up. This move allows Stuff4Life to forge a close working relationship with the University's academic experts, world-leading research capabilities and state-of-theart facilities. Stuff4Life will work with the University to provide real-world examples and problems to solve, along with decades of expertise in the materials, resource management and service industry sectors. Miles Watkins, co-founder of Stuff4Life, said: "We are really pleased to have partnered with the leading University in the field of polymers to tackle one of the key challenges of our age - plastic. “It is such an important material which has solved and will continue to solve many modern-day challenges, but in the wrong place at the wrong time it can be extraordinarily problematic.

he Tees Valley is home to one of the largest process industry clusters in the UK, and Teesside University is at the heart of forging solutions to improve the environmental performance of these key sectors.

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY AND STUFF4LIFE www.tees.ac.uk https://stuff4.life

“There is a very stark market failure that we are seeking to address here, in partnership with the best academic partners in the business - and in a part of the world where the expertise, infrastructure and above all enthusiasm is in place to create a genuine circular economy. We can't wait to get started."

One of the big challenges is ensuring plastic polymers can be recycled, and to address this the University has agreed a new partnership with circular economy start-up business Stuff4Life.

Siobhan Fenton, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) in the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, said: “At Teesside University we recognise how important it is to create sustainable businesses and protect the environment for future generations, so it is fantastic that we are able to partner with a business whose objectives align so much with ours.”

Stuff4Life and Teesside University's initial focus is on polyester workwear, using tried and tested methods to recover polymers, combined with novel approaches to improving resource efficiency through design, reuse and servitisation.

Associate Professor Dr David Hughes, who coordinates Teesside University’s Circular Economy and Recycling Innovation Centre and is chair of the IOM3 National Polymer Group, said: "Stuff4Life is an incredibly innovative circular business, brimming with ideas about how to re-use and recover fabrics.

The partnership has led to Stuff4Life locating in the University's Assembly Hall in the newly-refurbished Launchpad, part of Teesside University’s £5.6 million University Enterprise Zone.

“We are delighted to be working with them. I am sure together we will be able to devise some creative solutions and their input will be of enormous use to teaching and research here at Teesside University.”

We are really pleased to have partnered with the leading University in the field of polymers to tackle one of the key challenges of our age - plastic. 12

A new era for local energy.

Helping our customers. We’re on it.

For illustrative purposes only.

We’re proud to say our 219 megawatts (MW) Humber Gateway Offshore Wind Farm recently generated clean, green electricity for the first time. We’re now in the final stages of construction, on track to provide enough renewable energy to power thousands of homes and businesses from the middle of summer.

A big boost to local communities As well as generating electricity, we’re also generating funds to support communities in the East Riding of Yorkshire and Grimsby. We’ve launched a £2 million Community Benefit Fund to help a range of community projects in the area. The fund will help to improve local transport, create apprenticeships, provide environmental education and support many more local groups and initiatives. Find out more at eon-uk.com/humber

E N VI RON ME N T Airly

EN V IRO N MENT Airly

AIRLY RAISES $3.3M FROM MARQUEE TECH INVESTORS TO ADDRESS THE AIR QUALITY HEALTH CRISIS Problem: More than 10 million people die each year from air pollution

E NV IRON ME N T A ir l y

installing networks of sensors that track all the key pollution markers - particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and gases (NO2, O3, SO2 and CO). Airly’s R&D department is also partnering with mobility companies to roll out sensor-equipped cars & scooters to track air quality with even higher resolution.

olution: Airly’s sensors and software provide ultra-local, accurate, predictive air quality data to help control air pollution across the

world

Traction: Revenue increased 200% in 2020 as Airly deployed in 600 cities collecting more than 20,000 data points as users passed 2 million Expansion: Airly to open offices in the UK and US as it doubles staff count

AIRLY https://airly.org/en/

22nd March 2021, New York: Cleantech business Airly, Inc. today announced it has raised a $3.3m funding round to scale its AI-powered air quality platform globally. Airly’s customers comprise over 600 local governments and cities including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Oslo, Granada, corporates such as Philips, Virgin, Innogy, PwC, Veolia and Skanska. Airly will open offices in the UK and US as it doubles staff count. The funding round was led by firstminute capital, an early-stage venture fund based in London, which is led by Brent Hoberman CBE and backed by over 70 unicorn tech founders. Leading angel investors also participated, including: Uber founder Garrett Camp via Expa, Bolt CEO Markus Villig, founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED David Rowan, Pipedrive founder Ragnar Sass and Ferry Heilemann, cofounder of Leaders for Climate Action. Previous investors, including Sir Richard Branson Family Office and Henkel board member Konstantin von Unger who also participated in the round. Existing investors include Giant Ventures and Sir Ronald Cohen’s family. Airly provides actionable insights about air quality with its AI-driven algorithms that predict air pollution for the next 24 hours with a verifiability of up to 95%. Airly gives customers across the globe an environmental intelligence platform by

More than 10 million people die each year from air pollution, according to a new study — far more than the number of people who will ever die from Covid-19. Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, with children particularly vulnerable. Recent research by Airly shows a high correlation between air-borne particulate matter and deaths per capita related to Covid-19. The first person in the world to have air pollution exposure listed as a cause of fatality on her death certificate was announced in December 2020, when nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah died as a result of acute respiratory failure, severe asthma, and exposure to air pollution. Airly CEO and co-founder Wiktor Warcha owski commented: “Polluted air is a plague on our health - it’s like a pandemic in slow motion. Improving air quality needs to be at the core of the world’s post-pandemic rebuild and Airly is the first step to pollution-free cities. With this funding, we can expand our global footprint to support even more cities, enterprises and communities to repair the air and empower them with data and actionable insights.” With 62% of the world’s governments sharing no real-time air quality data, Airly provides accurate, ultra-local, predictive data for governments, media and businesses to tackle the issue of air pollution head-on. Airly’s platform acts as a warning system for pollution at street level and in real time with greater accuracy and at lower cost for cities & enterprises. firstminute capital Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Brent Hoberman said: “With public and political awareness of the air quality crisis reaching a tipping point - from California fires to the landmark cause of death case in London - air quality data will become a key utility for consumers, companies and policymakers. Thanks to their technology, which is orders of magnitude less expensive than incumbent solutions, Airly provides greater density and 95% accurate AI-driven prediction. At firstminute capital - we believe that the company has the potential to become a single source of truth for air quality globally.” In addition to improving its environmental intelligence platform and algorithms, Airly will use the money to expand its team with the addition of sales, marketing and engineering talents in several countries. The company will approximately double its current 35-person staff by the end of 2021.

EN V IRONMENT Airly

With public and political awareness of the air quality crisis reaching a tipping point - from California fires to the landmark cause of death case in London - air quality data will become a key utility for consumers, companies and policymakers. Thanks to their technology, which is orders of magnitude less expensive than incumbent solutions, Airly provides greater density and 95% accurate AIdriven prediction. At firstminute capital - we believe that the company has the potential to become a single source of truth for air quality globally.

BRENT HOBERMAN CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, FIRSTMINUTE CAPITAL

E N VI RON ME N T S m a r te r Te ch nolo g ie s

EN V IRO N MENT S m ar ter Te chnolo g ie s

THE SMART FM KNOW HOW: FIVE STEPS TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE IN YOUR FACILITY Every business has an impact on the environment - along with legal obligations that it must fulfil. Facilities owners need to understand a variety of complex laws and legislation when it comes to environmental compliance.

hat are some of these obligations? And how can smart technology make implementing and demonstrating environmental compliance easier?

STEP 1: Identify your key obligations and risks You can use smart technology to help you assess the main environmental risks of your business activities. For example, sensors connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and automated meter readers (AMRs) can help you keep track of your water, raw materials and energy consumption, waste management and production of pollution and emissions. Having access to all this data on one cloud-based platform allows you to gain a comprehensive overview of your facility’s resource-dependency and output. This data can then be used to inform your overall review of your environmental impact. Identifying key risks will not only help you meet legal obligations, but will also highlight ways in which improving your environmental performance can directly benefit your business, such as reducing energy costs. Once you have identified relevant risks to your business, the next steps include managing these risks. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways that smart technology can assist.

STEP 2: Clear the air: manage and monitor air pollution The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is a piece of legislation that contains 164 sections, arranged in 9 parts and supported by 16 schedules. One of the key areas it includes is “Integrated Pollution Control and Local Authority Air Pollution Control’’. This section focuses on preventing and reducing the release of substances into the environment. Your obligations include: Ensuring that you do not produce unnecessarily dirty smoke Not exceeding set limits on sulphur content Not producing emissions that cause a nuisance to your neighbours Remember that activities that produce significant air pollution are likely to require an environmental permit, so be sure to contact your environmental regulator. Monitoring and managing air quality levels is made simple using smart technology. An air quality monitoring system of smart sensors connected to a central building management dashboard is able to detect carbon dioxide levels, noxious gases and pollutants. This real-time data provides enhanced visibility, instant alerts, improved situational awareness and earlier indications of air pollution risks.

E N VI RON ME N T S m a r te r Te ch nolo g ie s

It’s worth noting that external air conditioning units (the ones you see sticking out of windows that drip water) can fall foul of these regulations if they are faulty. They need to be regularly maintained and monitored to prevent this.

STEP 3: Watch your waste The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations SI 2011/988 make it an offence not to apply the waste hierarchy duty, collection of waste duty or collected waste duty. When it comes to waste, your environmental obligations include: Minimising any packaging you use Ensuring that you store waste appropriately Keeping copies of waste transfer notes Two years’ worth of waste records available Treating waste sent to landfill to reduce its environmental impact If you are generating hazardous waste, there are extra controls to be aware of. Be sure to check with your environmental regulator regarding your registration.

MATTHEW MARGETTS Director of Sales and Marketing Smarter Technologies smartertechnologies.com

The data from this smart technology enables facilities managers to identify potential energy savings and make informed decisions to reduce energy consumption.

STEP 5: Cutting carbon emissions The UK’s Climate Change Act 2008 is a legallybinding, long-term framework to cut carbon emissions. It sets out the Government’s commitment to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero by the year 2050. Businesses are required to follow suit and will be coming under increased scrutiny over the coming years.

National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to highlight the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy.

Many businesses are all too aware that manual waste management is time-consuming, costly and inefficient. Waste can also generate lost time and effort too, particularly when it is collected unnecessarily before the receptacles are full. With a smart waste management system, you can automate predictive waste collection schedules. By equipping your waste and recycling stations with level sensors, you’ll benefit from real-time data sent to collection crews or other departments. This enables a more efficient collection schedule and provides historical data and record-keeping.

STEP 4: Energy efficiency The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) has made it mandatory for close to 14000 UK companies to complete an initial audit of their energy usage. Company criteria Private and third sector Employ at least 250 staff or Have an annual turnover of more than £42.5m The audit involves looking carefully at how your organisation uses energy in buildings, transport

and industrial operations. An accurate overview of energy consumption is made possible through smart meters, automated meter readers (AMRs) and smart sensors. Smart meters provide accurate energy consumption data; sensors can be attached to doors, walls, desks and windows to monitor variables such as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels, helping businesses to identify areas that are being overheated or over-cooled.

Businesses that have installed smart technology to help with energy management are better placed to meet these obligations and legislations, both currently and in the future. Another benefit is a greater understanding of their carbon footprints and where reductions can be made.

No matter the industry, there are several examples of IoT applications helping to reduce carbon footprints and improve energy and operational efficiencies along with profitability: Energy efficiency (as mentioned above in relation to ESOS) Lighting efficiency—smart lighting that is more responsive and automated leads to greater energy efficiency Heating and cooling efficiency—predictive maintenance and automated HVAC controls help these systems to consume less energy It pays to go smart IoT technologies have revolutionised the ways that businesses work, and the way in which they achieve and demonstrate compliance within environmental legislation and obligations. By making such smart choices now, facilities managers can make their operations more efficient and ensure long-term sustainable success.

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Business Scotland

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By understanding our clients’ needs and creating tailored solutions we install the widest range of energy solutions – from wind farm monitoring systems to smart meters, network connections, wall insulation and solar panels on the one hand, to biomass boilers or entire hybrid heating systems on the other.

t 03333 202 322 www.energyplusuk.com

E N E R GY Ne s t

NEST INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES The UK’s largest pension scheme, Nest, has confirmed they will invest £1.4bn into renewable energy infrastructure in the UK and Europe throughout the next decade.

nd with the UK setting a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the pressure is on to encourage renewable energy source usage.

To lend a helping hand, SaveOnEnergy.com/uk has created an onsite interactive asset packed full of exciting renewable energy statistics to reveal information about alternative energy and its effects. In a bid to raise awareness, the informative study collated digestible information which dives deep into facts about the sun, atmosphere, earth, water, and earth’s core. Please see the full interactive asset here: https:// www.saveonenergy.com/uk/studies/renewableenergy-statistics/ Some highlights from the interactive asset include:

NEST www.nestpensions.org.uk

Sun Households using solar energy save 35 tonnes of CO2 annually – the same emissions produced from heating 12.8 million UK homes. In just one hour, the Earth receives more energy than it would consume in an entire year (approximately 120 terawatts).

Atmosphere The next generation of wind turbines (floating wind turbines) could help provide enough electricity to power the world 11 times over.

Earth Renewable energy is projected to account for more than 50% of total power generation by 2035. Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to exceed 100 million by 2035, reducing CO2 emissions by 460 million tonnes per year – more than the UK's entire net CO2 emissions in 2019 (351.5 million tonnes). The energy sector is the leading contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly 90% of CO2 emissions around the world.

Water 10 water turbines (25.4 megawatts) generate enough power annually to support the domestic needs of a city with a population of 500,000. Water is over 800 times denser than air, which means the force of a low tidal flow is similar to that produced from a 300mph wind hitting a wind turbine. In Norway, hydropower regularly accounts for more than 95% of total power production per year.

Earth’s core A home geothermal energy pump can cut energy bills by 30-40% and save you up to £1,350 per year.

In 2019, the electricity generated from wind turbines prevented an estimated 42 million cars’ worth of CO2 emissions.

The largest geothermal plant can be found at the Geysers Geothermal Complex in the USA and produces 1,517 megawatts – enough to power 1.5 million homes per year.

By 2050, one-third of the world's electricity needs could be met by wind.

87% of Iceland's homes are heated using geothermal energy.

EN ERGY Ne st

NE T Z E RO De pa r t me nt for B u s i nes s , E ner g y & Ind u s tr i al S trate g y

N ET ZERO De par t ment for B u siness , E ner g y & I ndu st r i al S t rate g y

THIRD OF UK'S BIGGEST COMPANIES COMMIT TO NET ZERO 30 of the UK’s FTSE100 companies have signed up to the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign.

lmost 1 in 3 of the UK’s largest businesses are leading the way in the world’s transition to a low carbon economy, committing to align with UK government ambitions and eliminate their contribution to climate change by 2050. As of today (Tuesday 31 March), 30 of the UK’s FTSE 100 companies have signed up to the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign – the largest ever global alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, backed with science-based targets, with many opting to go even faster. Today’s milestone means pledges have doubled in the past 5 months, with companies including AstraZeneca, BT Group, Sainsbury’s, and Unilever and in total representing a total market capital of £650 billion. Globally, more than 2,000 companies of all sizes have joined the UNFCCC Race to Zero so far, and around a third of these of these are British businesses from across sectors such as transport, technology and finance - putting the UK at the front of the pack internationally. With the upcoming UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow later this year, the government is today calling on more businesses in the UK and around the world to take urgent action on their carbon emissions by signing-up to Race to Zero and setting out clear pathways to get to net zero. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: Businesses wield incredible influence to drive change across society and the economy – we need to harness this power to fight climate change. UK businesses are already leading the way in cutting carbon emissions and building back greener – it is fantastic to see so many of our biggest companies already pledging to reach net zero. But more can be done, and so today I am calling on more fantastic British companies to step up, follow suit and pledge to join the fight against climate change. Businesses taking action on climate is vitally important in achieving the UK’s goals to tackle

climate change by 2050, from cutting emissions in their supply chains to opting for sustainable business practices. The government has put in place measures that encourage businesses to reduce their emissions, including last year appointing Andrew Griffith as Net Zero Business Champion to spur companies to make ambitious climate targets. UK FTSE100 companies who have signed up to Race to Zero include: Vodafone has pledged to reduce its own carbon emissions to zero by 2030, before eliminating its full value chain emissions, reaching net-zero by 2040 Sainsbury’s, which has committed £1 billion over the next 20 years to become net zero by 2040. As part of this pledge, the company has also committed to reduce food waste, plastic packaging and water usage as well as increase recycling, biodiversity and healthy and sustainable eating AstraZeneca, which has committed to achieving zero carbon emissions from its global operations by 2025 and becoming carbon negative across its entire value chain by 2030. This involves doubling its energy productivity; using 100% renewable energy for power and heat and sustainable product design such as the launch of next-generation respiratory inhalers Rolls-Royce, which has committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations and facilities by 2030. This involved establishing a circular economy approach to their manufacturing process meaning up to 95% of their jet engines can now be recycled Barratts, which has committed to achieving net zero by 2040 - the first major housebuilder to do so. The leading housing company has already reduced its carbon emissions by 21% and is in the process of constructing a hydroelectric turbine that will feed enough renewable energy into the national grid to supply over 250 homes annually with their energy needs

NE T Z E RO De pa r t me nt for B u s i nes s , E ner g y & Ind u s tr i al S trate g y

third of those signed up globally. It shows what can be done but, in the months running up to COP26, every board should engage on this vital topic. UK government is committed to supporting businesses transition to a clean, green economy and helping them put in place environmentally friendly operations, so they are fit for the future. Through UK government support packages such as the recent Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy and North Sea Transition Deal to protect jobs and businesses in transitioning industries, aligning UK international support for the shift to clean energy, and the expansion of the plug-in electric vehicle grant scheme, the government is aiding an orderly transition to a green economy, ensuring the UK maintains its energy security of supply, supports high-value jobs, and safeguards the expertise necessary to achieve a lower carbon future. Government actions to support businesses ahead of COP26 include the Business Leaders Roundtables chaired by COP President Alok Sharma, the work of UK Net Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith to help the business community embrace the opportunities of the green industrial revolution, and the Together For Our Planet campaign which celebrates businesses making climate commitments and inspires more to join them. Legal and General, UK financial services provider, which has committed to become net zero across their entire operational footprint from 2030. On top of this, they have announced they will open the UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community by 2030, located in central Bedfordshire and have pledged that all homes built by their housing services will be capable of operating at net zero carbon emissions from 2030 Aviva, which became the first major insurer worldwide to target Net Zero carbon by 2040. Their pledge includes the commitment to invest £2.5 billion in low carbon and renewable energy infrastructure and power all their offices with 100% renewable electricity Severn Trent, which has committed to delivering a net zero water supply for customers by 2030, and helped publish the Net Zero 2030 roadmap, a major step for the sector. Severn Trent is also ensuring the 2022 Games in Birmingham will the first ever carbon neutral Commonwealth Games UK Net Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith said: Since firing the starting gun on the year-long road to Glasgow a few months ago, we have seen an accelerating rate of the UK’s largest and most successful businesses taking action on climate. Today’s news of 30 of the FTSE100 joining the Race to Zero makes the UK a global leader on tackling emissions with British companies representing a

Since his appointment in November 2020, Andrew Griffith has written to every UK FTSE100 company, engaged directly with 77 of their Chairman or CEOs and presented to thousands of businesses of all sizes at virtual events across the UK. This has contributed to British companies and investors Race to Zero pledges increasing to over 700, representing an increase of 241% in just 6 weeks. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the UK hosting the Business 7 Summit (B7) in May, as part of its G7 Presidency, where committing to action to tackle climate change will be a key focus. UK High Level Climate Champion for COP26 Nigel Topping said: With over 15% of the global economy - and now 30% of the FTSE100 - in the Race to Zero, we are close to a critical inflection point, with credible net zero commitments fast becoming the new normal. If they don’t join soon, the companies that have so far failed to engage with climate change risk falling behind the curve. The UK is already seizing the economic opportunities to be gained in leading the green revolution, with 460,000 jobs already based in low carbon businesses and supply chains across the country and low carbon exports already worth billions of pounds each year. Chief Financial Officer of RightMove Alison Dolan said: We’ve put the Net Zero agenda at the heart of everything we do and we’re looking forward to

N ET ZERO De par t ment for B u siness , E ner g y & I ndu st r i al S t rate g y

working with BEIS to help play our part in driving this forward. We’ll be working closely with the Science Based Targets initiative to help the science guide our emission-reduction targets within our business operations, and we’re committed to a 1.5C emissions-reduction agenda. We’re also exploring how we can help contribute further by using the reach of our platform to help inform people and promote a culture of emissions awareness. CEO Rolls-Royce Warren East said: It’s great to see industry support growing for the Race to Zero as achieving net zero emissions will require a broad coalition from across society. RollsRoyce has committed to enabling the industries in which we operate – some of which are among the hardest to abate – achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and we welcome the government’s continued support in helping us achieve that goal. In the last few months alone, we’ve taken significant steps including successfully testing 100% sustainable aviation fuels in our current generation of aircraft engines in Derby and our own Spirit of Innovation all-electric test aircraft, which is part funded by UK government, will get into the sky within the coming weeks. CEO of AstraZeneca Pascal Soriot said:

throughout our supply chain globally by 2040. We’re also focused on developing technology that helps others cut emissions. Industry and government can work together to make a huge difference to the world around us, and I hope more companies join this vitally important campaign. CEO of Sainsburys Simon Roberts, said: This year the world will come together for the UN Climate Change Conference and commit to bold action to tackle climate change and we are proud to be a principal partner. We know that we have a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions and that we must work together to create meaningful and lasting change. We are starting with our own business and have committed to a bold ambition to become Net Zero in our own operations by 2040 and to reduce carbon emissions across from field to fork by 2030. We look forward to working collaboratively with others to protect the planet for future generations.

Climate change is an urgent threat to public health, the environment and the sustainability of the global economy. Science tells us now is the time to act faster to tackle this challenge.

Climate change is an urgent threat to public health, the environment and the sustainability of the global economy. Science tells us now is the time to act faster to tackle this challenge. Through our science-led ‘Ambition Zero Carbon’ strategy, we are investing up to $1 billion to accelerate our efforts to eliminate carbon emissions from global operations by 2025 and ensure our entire value chain is carbon negative by 2030. We are taking this bold action, together with our partners, as part of our commitment to support patients, healthcare systems and the planet. CEO of Vodafone Ahmed Essam said: We are proud to be a member of The Race to Zero. At the same time as we work to maximise our positive impact on society, we are striving to minimise negative impact on the environment. We are on track for our network to be powered by 100% renewable energy by July this year, eliminating our own emissions by 2030, and achieving net-zero

CEO of Legal & General Nigel Wilson said: Legal & General is delighted to join Race to Zero. Climate is not only the most urgent issue but also the biggest investment opportunity of our lifetimes. We can harness the power of business and markets to ensure the transition happens.

All of us must now move from promises and commitments to action and delivery – we have already invested more than £1.4 billion of assets into renewable energy and have actionable climate plans in place across our major business areas including investments, housing and commercial property.

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-forbusiness-energy-and-industrialstrategy

• Nearly a third of the UK’s largest businesses pledge to eliminate their contribution to carbon emissions by 2050 • together these firms, including AstraZeneca, BT Group, Sainsbury’s, and Unilever, represent a total market capital of £650 billion • UK government urges more businesses to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and build back greener ahead of UN climate conference COP26 in Glasgow

Chief Executive of Barratt Developments David Thomas said: Barratt has long been focused on creating a positive environmental legacy for future generations, which is why we were the first major housebuilder to set ambitious science-based carbon reduction targets last year. So when the call came to join the Race to Zero in the run up to COP26 it was a straightforward decision for us to join. Today’s announcement forms part of the government’s wider goals to support the country’s business community to make credible plans to net zero by 2050 or earlier and showcase the UK’s place as a global leader in tackling climate change ahead of COP26.

NE T Z E RO Cons t r uc t ion I ndu s t r y Trai ni ng B oard

UP TO 320,000 NEW BUILDING JOBS NEEDED TO HIT NETZERO EMISSIONS A plethora of new construction roles from glaziers to gas fitters and ventilation contractors to plumbers need to be created over the next seven years for the UK to be carbon-free by 2050.

his is according to the Construction Industry Training Board, CITB, latest analysis Building Skills for Net Zero. The forecast is based on modelling the skills profile of the workforce required to deliver net-zero using climate change committee data. It estimates by 2028, additional decarbonisation work will have created demand for 86,000 construction project managers, 33,000 building envelope specialists and 59,000 plumbers and heat and ventilation contractors. CITB strategy and policy director Steve Radley said: “Net-zero presents a huge challenge for construction but an even greater opportunity to create a more

productive industry that’s also a more attractive career option.” The organisation believes Covid and the expected rise in unemployment offers construction the chance to position itself as a career destination of choice for those who want to make a difference. Mr Radley said it was important for a ‘joined-up’ approach across the built environment on what skills are needed and organising the right courses and qualifications to deliver them. “Government also has a key role in specifying what it wants and creating the pipeline of demand that will give industry the confidence to invest in the skills we

N ET ZERO Const r uc t ion I ndu st r y Training B o a rd

need and for providers to invest in the courses we need to deliver these skills,” he said.

upskilling that is needed to bring in new entrants and unlock the workforce of the future.”

Carr & Carr Builders managing director Chris Carr said the skills challenge around net-zero was huge but that the CITB had shown how it could be done.

The FMB wants a cut in VAT from 20 to five per cent on home improvements - it estimates over five years this would generate an extra 345,000 jobs in construction and the wider economy. The National Federation of Builders’ heritage division would like a VAT cut on home improvements of traditional buildings, estimated to account for nine million of the UK’s least energy efficient homes.

“A big part of it will be upskilling the current workforce so that they understand what sustainable building is all about,” he said. Cutting VAT on home improvements would generate demand The Federation of Master Builders, FMB, said that local builders should be at the heart of meeting the skills and training needs.

Government also has a key role in specifying what it wants and creating the pipeline of demand that will give industry the confidence to invest in the skills we need and for providers to invest in the courses we need to deliver these skills.

FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “There is an urgent need for the government to take action ahead of COP26 and commit to a long-term energy efficiency retrofit strategy, that is backed by public investment, to provide confidence to both builders and householders.

“Only then will we create the demand for training and

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD www.citb.co.uk

Hank Zarihs Associates said development and refurbishment finance lenders agreed that a tax cut would stimulate demand among people to make their homes greener.

The prime minister, Boris Johnson, has set a target of cutting the UK’s emissions by at least 68 per cent by 2030.

NE T Z E RO Ho u s e o f Com mons env i ronmenta l aud i t com m i tte e

N ET ZERO Ho u s e o f Commons env ironment al audi t com m i t te e

BUILDING RENOVATION PASSPORTS SHOULD REPLACE EPCS, URGE MPS The UK’s net-zero carbon target for all homes by 2050 is unlikely to be met without a major overhaul of the current system, warn MPs.

he House of Commons environmental audit committee estimates decarbonising UK homes by 2050 will cost £342bn - way above the government's estimates of between £35 to £65bn.

VAT needs to be slashed

Environmental audit committee chairman Philip Dunne, MP, said: "Realism needs to be injected into the government. A much better understanding of cost, pace, scale and feasibility of skills development is desperately needed for net-zero Britain."

"We hope they will also explore our recommendation to use stamp duty receipts to retrofit old homes and incentivise better new ones, as well as cut the VAT on the hardest to retrofit homes, our traditional builds."

About 19m homes need to be upgraded to reach energy performance certificate C rating and the committee heard in evidence this would entail an average cost of £18,000 in upgrades not including heat pumps. The committee's Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes argues building renovation passports have the potential to provide more accurate data on energy usage unlocking green finance.

National Federation of Builders housing and planning policy head Rico Wojtulewicz said reforming certificates rather than future homes standards was the way to go.

The Federation of Master Builders called on the government to adopt the committee's recommendations in full including cutting VAT on home improvements from 20 to five per cent.

We hope they will also explore our recommendation to use stamp duty receipts to retrofit old homes and incentivise better new ones, as well as cut the VAT on the hardest to retrofit homes, our traditional builds.

It recommends the government develops an approved standardised methodology and data framework for the passports which would eventually replace energy performance certificates, EPC. "This will give confidence to businesses that they can invest in upskilling and green jobs," said Mr Dunne.

"This must be properly reflected in the system that assesses energy efficiency: EPCs are outdated and should be replaced with building renovation passports, which set a clear pathway to decarbonise homes."

FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: "Local builders must be at the heart of plans to green our homes, and a national retrofit strategy would provide them with the confidence they need to invest in the necessary skills and training requirements."

HOUSE OF COMMONS ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE https://committees. parliament.uk/committee/62/ environmental-audit-committee/

Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said a national strategy would motivate builders to go into green refurbishments and was something development and refurbishment finance lenders would support. The committee was critical of the green homes grant system, launched 16 months ago, where only £125m worth of vouchers out of the £1.5bn budget had been spent. It would also like to see the reinstatement of a reduced rate of VAT payable on energy-saving materials at five per cent while expanding its scope to cover energy storage, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. Up until 2019, certain clean technologies were eligible for a reduced rate of VAT of 5 per cent.

mpian is HMP Gra with every , a sk n a k Built by S greenest prison, xcellent E ’s Scotland aching BREEAM re g in d il u b

We’re developing cost-effi cient ways to build offshore wind turbine fou ndations, to enhance Scotland’s renew able energy market

One of the greenest companies in Scotland

Cost-efficient green retrofit helps to redu ce energy usage – in our own buildings and those of our clients

By using electric vans, we’re reducing our emissions and improving the environment

Skanska is a leading project development and construction company, with specialist teams in piling and foundations, green construction, building fit-out and facilities management. Since we won the Sunday Times Greenest Company award in 2011, our green credentials have gone from strength to strength, in Scotland and around the world. Working collaboratively with customers, partners and our supply chain, we make a positive difference to society.

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