Limiting our Carbon Footprint Post-COVID-19 Lockdown
Published: 4th May 2020
Finding the positives…
On first thought finding any positives to be gleaned from a global pandemic which has so far claimed more than 200,000 lives worldwide and decimated the economic climate to an extent not witnessed since records began may have proven to be a near impossible task…
However, on further reflection, deep amid the destruction caused by Covid-19 there may be some silver lining illuminating from what can only be described as an extremely dark scenario.
For instance, Covid-19 has in many cases proved a catalyst for a sense of community and togetherness that in recent years has often remained absent across large swathes of the Western World. In many respects, it has provided a platform for showcasing the very best examples of humanity; the remarkable Captain Tom Moore and the general public’s extraordinary support in raising over £32million being a primary example, whilst providing long overdue recognition for the many unsung heroes in the NHS and across other care-based institutions.
In terms of the focus of this article; dramatic satellite images have emerged from across the globe illustrating the positive effects reduced industrial activity and travel has had on the environment. China has seen a reduction of emissions of over 25%, while pollution in New York has dropped by almost 50%. Nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide reductions have been prevalent throughout much of Europe.
So, if we can all agree that beneath the surface there are in fact some chinks of light, however small, then the next conundrum is how long will these positive effects last for and can we capitalise on them to harness long-term, sustainable improvement?
Whilst a precedence for a catastrophe such as this is predictably thin on the ground, recent parallels in an environmental context give rise to the belief that not only will pollution levels bounce back to pre-pandemic levels but will actually rise again as the economy recovers and travel restrictions are fully lifted. During the financial crash of 2008 for instance, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production decreased by 1.3% yet rose by 5.9% in 2010.
Environmental awareness is far from a new phenomenon of course and consumer behavioural patterns have evolved considerably in recent years, with the start of this decade being hailed as crucial to environmental reform. Donald Trump and a minority of others aside, governments and World leaders have seemingly now understood the implications of not instigating meaningful change and have taken appropriate action to varying degrees.
What legislation is in place to ensure this is achieved?
The Paris agreement targets limiting global warming to no more than 1.5% above pre-industrial levels by 2030 whilst here in the UK, the government has targeted being Carbon neutral by 2050 with many lobbying for this target to be brought forward.
To achieve and perhaps even exceed these targets, real change is needed and in the UK some environmental reform will effectively be driven through legislation such as Streamlined Energy Carbon Reporting (SECR) and Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) whilst it is also hoped that Smart meter roll-outs, electric vehicles and various other initiatives and investments will contribute to curtailing the country’s carbon footprint.
Notwithstanding the necessity for some businesses to comply with relevant legislation, collective action will be required across the spectrum from households, through to SME’s and larger Industrial and commercial organisations.
Desmond Tutu once proclaimed; “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”.
So, as a business what can you do and what are the options available?
Options for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint which are commercially viable and indeed commercially advantageous are numerous, wide ranging and vary according to scale.
Reviewing lighting with a view to implement an LED solution is often seen as ‘low hanging fruit’, whilst benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax being removed in 2020 for electric vehicles (EVs) may prove a catalyst for reviewing fleet options and certainly EV charging provisions; which in turn, may derive in a possible commercial benefit as well as a competitive advantage.
As for energy itself, whilst Green Energy can of course be purchased and is widely available, ultimately this power comes from the grid which is primarily fed by the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, the best way to make a difference is to reduce grid reliance by reducing overall consumption and/or implementing a solution that enables on-site generation.
One such example of on-site generation is implementing a solar solution which is projected to be the world’s main source of energy by 2050. Technological improvements have been substantial in recent times and therefore the viability of solar solutions to businesses is more widespread than ever.
The issue with anything which is energy efficient is either that it impacts immediate cash flow and/or is more expensive, right?
Well actually no. In line with the technological advancements available, funding options have more than kept pace with various possibilities ranging from lease agreements which effectively fund the technology from savings made, through to Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) which facilitate the implementation of solutions such as solar projects, without any capital outlay or on-going maintenance responsibility, meaning you can achieve a saving and reduced carbon footprint without the cost or risk.
*If your business is looking to contribute positive change, enhance your corporate social responsibility and save money in the process; Advantage Utilities offers a complete solution for implementing green energy in your business. Right from initial energy audit and review, funding options through to implementation, project management and aftercare.