Despite agreements which have committed the world to keeping the rise in global temperatures well below 2C above the pre-industrial levels, and efforts to keep them under 1.5C as we draw closer to 2023, the effects of global warming are undeniably present.
Most recently UK Met Office researchers have said that there is now around a 50/50 chance that the world will warm by more than 1.5C over the next five years. Predictions have already become reality, with the loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise, and extremes of weather including heavier rainfall and flooding, plus longer, more intense heat waves leading to drought and wildfires.
But, the world was amazed by the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the environment as the global pause rapidly led to positive improvements, surprising even scientists at how quickly the environment might bounce back if we truly met our 0% emissions goals.
Being net zero is about preserving the future of our planet. If, as a commercial business that sounds grandiose, then there are more business-centric advantages to be gained from adopting a more sustainable business regime beyond reducing the direct impact on business operations from climate extremes.
Technologies become more ‘net zero friendly’ because they primarily reduce dependency on fossil fuels. This reduction is achieved by either improving efficiency, thereby reducing fuel demands or by excising fossil fuels entirely. Both options provide a significant way to cut long term operational costs.
To achieve such savings does require capital investment in new applications or replacement appliances, so balancing capital costs against operational savings is an important consideration. Adding to that calculation though are a number of other positives including workforce and customer positivity around ‘greener’ brands.
Looking forward, proving an active sustainability strategy will also help meet mandated government policy and mitigate expected punitive fines for businesses that do not heed sustainability advice or make capital commitments to sustainability. Offsetting will no longer be an acceptable option.