What is Net Zero?
In simple terms, Net Zero is the definition of creating a balance between any carbon which is emitted into the atmosphere, to the carbon which is removed from it – effectively meaning there will have been no increase in carbon levels.
This can be achieved via new technology, phasing out the use of fossil fuels, implementing sustainability measures on industry and changing behaviours.
How will the UK decarbonise?
The UK has recently updated its climate change commitments and has set the target of reducing carbon emissions by 78% by 2035. In order to achieve this ambitious target, the nation would need to increase sustainability measures drastically, including the growth of renewable energy, low-carbon heating, electric vehicles and reducing the impact of industry and farming.
What share of the UK energy mix is renewable?
In the first quarter of 2021, renewable sources held a 41.6% share of the UK energy mix. This means that renewable sources have generated more electricity than fossil fuels in four of the last five quarters, with on and offshore wind generation the largest contributor.
Will the UK be completely coal-free by 2024?
The UK plans to cease all coal-fired electricity generation by 2024, a year earlier than originally planned. However, this does not mean the country will be completely coal free, as coal will still be mined for export and will be used in carbon-intensive industries, such as the production of steel.
What is Green Gas?
Green Gas (biomethane) is produced by the method of anaerobic Digestion (AD) which turns organic matter, such as food, or animal waste, into usable biogas and fertiliser. This is achieved by sealing the waste in a tank (an anaerobic digester) with all oxygen removed – biomethane is then released over time and can be injected into the National Grid.
What are the different types of clean energy sources?
Clean energy sources can include:
• Wind power
• Solar power
• Hydro Power
• Tidal/ Wave power
• Geothermal energy
• Biomass
• Anaerobic Digestion
Will my energy bills increase to fund decarbonisation?
Although decarbonisation and environmental levies are included as non-energy costs in your energy bill, it is expected that decarbonisation will ultimately result in lower energy costs in the future. This is because renewable energy is practically limitless and low-cost when compared to fossil fuels which are expensive to source and transport.
What can my business do to help reduce emissions?
There are many measures a business can take to help reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency going forward.
A Carbon Footprint Audit can highlight all contributory causes of CO₂ emissions and establish overall CO₂ generation. It enables businesses to see exactly where to take measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Once an audit has been completed and opportunities have been identified, a range of improvements can be made to help your organisation meet its environmental targets.
Energy efficiency technology which could improve the sustainability of a building are as follows:
• Solar hot water
• Air source heat pumps
• Ground source heat pump
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
• Biomass heating
• Efficient gas boiler
• Solar photovoltaics (PV)
• Wind turbines
• Combined heat and power (CHP)
Many UK organisations also qualify for the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) which is the replacement for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme which was scrapped in 2019.
