Net-Zero Transition – Latest signals of change (03.09.21)
We Mean Business Coalition
Here are just some of the signals of change from the past week, demonstrating the transition to a resilient and inclusive net-zero economy is accelerating.
Net-Zero Economy
The UK Business Group Alliance for Net Zero is coordinating a public letter already signed by leading businesses and organisations – including EDF in the UK, Low Carbon Ltd, Aldersgate Group and the Food and Drink Federation – calling the UK Prime Minister for ambitious domestic climate action that supports strong international diplomacy. A new report finds that India could gain $11tn by acting on climate change, limiting its temperature increase and ‘exporting decarbonisation’ to the world. The UK and Indian governments have announced a $1.2bn package of public and private investment in green projects and renewable energy to support India’s climate efforts. And the Biden administration has announced the formation of the “Office of Climate Change and Health Equity” – the first federal program aimed at understanding the impacts of climate change on health.
Net-Zero Energy
UK energy company Centrica has joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. Based on current wind and solar development trends in Australia, renewables will meet 100% of consumer demand for electricity at certain times of the day by 2025 in the country, while the government has introduced legislation that could help clear the way for offshore wind farms to go ahead. Great Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem has launched a $622.5m fund aimed at innovative projects that will help homes and businesses go green. And the Netherlands’ advertising watchdog has ruled that Royal Dutch Shell must stop running a campaign that promotes fuel purchases as ‘carbon neutral’, providing that customers purchase offsets.
Net-Zero Transport
Brazilian trucking company Unidas joined the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative. German delivery and supply chain management company Deutsche Post DHL Group and German car manufacturer BMW Group have joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. BMW is planning to reduce carbon emissions across the life cycle of its vehicles at least 40% from 2019 levels by 2030, including by increasing the proportion of recycled and reusable materials used in manufacturing its vehicles from 30% to 50%. Royal Dutch Shell has announced plans to expand its network of EV charging points in Great Britain, aiming to install 50,000 on-street posts by 2025. Carlsberg Group has added 20 new electric trucks to its fleet, becoming Switzerland’s largest electric truck fleet operator. And Cambridge University has announced the launch of the Aviation Impact Accelerator, an international group of experts in aerospace, economics, policy, and climate science, who are building an interactive evidence-based simulator to explore scenarios for achieving net-zero flight.
Net-Zero Built Environment & Heavy Industry
German steel manufacturer thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, US real estate company Cushman & Wakefield, Australian building and construction materials manufacturer Boral Limited, Brazilian cement company Votorantim Cimentos and French civil engineering construction company Eiffage have joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. And Swedish steelmaker SSAB has announced its partnership with Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz to introduce fossil fuel-free steel into vehicle production.
Net-Zero Land and Nature
US food and beverage processing company NW Commonwealth, LLC and Chinese milk and dairy product producer China Shengmu Organic Milk Limited have joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. Japanese food producer Kikkoman Corporation has committed to set a science-based target, while Dutch beverage company HEINEKEN N.V. had its target approved. And partially substituting chemical fertilisers for organic ones can reduce the environmental impacts of vegetable-growing by nearly half, new research shows.