Charities can play a crucial role in achieving Net Zero by assessing their carbon footprint, setting measurable targets and implementing sustainable practices. Harriet Hodgson-Grove from UHY outlines how, by engaging stakeholders and advocating for change, they can contribute to the UK’s efforts to meet its 2050 climate goals.
According to the United Nations Climate Action group, the Earth is already 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet, global temperature increases need to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, as called for in the 2015 Paris Agreement, global emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. We are currently falling far short of these targets and emissions are on track to increase by 10.6% compared to 2010 as opposed to the required 43% decrease compared the 2019 levels.
Everyone has a part to play to ensure we achieve Net Zero by 2050. The UK was the first major economy in the world to pass laws in 2019 to end its contribution to global warming by 2050 and other countries have followed our lead. According to the United Nations, more than 140 countries, including the biggest polluters – China, the United States, India and the European Union - have now set Net Zero targets which accounts for around 88% of global emissions. But more needs to be done.
First things first… What is “Net Zero”?
Simply put, Net Zero is the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed.
What does it mean to “remove” carbon from the atmosphere?
The aim of Net Zero is to reduce emissions to such a low level that the residual carbon can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures thereby leaving zero carbon in the atmosphere.
Natural carbon “removal” methods:
There are a number of natural methods to remove carbon from the atmosphere including planting new trees (afforestation) and restoring existing forests (reforestation). Trees naturally capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Soil carbon sequestration is another method where farming techniques like “no-till farming”, cover cropping and agroforestry can enhance the carbon content in the soil and locks carbon away from the atmosphere.
There are also Blue Carbon Ecosystems which refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems including mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes that can capture and store large amounts of carbon.
In addition to natural methods there are existing and developing technologies that can remove carbon from the atmosphere including:
- Direct Air Capture, a technology which involves machines that capture carbon directly from the air and store it underground or use it in products.
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage, which is a process involving growing biomass, burning it for energy, and capturing and storing the resulting carbon.
- Enhanced Weathering, a method involving spreading minerals that naturally react with carbon over large areas, accelerating the natural process of carbon sequestration.
How can your charity set and achieve Net Zero targets?
- Assess your carbon footprint: Begin by understanding your current carbon emissions. This includes energy use, travel, waste, and procurement. Tools and frameworks are available to help charities measure their carbon footprint accurately. UHY can help you measure your carbon footprint, get in touch with our team below for more information.
- Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable targets for reducing emissions. This could involve short-term goals like reducing energy consumption by a certain percentage and long-term goals like achieving Net Zero by a specific year.
- Reduce energy consumption: Implement energy-saving measures such as switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, and using energy-efficient appliances. Consider transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
- Promote and embed sustainable practices: Encourage staff and volunteers to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, recycling, and using public transport or cycle to work schemes.
- Engage stakeholders: Involve your stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and your local community, in your sustainability efforts. Educate them about the importance of Net Zero and how they can contribute.
- Review your investment portfolio: Move your investments away from high-carbon industries, such as fossil fuels, and towards sectors with lower carbon footprints. Consider investing in green bonds and climate-focused funds. These financial instruments are specifically designed to fund projects that combat climate change and promote sustainability.
- Advocate for change: Use your platform to advocate for policies and practices that support sustainability. Hold the government accountable for its commitments to Net Zero and encourage other organisations to take action.
- Monitor and report progress: Regularly track your progress towards Net Zero and report it transparently. This helps maintain accountability and allows you to adjust your strategies as needed.
By taking these steps, charities can play a crucial role in helping the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.