KTN sets sights on Net Zero target
It’s been just over a year since the UK Government passed laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050 (2045 in Scotland).
The UK is one of around 20 countries which has made the cutting of greenhouse gas emissions a legal target. Net Zero means any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage.
Last month, the Committee on Climate Change, the UK’s independent climate advisory body, published its Progress Report to Parliament. The CCC welcomed the Government’s direction in areas such as transport, buildings, industry, energy and agriculture but said overall policy progress was inadequate and without significant policy changes within the current Parliament, the further the UK risks failure to hit its targets.
One of the key findings was the need for targeted science and innovation funding to advance the development and diffusion of low-carbon and adaptation technologies. It calls for “significantly more funding” for low carbon heating (heat pumps), with carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen technologies needing some additional funding, but also potential to unlock private finance.
The report also recommends five investment priorities in the months ahead:
- Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future
- Tree planting, peatland restoration, and green infrastructure
- Energy networks must be strengthened
- Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely
- Moving towards a circular economy.
KTN has a longstanding record for its work in environmental sustainability, and our deep expertise positions us well to drive effective and positive change. KTN has been thinking very carefully about our own responsibilities and our role in connecting business, research and funding to drive the change needed to deliver a Net Zero future for the UK.
As an organisation, we have made three commitments:
1. KTN will advise, support and shape the rebuilding of a UK Net Zero economy and society, following the impact of Covid-19. We will support innovative businesses to decarbonise, reduce waste and increase energy efficiency, and build resilient, low carbon supply chains.
2. KTN will connect projects which focus on sustainable innovation – to each other, to relevant funding, markets and expertise – to achieve Net Zero and a sustainable future.
3. KTN will set out key milestones in achieving Net Zero in our own operations before the government deadline.
For us to be as effective as possible, we need to hear from you. If you’re in business, where are you at with regards to Net Zero? What are your big challenges? What are the innovation opportunities?
We’ve created a short survey which will help us to build a picture of what our network is currently doing and what’s being planned. This also provides us with a way of tracking our progress and we’ll share the results with you in due course. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and if you want to get in touch with us, please email Alan Cowie.
View the new Net Zero Chemicals Manufacturing map:
