In June 2019, the UK Government committed to bring all greenhouse gas emission to Net Zero by 2050 to tackle the climate and environmental emergency we are all facing. Pledge to Net Zero, is an initiative that was established in late 2019 to commit organisations from the UK environmental sector to take a leadership role in the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy.

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The pledge requires signatories to commit to deliver a greenhouse gas target in line with either a 1.5°C climate change scenario, or well below 2°C, covering buildings and travel as a minimum. Signatories who pledge their support must also publicly report greenhouse gas emissions and progress against this target each year.

Earlier this month, Pledge to Net Zero formally joined the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change’s Race to Zero campaign. This global campaign has an overarching goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, and brings together support and leadership from businesses, universities and regions across the globe to unlock inclusive and sustainable growth.

Andrew Griffith MP, UK Net Zero Business Champion, said: “Pledge To Net Zero is playing a leading role in driving the UK’s environmental services sector towards the goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving our 2050 net zero target. Becoming part of the UNFCCC’s Race To Zero campaign shows recognition of this and I congratulate all involved on this achievement. I look forward to seeing the initiative go from strength to strength, particularly with its potential to share world-leading environmental expertise internationally.”

Although currently focussed on the UK consulting industry, and with 73 firms pledging their support so far, membership of Pledge to Net Zero is open to international organisations.

Simon Green, Managing Director of Green Building Design Consultants comments: “The climate emergency is very real and we all have a role to play as we transition to a net zero future. Indeed, studies show that we all need to halve our own carbon footprints in the next nine years. At GBD we specialise in low energy and low carbon design and I am delighted to see that our environmental industry it taking such strides in implementing fast climate action. Now is the time for action, not words, to meet the carbon reduction targets.”

Dr Emma Wilcox, Chief Executive at the Society for the Environment, said: “We must drive tangible action on climate and the environment. This means ensuring that environmental professionals are leading the way through their actions and leadership. As science-based initiatives requiring rigorous action from signatories, Pledge to Net Zero and Race To Zero are helping turn commitments into real change on the road to achieving net zero.”

The next signatory window for the Pledge to Net Zero is open and closes on 22nd April 2021. More information is available via pledgetonetzero.org/make-your-pledge

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