Why do we need clean, sustainable energy? Perhaps the answer should be obvious. There is unprecedented consensus that our activities on the planet are having a significant effect on climate change, with the result increasingly extreme weather patterns are producing devastating consequences for many of millions of people.
Can a climate catastrophe be avoided? To prolong our tenure of planet Earth we need to accelerate our journey towards producing clean, reliable and sustainable energy. Is that possible and, if yes, how?
The UK government wants to cut carbon emissions to zero by 2050 – this target requires the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The UK has already reduced UK emissions by 42% while continuing to growing the economy, and has put clean, sustainable growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.
Wind and solar energy now make significant contributions to our energy needs. Nevertheless, as we electrify transport and heating we will need to generate a lot more low-carbon electricity. In fact, as we move away from fossil-fuelled vehicles, and from gas central heating, it is estimated that we will need nearly three times as much electricity as we currently produce.
Renewable energy can take us a long way on our journey – but unfortunately not all the way to zero if we want an energy system that is reliable and resilient. To get to zero by 2050 will affect what we eat, what we buy, how we travel and how we heat our homes.
UK industry can take advantage of the global shift to clean growth – by leading the world in the development, manufacture and use of low carbon technologies, systems and services that cost less than high carbon alternatives.
The move to cleaner economic growth through low carbon technologies and the efficient use of resources represents a huge opportunity for UK industry. One estimate suggests, that the UK’s ‘clean economy’ could grow at four times the rate of GDP. Whole new industries will be created and existing industries transformed as we move towards a low carbon, more resource-efficient economy.
The United Kingdom is at the forefront of encouraging the world to move towards clean, sustainable growth. UK industry can play a leading role in providing the green technologies, innovations, goods and services of this future.
Business and consumer behaviour is changing, and that needs to continue. Certified Sustainable is forging a unique path by supporting the introduction of sustainable waste management and business practices that will provide financial, environmental and social benefits. Many more business across all industries will need to pursue similar endeavours to ensure we have more wholesale towards a clean, sustainable global economy.
Featured image credit: Denny Brothers Ltd
Certified Sustainable accreditation provides a clear and visible means for UK manufacturers to showcase their commitment to best-practice waste management and sustainability.
