‘Pledge to Net Zero’ has been launched by a number of environmental experts, marking the first industry commitment in the UK requiring science-based targets from its signatories to tackle greenhouse gas emissions within their businesses.
The initiative, led by the Society for the Environment (SocEnv), the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), along with environmental consultancies, WSP and AECOM, aims to support the UK’s 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions target and is aimed at those businesses within the environmental services sector.
Businesses signing up to the initiative will need to commit to three pledges:
- Set and commit to deliver a greenhouse gas target in line with either a 1.5°C or well below 2°C climate change scenario – covering buildings and travel as a minimum.
- Publicly report greenhouse gas emissions and progress against this target each year
- Publish one piece of research/thought-leadership each year on practical steps to delivering an economy in line with climate science and in support of net zero carbon. Alternatively, signatories may choose to provide mentoring and support for smaller signatory companies in setting targets, reporting and meeting the requirements of the pledge.
Dr Emma Wilcox, Chief Executive at the Society for the Environment said: “We are delighted to be part of this initiative. It is so important that the environmental services sector, which stands for professionalism and competence, takes a united leadership role in achieving Net Zero by 2050. We hope it will encourage organisations around the world to be part of the solution to the Climate and Environmental Emergency.”
David Symons, UK Director of Sustainability at WSP, commented: “The environmental services sector is at the heart of delivering a sustainable and prosperous economy through its advice. It’s tremendously exciting that the sector has now come together to take action on its own greenhouse gas emissions.”
The pledge is open until 31 January 2020, with organisations asked to report back performance on their commitment by the end of December 2020.
