What is Net Zero and what does it mean for your company?

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2nd Jun 2023

With net zero quickly becoming a buzz-word in commercial business settings due to the rising urgency of global warming and climate change, you might be wondering how you can take steps to go green work towards achieving net zero for your company. We have outlined some important information to know below, as well as how commercial solar panels and battery storage can help your business reduce its carbon footprint, move towards net zero, all while reducing costs.  

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero has become a more prominent part of the conversation in business and social settings, as global warming and the impacts of climate change are getting harder to ignore. 

There are four key principles that encompass what net zero means; 

1. Cutting emissions: companies are to ensure environmental integrity and prioritise reducing their operational emissions. 
2. Shift offsetting towards carbon removal: if offsets are not currently working towards emissions reduction, then users are to increase a portion of their offsets that come from carbon removals, rather than from emission reductions.
3. Shift offsetting towards long-lived storage: this refers to methods of storing carbon that have a low risk of reversal over centuries, such as storing CO2 in geological reservoirs. 
4. Support the development of net zero aligned offsetting: supporting the restoration and protection of a wide range of natural and semi-natural ecosystems. 

Ultimately, net zero works towards reaching a state of balance between the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, and the amount removed from the atmosphere. There are multiple ways to go about working towards achieving net zero, and reducing carbon emissions. Investing in renewable energy, such as solar panel systems, is one of these avenues. 

Reaching net zero through solar PV systems

Solar panels are the most common renewable energy source in the UK, with more and more buildings featuring rooftop solar panels. As sunlight is free, once the solar PV system is installed, your electricity costs will be significantly reduced. You can run factories, office buildings and cold stores using a combination of solar PV and battery storage.

Not only this, but solar energy plays a key role in becoming carbon-neutral, and meeting the net zero requirements. With ESG becoming a core driver in the business world when it comes to funding, partnerships, and growth, solar energy plays a key role in helping companies to achieve a more positive ESG score. As a powerful alternative to fossil fuels, it only makes sense that by converting to a solar energy system, your company is making steps towards net zero emissions. 

Environmental policies and brand image

Many companies also enjoy the improved brand image that comes with going solar.  Stakeholders, such as employees, investors, and partners, are now looking to work for, invest in, and work with more environmentally-conscious companies. Consumers are also starting to care more about sustainability, with many people choosing to purchase from companies that reflect their sustainable values and show they care about the environment. As you can see, there are no downsides to investing in a commercial solar PV system.

Get in touch to have solar panels installed on your commercial property. 

Take a step towards net zero and improve your ESG score, by having a comprehensive commercial solar PV system installed on your property. Our team is happy to discuss solar financing options with you and help you to install the right solar panels to meet your business needs.