Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2oC and pursue efforts to keep to 1.5oC, reached at the UN climate meeting in Paris, is driving businesses at home and abroad to take action. Businesses are adopting targets in their push to becoming more sustainable – here are some of the best, most recent examples of these commitments in action:

INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES COMMIT TO PARIS CEILING

According to the global research organisation the World Resources Institute, 87 companies based in 27 countries are now committed to working towards the 1.5oC target across their operations and value chains1. The We Mean Business Coalition employs over four million staff and includes many well-known names such as Astra Zeneca, Hewlett Packard, Unilever and Vodafone. Adopting science-based targets, the companies plan to reach Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 at the latest, saving direct emissions that are equal to the output from 73 coal-fired stations1.

 

UK COMPANIES STEP UP TO THE PLATE

But achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 is going to need more than converting to renewable energy sources and boosting energy efficiency, according to a new report from the Ellen Macarthur Foundation3. The report believes that energy measures will achieve 55% of the emissions reduction necessary. Achieving the balance will need to be tackled separately, focusing on the continuing need for food production and manufactured goods.

 

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

This is where the Circular Economy comes in, working on the three principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. Based on work in various industries, including plastics, food, cement and steel, the Foundation calculates that adopting a Circular Economy Framework would eradicate a further 20% of global emissions, leaving a balance of 25% to be achieved through emerging technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, and changes in diet and lifestyle3.

 

PLASTICS ARE A PRIORITY

The need to keep plastics in the economy and out of the ocean lies at the heart of the Global Plastics Commitment, which now contains over 400 signatories including 200 businesses representing over 20% of all plastic packaging used4.  They have a combined annual revenue in excess of $2 trillion and include well-known names such as Coca Cola, Nestle and Mars.

 

Their objectives for 2025 include increasing the use of recycled plastic five-fold and eliminating problematic plastic packaging, equivalent to leaving 25 million barrels of oil in the ground. The vision remains to achieve a Circular Economy for Plastics in which plastic never becomes waste, by re-using, re-cycling or composting.

THE BRYT FUTURE

Our parent company, Statkraft, has recently joined with two other major electricity companies in Scandinavia, Vattenfall and Fortum, to issue the Nordic Coalition Declaration5. It requests that the European Union raises its climate ambitions to match the Paris Agreement and set Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 into European Climate Law.

 

These examples of how businesses are responding to the Paris Agreement, and Climate Change in general, show just how fast industries and economies are changing.

 

Your business can play its part too with a simple switch to a zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity supply. To find out more about how Bryt Energy can support your sustainability journey, get in touch with our friendly team at heretohelp@brytenergy.co.uk or on 0330 053 8620.

Sources:

World Resources Institute

YouGov

Ellen Macarthur Foundation

New Plastics Economy

Nordic Coalition Declaration

Protecting the environment for future generations is now commonly seen as the most burning issue of our time. Recognising this, politicians of all parties are nailing ‘Climate Change’ and a ‘Cleaner Energy Future’ to their campaign masts from the outset. With so much going on, we’ve summarised the key environmental plans parties have committed to ahead of the election, to make it easy for your business to understand.

WHAT THE PARTIES SAY

In the Conservative Party, the Treasury has just announced the launch of a Net Zero Carbon Review, which will evaluate how best economic growth can be maintained during the transition period to 20501.

 

Labour wants to create a million jobs to kick start their Green Industrial Revolution and cut the ‘substantial majority’ of the country’s carbon by 20302. The Liberal Democrats are committing to insulating all low income homes by 2025 and to have renewables providing 80% of the UK’s electricity by 20303. The Green Party wants to invest £100 billion a year for the next decade to ensure Britain is fully carbon neutral by 20304.

 

And it’s only early days. Campaigning has hardly begun! 

NEW IDEAS

The Conservative Party’s new Environment Bill contains distinct echoes of the Climate Change Act. Proposals include a new Office for Environmental Protection and Statutory Environmental Improvement Plans with legally binding targets in four priority areas: air quality, waste & resource efficiency, water and nature 5. Progress will be reviewed every five years.

 

Labour’s Warm Homes for All plan would involve £60 billion grants for low income households and interest free loans for all to improve the nation’s 27 million houses. Installing double glazing, loft insulation, heat pumps and solar panels would provide 450,000 new jobs and require, it is thought, some £250 billion in 10 years. All new homes would be net zero carbon within three years and gas central heating boilers would be banned2.

 

The Liberal Democrats want a Government Department specifically for Climate Change and Peoples Assemblies throughout the country to advise on ways forward3.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Other measures taken outside parliament are also starting to bite. Early results from London’s new Ultra Low Emissions Zone show harmful emissions are already 4% lower in the capital than before the scheme was introduced only six months ago.

 

Public outcry through the actions of Extinction Rebellion and others is clearly making its mark on the politicians. And with the UN Climate Meeting scheduled for Glasgow towards the end of next year, “Climate Change and What We Are Going to Do About It” seems set for high profile, not only through the election but continuing into the beginning months of the new government.

 

All this is welcome news for industrial and commercial energy customers. In particular, the statement in the Treasury Net Zero Carbon Review that emissions need to be cut without exporting them elsewhere – recognition that the needs of industries and business generally must be taken into account.

 

Parties’ environmental plans have now surfaced, and it’s clear that businesses’ reputation and economic performance are aligned. A clean energy future must be cost-effective for businesses and progress needs to accelerate to reach our net-zero emissions 2050 goal.

Sources:

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/net-zero-review-launched-to-support-uks-world-leading-climate-commitment

2. https://labour.org.uk/press/full-text-of-jeremy-corbyns-speech-in-northampton/

3. https://www.libdems.org.uk/plan

4. https://www.greenparty.org.uk/assets/images/national-site/eu-2019/eu-manifesto-online-19-05-07.pdf

5. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-bill-2019/environment-bill-policy-statement

Electricity supplies from renewable power, including Wind, Solar and Hydro, were greater than those from Gas, Oil and Coal-fired stations for the first time ever during the three months ending this September1! This positive news is a welcome achievement and comes at a time when National Grid predicts that we should have more than enough power this winter to meet national demand2.

WIND AND SOLAR POINT THE WAY

Wind farms in the North Sea are chiefly responsible for renewables passing this landmark in the electricity industry’s history. During the third quarter of 2019, Wind power provided 20% of the UK’s power supplies, with all renewables making up a total of 40%1. This is just ahead of the combined output from the traditional fossil-fuel stations, which are now mainly gas-fired.

 

Adding an expected 20% contribution from Nuclear across the year confirms National Grid’s belief that ‘carbon free’ supplies are now firmly in the majority and will continue to grow rapidly. Coal plants, responsible for just 1% of the total, are on the way out and will be gone altogether in the next few years1.

Renewable energy has more than quadrupled over the last 10 years whilst energy efficiency and structural changes to the economy have brought consumption levels down1. For some years to come, Gas will remain the balancing fuel within the mix, although its role will need to be reduced if the UK’s net-zero emissions target is to be achieved.

RENEWABLES SECURE SUPPLIES FOR WINTER

National Grid’s Winter Outlook predicts that peak demand will fall whilst available supply, including from renewables, will increase 2. This means the grid is expected to meet anticipated peak demand on the system this winter.

WELCOME NEWS FOR BUSINESSES

The smooth transition to low carbon generation sources, whilst maintaining security of supply, will be welcome news to business customers. These figures confirm that those who have not already gone ‘low carbon’ can now do so both cost-effectively and secure in the knowledge that they will be buying from a grid dominated by renewables.

Sources:

1. Carbon Brief

2. National Grid Winter Outlook  

Here at Bryt Energy, we are pleased to announce that our zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity supply product has once again been assessed, verified and assured by an independent third party, to give our customers the confidence they require when reporting their carbon emissions.

The audit was undertaken by EcoAct, who verified our supply product against the ‘Quality Criteria of the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance (2015)’ and assured that our customers could report the electricity they purchase as zero carbon. 

WHO IS ECOACT?

EcoAct is an international advisory consultancy and project developer that works with clients to help them succeed in their climate ambitions. They believe that climate change, energy management and sustainability are drivers of corporate performance and they help to address business problems and opportunities in an intelligent way. Learn more at https://eco-act.com/

 

Mark Chadwick, CEO of EcoAct, says: “By independently verifying and assuring its product as 100% renewable and backed by guarantees of origin, Bryt Energy gives its customers confidence that the electricity they purchase is zero carbon. This provides clients with the proof they need to report zero emissions as part of their environmental strategies.”  

THE VERIFICATION PROCESS

EcoAct reviewed and tested the design, implementation and operation of our zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity product. From the design and marketing to the sales and operational systems, EcoAct studied our processes and visited our site to meet the team involved.  

 

The audit also involved evaluating our GoO (Guarantees of Origin) and REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) balance for the Fuel Mix Disclosure period of 1st April 2018 – 31st March 2019. These are certificates which prove that we purchase electricity produced from renewable sources, as defined by Ofgem, on behalf of our customers.

 

After a rigorous assessment, EcoAct confirmed that our product is exactly what we say it is – zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity, sourced solely from our wind, hydro and solar portfolio. 

 

Chairman of Bryt Energy, Dave Cave, commented: “The mission to become zero carbon is becoming more important to businesses, as changes in legislation encourage us all to be more transparent with our Fuel Mix. Bryt Energy’s customers are one step ahead, as they continue to work with a pioneering, trusted and certified energy supplier.” 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

If you’re a customer of ours, EcoAct’s Assurance Statement and Stamp allow you to report your related electricity consumption as zero carbon, with confidence. 

 

It reinforces our trusted and transparent relationship with our customers – doing the basics brilliantly at the highest of ethical standards. 

 

To learn more about our EcoAct audit and how it benefits your business, please contact us at heretohelp@brytenergy.co.uk or on 0330 053 8620. 

STATKRAFT’S 2019 LOW EMISSIONS SCENARIO SHOWS HOW FAST THE ENERGY WORLD IS CHANGING

Confining global warming to the new target of 1.5°c from the Paris Climate Agreement will cost much less than allowing temperatures to rise relentlessly this century. This is one of the key findings from this year’s Low Emissions Scenario report by our parent company, Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy.  

 

It’s the fourth year the Low Emissions Scenario report has been published and once again the main change, Statkraft says, has been the need to bring down the future cost estimates for solar power. 

 

Other key findings from this year’s Low Emissions Scenario report, which is based on a 2°c pathway, include:

LOWER COSTS WILL HELP EMISSIONS FALL

Statkraft predicts that, by 2050, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions should be 44% lower than now, driven by rapidly reducing costs for solar PV (down 50%) and wind (down 40%). 

 

As costs decline for renewable energy, the report expects electrification to become the most important climate measure for buildings, industry and transport. Statkraft also believes the bill to keep to the 1.5°c will be within 1% of GDP in 2050. This is far less than the 5-10% of global GDP calculated to be the cost if temperatures are allowed to rise by 3°c over this century.    

PURE ENERGY TO DOMINATE

Statkraft’s report predicts global solar PV capacity will increase by a factor of 30 and wind capacity eightfold, making the power sector 80% renewable by 2050. It notes that renewables can now be profitably installed in most countries where new capacity is required and should soon be able to challenge existing plants on costs. 

 

The pace of technological development into the future remains key. The Low Emissions Scenario assumes the cost per MWh will continue to fall steeply and capacity to expand rapidly until around 2030. After this, the decline in costs is expected to slow down, firstly for wind and then for solar. 

SUSTAINABILITY TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Increased climate awareness is largely due to the consequences of global warming becoming more visible. The report points out that 62 million people were affected by natural disasters in 2018. Floods displaced 35 million while over nine million were impacted by drought. Two hurricanes in the US cost $49 billion and, in northern Europe, the record-breaking hot summer led to major losses in food production.

 

Statkraft’s report also notes that we have already reached a global average temperature that is around 1°C higher than in pre-industrial times. The last four years have been the warmest in history and the effects of climate change are being felt in more and more areas.    

 

Highlighting the impact sustainable practices and a circular economy are having on businesses, the report calculates that energy intensity will fall by 42% between now and 2050, showing that businesses will continue to use energy much more efficiently. 

THE TRANSPORT REVOLUTION IS HERE

Electricity demand for transport is expected to grow twenty-fold by 2050. The report also predicts that electric and hydrogen trucks will be competitive with diesel within the next five years and the cost of combined solar PV and battery installations is set to fall by over 60% by 2050. 

 

Battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles with fuel cells are expected to offer complementary solutions. The Low Emissions Scenario report estimates that the percentage of electric and hydrogen vehicles of total new sales worldwide will approach 100% for passenger cars and 60% for heavy vehicles by 2050. 

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Statkraft’s Low Emissions Scenario shows just how quickly the world energy order is changing and how important it is for not just Great Britain, but for the World, to keep up. Only last month, the Commons Science and Technology Committee urged greater action to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, setting out a series of recommendations including: a strategy for decarbonising heat, a timetable for bringing forward the ban on conventional cars and vans, and the need for strong policy support for onshore wind and solar power.  

 

The report also calls for much earlier action from governments and businesses, noting that global emissions rose by 1.7% last year on the back of rising demand for oil and coal, particularly in Asia and the United States. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

2020 holds out the prospect for energy policy initiatives to finally come forward after some delay. Energy and carbon reduction will soon return to the forefront when Glasgow hosts 30,000 delegates in the United Nations Climate Summit next year. 

 

Businesses need to stay ahead of the game, follow upcoming events carefully and be proactive on their sustainability journey. To stay within the 1.5°c limit, businesses need to double their current actions, and quickly, particularly improving their sustainability efforts and reducing their carbon footprint; as the report highlights, there is significant advantage in doing so. With the falling costs of renewables, there needs to be a much quicker and wider uptake of renewable energy and technologies within businesses, as well as more proactive and collaborative activities from organisations.  

 

Statkraft’s full report contains interesting insights into a changing energy landscape, including a comparative cost analysis between the 1.5°c and 2°c pathways. 

The IPCC Report was released on 8th October 2018 and gives an insight into what our world would be like if global warming exceeds the new target of 1.5°C above pre-industrialised levels. It came to a rather damning conclusion.
The cost of doing nothing

The report warns that if we continue along our current pathway, global temperatures will increase by 3°C by 2100. Sea levels and temperatures will rise, having devastating effects on small islands and coastal areas, and coral reefs will die as the ocean becomes more acidic. 

 

Extreme weather, such as storms, heatwaves and drought, will become more common and intense. Plus, with current Arctic temperatures already two to three times higher than the global annual average, there will be far less ice and snow to reflect solar radiation, causing temperatures to increase even further. 

But the IPCC report suggests that minimising global warming to 1.5°C will lessen the negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems on both land and sea. 

What needs to happen?

To cap global warming to 1.5°c, big changes need to be made by 2030, including cutting emissions by 45% and using renewables to supply at least 70-80% of global electricity demand.  

5 things your business can do to cap global warming limits

1. Go electric – Cars, shipping, transport and buildings are all on their way to becoming electrified. Non-renewable electricity sources, such as Coal and Gas, will only make up less than 10% of all global energy generated by 2050, so it’s time to get on board the electric train! 

 

2. Switch to zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity – As the world becomes more electrified, it’s important that your energy comes from a zero carbon, 100% renewable source. Bryt Energy’s portfolio is solely made up of wind, hydro and solar, so you can run your business with peace of mind. 

 

3. Travel smart – Reduce your carbon footprint by taking less business trips and using video conferencing instead. If possible, walk or take public transport to work, or if that’s not an option, see how electric vehicles could work for you. 

 

4. Create a more sustainable office – Offer your staff the chance to recycle, compost their food and use reusable plastics in the office, to reduce your total waste and carbon footprint.  

 

5. Get your supply chain involved – Being part of a supply chain commitment makes your business more desirable to work with! Encourage your suppliers to follow best practice, work more sustainably and lower their carbon emissions.  

 

 

Together, we can all do our part in capping global warming. You can read the full IPCC report at www.ipcc.ch. To learn more about our zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity, speak to our dedicated team members at heretohelp@brytenergy.co.uk or on 0330 053 8620. 

A simple guide to a complex world.

If your organisation’s serious about sustainability, you’re probably looking into your clean energy supply options. With more low carbon electricity tariffs on the market than ever before, there’s never been a better time to decarbonise your electricity footprint, but how do you know if what you’re buying is the best fit for your organisation?

 

At first glance, the world of renewable electricity can seem pretty straightforward, but if you take a deeper look it’s awash with labels and sources: natural, zero carbon, solar, green, clean, – the list goes on and on.

 

Take Nuclear power as an example, which due to its ‘zero carbon’ emissions status is sometimes mistakenly thought of as ‘renewable’. Meanwhile, electricity produced through Biomass is correctly classed as ‘renewable’ but there remains considerable debate about the extent of its environmental benefits.

 

Decoding all these labels can be tricky, especially when suppliers have a vested interest in selling you their electricity tariff. We thought a simple, practical guide to renewable electricity, and the impact each has on the environment, would be useful. So if you’re thinking about what low carbon power to choose from, here are a few things you might like to consider.

 

Before we start though, here’s an explanation of some of the key terms and references we’ll be using to describe each technology.

 

Natural renewable electricity

This refers to electricity that’s been generated directly from naturally occurring energy sources (i.e. without the need for further combustion).  So in the UK, this is Wind, Hydro and Solar photovoltaic (PV). There are other natural renewable technologies producing electricity in the UK such as geothermal, tidal and wave power, but they are not yet producing volumes on a commercial scale for businesses to buy, hence we’re not covering them here.

Also classified as renewable

Very low carbon but NOT renewable

What else should I consider?

If you’re not already buying renewables, consider the carbon content and source of your current electricity supply
As an energy user, you can easily find out the carbon content and source of the electricity you’re consuming from your supplier via their Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD). All UK electricity suppliers must detail the mix of fuels used to generate the electricity they supply on an annual basis to their customers.  This will also include the associated carbon content so you can accurately measure associated carbon emissions. As an indication, the overall UK grid average for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 amounted to 254g CO2e/kWh.

 

With renewables, you could reduce your voluntary carbon footprint
Despite there being a lifetime carbon cost associated with each of these technologies, you can report any carbon emissions from electricity sourced from the above as zero, in line with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which is the global standard in carbon emissions reporting.

 

It’s important to note two things though. 1) You need to make sure your supplier has the Guarantees of Origin or Generator Declarations for this power and 2) you still need to use the UK grid average figure for any mandatory reporting as required by UK government (although UK Government is currently reviewing how energy and carbon are reported to make it more streamlined).

 

Buying renewable power
If you’re interested in purchasing renewable electricity, make sure you ask about its generation source and whether it’s backed by a Guarantee of Origin Scheme that’s recognised by OFGEM.

 

As a benchmark, all of the electricity we supply at Bryt Energy is REGO backed and 100% renewable. That means we only source our electricity from Wind, Hydro and Solar. And you can buy this at a cost that’s just as competitive as other suppliers’ fossil fuel sourced electricity. With Bryt Energy, you don’t pay extra for clean energy and a clearer conscience.

 

To find out more about switching to zero carbon, 100% renewable electricity at no extra cost, contact Bryt Energy or call our dedicated team on 0121 726 7575.

With businesses focusing on reducing carbon emissions, more and more of them are looking at renewable energy solutions to fulfil this corporate social responsibility.

The most notable of these companies leading the way to a renewable, lower carbon world are arguably the members of the RE100, a group of more than 100 influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity, promoting its benefits and encouraging other businesses to invest in it. Companies such as Aviva, Unilever and Burberry are among the high-profile members of this group, indicating that initiatives designed to focus corporate attention towards renewable energy and other environmentally friendly, energy-related goals are working. 

How can going renewable help your business?

Firstly, it gives you the opportunity to join the supply chain of one of these larger companies, including those who are already part of the RE100. In order to get in the supply chain of these prestigious companies, you must attempt to adhere to the same sustainability and environmental values as they do, and this may include moving to, or already being, 100% renewable.

 

For example, M&S is currently running various programmes to encourage suppliers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Since the launch of Plan A, M&S has lowered its carbon emissions by 19%, reported a 36% improvement in energy efficiency across its UK and ROI operations and is carbon neutral across its worldwide operations, joint-venture stores, offices, warehouses and delivery fleets.

 

Adam Hall, head of sustainability at Surfdome (one of Europe’s leading action sports and lifestyle retailers who stock brands such as Adidas, Nike, and The North face) also spoke about the importance of having a sustainable supply chain: “We do expect all our suppliers to increase their sustainability credentials, if they do not over longer periods of time, it adds to less favourable conditions for us to work with them going forward.” 

 

Furthermore, being seen as a business that is environmentally conscious is a powerful marketing tool. It shows customers your business is concerned about more than just making money, but the welfare of the planet. This could lead to more customers and in turn more revenue for your business.  

Companies wishing to follow in the footsteps of the RE100 can lower their carbon through a number of routes.

The first of these is through the investment in the generation of their own electricity through onsite, grid-connected schemes.  Apple Park, Apple’s new headquarters in Cupertino USA, is powered by 100% renewable energy from multiple generation sources, including a 17MW onsite rooftop solar installation and controlled by a microgrid with battery storage.

 

Even though this represents a significant investment, to overcome the issue of high costs many businesses can instead turn to smaller scale alternatives in generating zero-carbon energy. Solar panels represent a smaller investment run in the short term, with high-cost savings in the long term through having your own power supply. Furthermore, battery storage is a technology that could revolutionise the energy market as it can reduce carbon and save costs in perfect harmony, by storing energy when it is at its cheapest and using that stored energy when the energy price is at its highest (like the red band period). To add to this, if you combine battery storage with solar panels you can apply the same principle, storing energy made through the solar panel when the sun is shining and discharging where necessary.   

 

Companies can also reduce carbon through purchasing renewable electricity sourced from generators and suppliers in the market. This includes direct purchases from specific generators (e.g. power purchase agreements), which can be located offsite. An example of this can be seen through BT’s investment of £440 million via power purchase agreements in three wind farm sites in Lancashire, Scotland, and Wales – contracts that help provide long-term stability for renewable energy generation in the UK. It also includes retail purchases from suppliers offering contracts backed wholly or partially by renewable power. An example of this can be seen with Sky; as of 2010, all the energy Sky purchase from the grid is 100% renewable.  

What next?

This begs the question, if a well-known multinational company like BT, Sky or M&S can commit to combatting climate change then why can’t your business? Not every company has the budget of companies in the RE100, however changing to a zero-carbon energy supplier is a quick and cost-friendly solution to reducing your business’s carbon footprint. If this does interest you then contact Bryt Energy on 0330 053 8620 or at heretohelp@brytenergy.co.uk to find out how you can be supplied with zero carbon, 100% renewable energy.

Join the renewable revolution. Make it your business too.

To find out more about the companies in the RE100 and how they are contributing to the renewable revolution visit http://there100.org.