Around a quarter of all carbon emissions come from electricity generation, and almost half of that is used by businesses.
Following COP21 in Paris, where 195 countries agreed to keep global mean temperature rise 2 degrees below pre industrialised levels, the call for businesses to invest in renewable energy has never been so strong.
Experts agree that increasing the proportion of renewable energy will be key to meeting the tough targets set in Paris and in a report last week, The International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) estimated that increasing the amount of renewables in the global energy mix to 36% by 2030 would provide half the emissions savings needed to hold global warming at 2 degrees.
And, the good news is that there is a strong business case for taking action today.
An increase to 36% renewable energy by 2030 would not only help tackle climate change. It’s estimated that it would also increase global GDP by USD 1.3 trillion, create 24 million jobs and have a positive welfare impact three to four times larger than its impact on GDP.
So, renewable energy is cost effective, it helps provide long term energy security for your business and adds to your environmental credentials. It’s also good for people and the economy. It’s a true win-win.
So what are we waiting for?
Global businesses including Google, IKEA, Unilever, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, Nike, Adobe, Philips, Proctor & Gamble, Starbucks and Walmart are already taking action – signing up to the RE100 and committing to go 100% renewable.
And there are lots of ways to meet your renewable energy commitment. Some businesses can afford up-front investment into their own renewable energy supplies, but if you can’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t take cost effective action today.
How? Greening your energy supply by purchasing Carbon Credits, European Energy Certificates (EECs) or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are all valid ways to subsidise the provision of renewable energy to the grid and compensate for your electricity usage. Implemented correctly, some approaches allow you to report net zero carbon emissions from electricity usage in your GHG reporting, while others can measurably improve lives or provide hard to reach communities with reliable energy for the first time.
There are lots of ways to take action, so there’s no excuse! And if you need help, the team at ClimateCare can develop a cost effective plan for your business that is immediate, recognised, robust and verifiable.
Sign up to RE100 today and tell us what your business is doing to #GoGreen on Twitter.
For pricing information and guidance on the best approach for your business, contact Edward Morello at ClimateCare on +44(0)1865 591000 or email Ed************@cl*********.org
