Oh Yes! Net Zero – Delivering Net Zero for Hull, Three years on
David Shukman, formerly BBC News’ Science Editor, is a highly-experienced consultant, writer and broadcaster on climate issues.
Foreword by David Shukman
It’s no surprise that many people admit to feeling a bit bewildered right now.
On the one hand, the pace of climate change seems to be accelerating. It’s leading to new extremes of weather from heatwaves to rainstorms with intensifying impacts on lives and livelihoods.
And on the other, the political consensus around Net Zero is fracturing. Not only is that because Donald Trump has returned to power in the United States but also because there are new challenges to the initiative here. After almost twenty years of overwhelming support from all major parties, there are questions about the speed of Net Zero and indeed whether it’s worth pursuing at all.
So when a business leader asked me recently what to make of all this, I suggested focusing on the basics, identifying some anchor-points that we can be sure about. And there are plenty of them.
It’s been another busy year for Oh Yes! Net Zero.
Whether it’s our Climate Changemakers programme inspiring more young people to take action, or our Carbon Clinic workshops helping members get started with net zero, our campaign continues to make a significant contribution across the region.
We now have more than 170 active members, spanning all sectors and industries, all totally committed to reducing their carbon footprint and reaching net zero.
Video Case Study
Business Growth Benefits
Whether it’s reducing your energy bills or gaining a competitive edge in the market, there are so many reasons to invest in net zero. We spoke to some of our members about the key drivers for sustainability.
Business Growth Benefits - what our members had to say
Hear from Oh Yes! Net Zero members on what they have achieved so far
Sustainability takes centre stage as Hull Truck Theatre strives for net zero
Theatre has the power to inspire change.
It is provocative, influential and challenges perceptions and behaviours.
In an age when audiences are more conscious than ever before of the impacts of climate change, theatre can act as a force for good.…
Why your supply chain is key when setting net zero targets
In 2019, the UK Government committed to reducing the UK’s net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. This is known as net zero.
Every organisation needs to think about reducing its carbon footprint. Knowing what targets to set, however, can be challenging.…
“Renewable energy has saved us £1m a year, from the solar farm alone, and the payback time on that project is around four years.
We have also reduced the use of nitrous oxide – a gas used in anaesthesia – across the Trust by 80 per cent. That alone has saved us around £40,000 a year.”
Marc Beaumont
Head of Sustainability, NHS Humber Health Partnership.
Our Impact
Climate Changemakers
Research has shown that our young people are more aware of climate change than ever before.
Our Climate Changemakers programme provides the resources and tools students and schools need to take action and inspire future generations of climate leaders.
One school which has grasped the opportunity with both hands is The Boulevard Academy in west Hull.
We share their sustainability story so far.
Our Impact
Carbon Clinics
Informed, confident, motivated, inspired.
Those are just some of the words Oh Yes! members used to describe how they felt after attending one of our Carbon Clinic workshops.
Delivered by Oh Yes! member and local decarbonisation consultancy BACB Renewables, the workshop guides organisations step-by-step through the calculation process and helps them find solutions to challenges.
One hundred per cent of participants said they would recommend the workshop to others.
We recently spoke to a trio of members – GTS Logistics UK, Forward & Thinking and Beverley Leisure Homes – to hear about their experiences.
Carbon Clinics
GTS Logistics UK: The logistics company steering the industry to a sustainable future
GTS Logistics UK is making waves as the Humber’s go-to green logistics company.
Forward-thinking advertising agency on ‘transformative’ net zero support
Advertising agency Forward & Thinking is well-versed when it comes to amplifying clients’ campaign…
Tackling climate change is everyone’s responsibility … just ask Future Humber and Pace!
You’ve removed gas from your business, switched your vehicle fleet to electric, and made sure your energy…
While the transition to net zero must move at pace, equally important is ensuring businesses have the economic conditions they need to grow and thrive.
Net zero cannot come at the expense of business growth. The two must not be mutually exclusive, instead complementing each other to create a prosperous, green future.
Embracing net zero can bring with it a variety of benefits for businesses.
A study from Deloitte found that almost a third of consumers would be prepared to pay more for goods and services if it helped to reduce their carbon footprint.
Whether it’s tendering for new contracts, or giving yourself a competitive advantage in the marketplace, here are some of the business benefits associated with net zero.
