Who’s Carbon Neutral in 2021 | Niccolo Gas and Power

Carbon Neutral Companies in the UK

In June 2019 – the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to ensure net zero targets are met by 2050, effectively ending their contribution to global warming emissions.

Previously the target was set as at least an ‘80% reduction from 1990 levels’. This reflects the changing attitudes in the UK towards building a more sustainable, green economy. This is shown by consumer attitudes now exhibiting preference for sustainable produce.

The UK has already had considerable success in reducing emissions by 42% while simultaneously growing the economy by 72%, so it appears to be a likely target on the face of things. It is hoped that this policy can help grow ‘green collar jobs’ to 2 million and value of exports from the low-carbon economy to £170 billion annually by 2030.

It seems like we were making wonderful progress towards our incredibly lofty goals until Covid19 struck. The pandemic has caused vast economic damage indiscriminately across the UK, many businesses hanging on by a thread or going completely under.

Now that we are slowly but surely returning to normal, it seems the perfect time to ‘get back on the wagon’ headed towards carbon neutrality. With the entire landscape of the UK economy having been shifted in recent times, we will be taking a look at the businesses that can be considered to be ‘green choices’.

What does it mean to be carbon neutral?

Carbon neutrality refers to the balance between the volume of carbon released versus the volume that is removed from the atmosphere. Carbon neutrality will be reached when an individual/organisation no longer release more carbon than they remove.

The idea of ‘neutrality’ is a much better goal than absolute gross zero carbon emissions. It may seem strange to not aim for zero carbon emissions, but it is simply impossible to achieve – any time soon, at least. By aiming for neutrality consumers are still able to purchase as many goods as they please, while remaining secure in the knowledge that they are not contributing to global carbon emissions by doing so.

How do companies achieve carbon neutrality?

We have already outlined the theory behind how to achieve carbon neutrality – now we will address it in a little more detail.

For those looking to cut their individual carbon emissions there are no shortage of options to pick from. These can range from small changes in behaviour like walking to work instead of taking the car, to using online tools like this to pay the carbon emissions from your family holiday.

But what would a business pushing towards net zero actually look like? What is required? We have included a basic action plan below:

Commitment: Make a commitment to reducing emissions – this should be set at a realistic and achievable reduction.
Data: Data collection systems are crucial in evaluating progress and overall success. The earlier you start collecting data, the better.
Engagement: Talk to stakeholders within your business and communicate the reasons behind your decisions. Reach out to businesses that have already had success in the reduction of emissions to find out how.
Opportunity: Your business is not alone in reaching for a reduction in emissions, there may be market opportunities now open to you as a result of your reduced emissions. Consumers are always on the lookout for a more sustainable option.
Action: Make a start, somewhere. For small businesses, it may be easier to focus on smaller, lower-cost solutions rather than huge changes in production process. For larger businesses, it may be worthwhile to investigate carbon offsetting to make an instant reduction in emissions.

Current list of companies who are carbon neutral or aiming for carbon neutrality:

Industry	Company	About
Technology	Sky	Went carbon neutral in 2006, and has since reduced its carbon consumption by 55%. The company also achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2016 through on-site wind power.
Technology	Microsoft	Xbox One X has 90% less power consumption than predecessor, Xbox 360
Technology	Logitech	All of Logitech gaming products are carbon neutral, as well as supporting various carbon-offsetting projects across the world. Will be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2030.
Supermarket	M&S	Have been carbon neutral since 2007.
Technology	Google	Have been carbon neutral since 2007.
Food & Drink	Quorn	Over 80% of Quorn products have recyclable packaging while over 50% of products have achieved certification from the Carbon Trust.
Food & Drink	Innocent	Aim to be fully carbon neutral by 2030
Food & Drink	Leon	Providing sustainable fast food through; local and seasonal foods, more veg and less meat, using ethically sourced and sustainable meats, purchasing Fairtrade, 100% powered by green energy, all packaging is recyclable, no food waste.
Utilities	Bulb	Offers 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.
Food & Drink	OLIO	Connects users with local business to share surplus food and veg.

Clean energy = clear conscience

Start your journey to carbon neutrality with Niccolo Gas today!

Not only do we have extensive industry knowledge, but also a huge range of gas products that can be tailored to suit your business needs. We are able to supply fully certified, fully sustainable green gas all across the UK.

Call us: 0131 610 8868

Email us: info@niccolo.co.uk

Webform: here

Common Questions

What is carbon neutrality?

How do I achieve carbon neutrality?

This can only be done by either lowering your carbon emissions, or increasing the amount you remove from the atmosphere. There are many businesses offering carbon offsetting services that are able to help with this.

How does my business achieve carbon neutrality?

For businesses to achieve carbon neutrality is a little more difficult as often there is a carbon cost for most elements of production (both indirectly and directly). Businesses will achieve carbon neutrality in similar fashion to individuals – by cutting carbon emissions and increasing the amount they remove from the atmosphere.

In order for a business to officially claim to be ‘carbon neutral’ they most collect the data to prove it.

Is there a complete list of all companies who are carbon neutral?

We have compiled a list of all of the UK companies that are already carbon neutral, or heading rapidly in that direction. This should help consumers make more educated decisions on where they shop.

If you think that we have missed any carbon neutral companies, or you would like to have your company added to our list – please contact us.