A month until Glasgow hosts the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), members from the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) and the Public Chairs’ Forum (PCF) gathered to discuss the importance and practicalities of implementing a Net Zero strategy.

To lead the conversation, we were joined by Richard Gillingwater, Chair of Janus Henderson plc, Penny Endersby, Chief Executive of the Met Office, and Bernadette Kelly CB, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport (DfT). All hold significant experience of leading through the design and implementation of carbon reducing strategies and shared their wisdom on how organisations can approach the challenge.

Recognise the urgency of the problem

In June 2019, the UK government pledged to become a Net Zero carbon emission economy by 2050. While a deadline of 29 years may seem a luxury in politics, the speakers emphasised the urgency of the problem and the need to act now. Dedicating proportionate management time to focus on the issue or investing in specialist resource/talent are important starting points. Setting interim targets are also a good way to track progress over the coming decades.

Be intentional with your choices

The “climate emergency” can often feel overwhelming, with no quick or easy fix. Leaders should look for the big savings and avoid getting caught up with “performative acts” which will be of little consequence. Given the exigency of the issue, it is likely that there will be a great deal of interest and engagement from staff. Leaders should be conscious to effectively communicate and involve staff members, while focusing energies in the areas that will make the greatest impact.

Collaborate beyond the public sector

The transition to Net Zero will require a great deal of collaboration between the private, public, and third sectors. ALBs need to be more aware of the potential for advantageous collaboration with a far broader set of actors. Leaders of public bodies can also use their purchasing power to influence supply chains and invest in sustainable companies prioritising a green economy. 

Remain aware of ethical complexity

While undoubtably a noble cause, the path to Net Zero does surface some ethical dilemmas. Many sectors currently rely on carbon and the transition to renewable energy sources is likely to make a dramatic impact on the public’s livelihood.

Questions have also been raised over the ethics of the mode of production of certain renewable energy forms, such as solar. Leaders must be cautious to research the origins of technologies before they invest and make sure they comply with all UK regulatory standards.

Prepare for adaptation

Despite best efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we’re still on track for a minimum global warming of 1.5 degrees. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are therefore dedicating the next 30 years to researching methods to improve human resilience and adaptability.

The full effects of climate change are yet to be realised. Leaders should therefore be preparing for adaptation as much as mitigation.

The speakers left ALBs with one motivating takeaway; be bold, act urgently, remain focused.

Tips for chief executives to get started:

1. Consider the infrastructure of your building to encourage staff to reduce their carbon emissions on their commute to work e.g., build electric charging ports, showers, cycle lanes.
2. Evaluate your energy suppliers and the materials you use.
3. Use your purchasing power to influence supply chains e.g., buy from sustainable companies
4. Encourage your staff to make greener choices e.g., cycle/walk to work, invest in zero emission cars, use re-usable cups, recycle materials.
5. Communicate the importance of climate change to staff and customers.
6. Stay up to date with latest reports and predictions from the IPCC/Met Office/UN

Tips for chairs to get started:

1. Run a carbon audit to identify the organisations’ greatest emitters
2. Invest in specialist talent/resource e.g., a sustainability officer
3. Set a Net Zero target, identifying clear objectives and timescales
4. Consider how to off-set carbon emissions from homeworking
5. Integrate carbon costs into policy appraisals
6. Stay up to date with latest reports and predictions from the IPCC/Met Office/UN
   
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