Outstanding Eco Steps: Introduction
Welcome to this week’s sustainability news, where we highlight the most outstanding eco steps taken by innovative companies around the globe. Our stories today showcase incredible efforts to make our world a greener, more sustainable place.
We love to shine a spotlight on these inspiring initiatives that often slip under the radar of mainstream media. First up, we have a story that will change the way we think about sustainable practices in the automotive industry.
So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and read on to discover these outstanding eco steps making a significant impact on our planet.
New Study Reveals Net Zero Could Be Worth Trillions To The Economy
New research from Oxera reveals that achieving net zero could unlock trillions in economic growth for Europe. The report, titled “Growth Zero,” highlights how pathways to net zero can drive significant economic development for the EU and UK. According to the study, rapid decarbonisation policies could create an additional 1.4% annual growth for the EU.
Potentially adding €6.1 trillion to the GDP and supporting up to 1.4 million jobs each year. For the UK, this could mean an additional 1.3% growth, equating to £765 billion in GDP and supporting up to 309,000 jobs annually.
Dr. Luis Correia da Silva, Oxera Chair and Partner, said: “Achieving net zero by 2050 is not just necessary for full-scale decarbonisation, it is a monumental economic opportunity. Our research reveals that decisive policy and business action can unlock substantial economic growth. Not only that but also job creation, positioning net zero as the cornerstone of resilient and prosperous economies.”
The report explores four levers to achieve net zero. There are, regulation, private sector innovation, carbon pricing, and fiscal policy. Each lever offers a unique pathway, demonstrating how policy and market interventions can achieve net zero faster while driving economic growth.
The findings of Growth Zero highlight the potential for green growth amidst political uncertainties. It showcases that net zero is not just a cost exercise but a significant opportunity for economic development.
Well done to Oxera for this insightful research. Take your next sip of tea and read on to find out what our next story of outstanding eco steps is!
UK Government To Launch Onshore Wind Taskforce
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced the creation of an onshore wind taskforce to promote new developments. Speaking in parliament recently, he revealed that this group will aim to restore a pipeline of English projects lost due to strict planning rules implemented in 2015.
Following the Labour administration’s recent reversal of these restrictions, onshore wind will now be treated equally with other energy infrastructure in the planning system. The government’s goal is to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030, from around 15GW today.
Miliband stated: “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest sources of power we have. The previous onshore wind ban caused the project pipeline in England to shrink by 90%. The last government ignored the recommendation for an onshore wind taskforce. We will implement it.”
The taskforce will be chaired by Miliband and EDF Renewables chief executive Matthieu Hue. It will focus on rebuilding the pipeline of projects and addressing challenges like grid and supply chain pressures. Hue emphasised the need to accelerate deployment to achieve net-zero ambitions.
Well done to the UK government for taking this important step. If you haven’t finished your tea yet, please read on to find out what our final story of outstanding eco steps is!
First-of-a-Kind Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company Wins Trailblazing Tech Award
Manchester-based Carbon Neutral Fuels, a tech start-up developing sustainable aviation fuel, has won the Trailblazing Tech Award at the recent Trailblazing Tech Conference, organised by pro-Manchester. This company is pioneering an e-fuels facility that recycles carbon dioxide from the air to produce sustainable aviation fuels. As part of the NatWest Accelerator, Carbon Neutral Fuels has thrived in its first year. Amazingly it secured £1.4 million in government funding for its innovative technology.
Co-founders Sophie Zienkiewicz and Alasdair Lumsden received the award among a record 21 entries. Entries included finalists Featherbed Tales and The Path to Independence Ltd. Sophie expressed gratitude for the support from NatWest Accelerator and praised her Accelerator Manager, Jess Grocutt, for helping her improve her presenting skills. “Standing on stage at the Trailblazing Tech Conference, feeling confident, and sharing our story was awesome,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sophie and her team are focused on finding a site for their facility. The are also collaborating with technology organisations and stakeholders. The company is also seeking partnerships with airlines and fuel suppliers to use their sustainable fuel.
Sam Booth, CEO of pro-Manchester, praised Carbon Neutral Fuels: “Their innovative approach to creating sustainable aviation fuel showcases the pioneering spirit of North West tech businesses. We are delighted to recognise their success with the Trailblazing Tech Award.”
This is another outstanding eco step and one we are particularly proud of as it comes from Play It Green’s home city of Manchester!
Outstanding Eco Steps: Wrap Up
As we conclude this week’s sustainability news, we celebrate some incredible strides towards a greener future.
The latest study showing net zero’s potential to unlock trillions for the economy is a game-changer. The UK government’s launch of an onshore wind taskforce promises to revive sustainable energy projects. Meanwhile, Carbon Neutral Fuels’ innovative sustainable aviation fuel has rightfully earned them the Trailblazing Tech Award.
These stories highlight the outstanding eco steps being taken and inspire us all to contribute to a sustainable future. Well done to everyone involved! Stay tuned for more inspiring news and keep up the fantastic work, Play It Green community!
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