In 2019, the UK passed a law to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Since then, the government has launched its Build Back Greener , which shows how businesses and individuals will be supported in their transition to renewable energy.
But some companies are setting the trend of aiming to become net zero by the end of 2022. To be classified as net zero, a company must achieve a balance between the carbon it emits into the atmosphere and the carbon it removes.
Here are five companies of all sizes, in the UK and abroad, that are exceeding expectations as they strive to become net zero.
1. Crystal Doors
Crystal Doors was named Manufacturer of the Year in the Business Green Leaders Award and Small Business of the Year in the Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021 due to its dedication to being net zero by 2022.
The Rochdale-based vinyl door manufacturer is set to achieve its ambitious goal by investing in clean technology and improved energy efficiency.
The company has already installed solar panels on its premises and is the first company in the UK to trial the use of recycled bottles to manufacture vinyl for doors.
To be a completely carbon-free company by 2022 , Crystal Doors will analyze indirect emissions not related to manufacturing processes or logistics, including how its employees commute to work.
Managing director Richard Hagan’s efforts have been recognized by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said other companies should “follow Richard’s example” to achieve net zero.
2. Burberry
Fast fashion manufacturing uses a huge amount of water and energy, and many of the garments end up in landfill after they have been worn a few times. Things need to change and British luxury fashion house Burberry has recognized the need to make fashion truly sustainable.
Burberry has ambitious plans not only to be carbon neutral by 2022, but also to be carbon positive by 2040 . Being carbon positive means that the company will remove additional carbon from the atmosphere.
Burberry will achieve its net zero emissions target by reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and focusing on renewable energy. The company is also investing in initiatives that restore and protect vulnerable ecosystems that remove carbon from the atmosphere.
3. Coffee and TV
It’s not just manufacturers that are setting the trend to become net zero by 2022, companies offering services are also changing the way they operate in a bid to reduce their carbon emissions.
Coffee and TV is a London-based creative studio that has worked with Gucci, Rolls Royce and H&M. The studio is focusing on reaching its net zero goal through the use of green energy, complete waste systems, eco-friendly suppliers and responsible travel.
The company has already reduced its carbon emissions by 77% in two years and the studio is 100% powered by green energy. However, Coffee and TV’s commitment to green energy goes beyond the office, with 77% of its employees working in homes powered by renewable energy.
4. Netflix
Streaming giant Netflix aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2022 with its “Net Zero + Nature” plan. The company is starting with the basics by changing the way it produces movies and TV shows as a way to become a more sustainable business, such as using local film crews, electric vehicles, LED lighting and reduced diesel generators on its sets.
On a broader level, Netflix is investing in nature by supporting conservation projects, including protecting forests above and below water, which helps reduce carbon in the atmosphere.
As it says on Netflix’s Sustainability page: “Netflix exists to entertain the world, and that requires a livable world to entertain.”
5. Nespresso
Nestlé hasn’t always been known for its commitment to the environment, but under its Nespresso brand, the company is making major changes to the way it makes its coffee.
Nespresso’s business operations have been carbon neutral since 2017, but in 2022 the brand will go a step further by de-carbonizing its supply chain and product lifecycle.
Nespresso is planting trees in areas where the company sources its coffee. Some of these areas have already experienced extreme weather conditions, and planting trees here helps farmers adapt to adverse weather conditions and reduces carbon levels in the atmosphere around coffee farms.
Nespresso is investing in renewable energy, sustainable packaging, reducing carbon emissions in the supply chain and even using used coffee beans as fuel.