Most of the energy today is produced using fossil fuels. But these fuel resources are non-renewable and are accepted to run dry after some time. Moreover, fossil fuels emit smoke and other harmful gases resulting in increasing of pollution. Greenhouse gases are continuously increasing temperature of earth.
So, in recent times lot of countries are looking to fulfil their energy demands by renewable energy sources. These sources are inexhaustible, clean and provide energy at cheap cost.
UK Net Zero by 2050 Energy Policy
Like most countries UK is also looking to shift its entire energy on renewable sources. For that to achieve they have set a target of Net Zero emissions by 2050.
What is Net Zero Policy?
New Zero policy means more greenhouses gases are no longer added to the total amount already available in our atmosphere. These gases include CO2 and methane. Methane is produced through landfill and farming while CO2 is released when any type of fossil fuel such as petrol, diesel, coal etc. is burned.
These gases increase the overall temperature of earth by trapping sun’s energy and it is necessary to limit them so that temperature is not increased beyond the limit which living organisms can bear. Moreover, continuous increase of population has led to even more deforestation and there are even less trees available which can absorb these gases.
UK Government Announcements
So, UK government has announced major changes to achieve net zero target:
- Ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars should be delayed for 5 years. This means cars requirement of “zero emission” will not be forcefully implemented till 2035.
- Ban on fossil fuel heating for off-gas grid being delayed till 2035.
- Boiler upgrade grant raised by 50%, making it easier for those households who are looking to replace their gas boilers.
- Poor households will be exempt from the ban on new gas boilers.
- Requirement of all rental properties having Energy Performance Certificate of grade C or higher being scrapped off.
Impact of Net Zero Policy on Individuals
Most of the effort for fruition of Net Zero comes from government but individuals will also have to do their own efforts so that it can be realized. These include:
- They will have to take fewer flights.
- They will have to reduce their energy use.
- They will have to switch to electric vehicles.
- They will have to improve their home insulations and energy efficiency.
- Gas heating systems will have to replace with electric systems.
UK Carbon Offset Providers and Schemes
One of the most popular way to achieve net-zero carbon emission is by using Carbon offsetting schemes. These schemes help achieve people and companies to reach their goal to reach net-zero carbon usage.
There are currently 3 main providers of carbon offset schemes currently available in UK.
My Carbon Plan
My Carbon Plan is a not-for-profit organization in UK which works with individuals or groups who want to create new or manage already existing carbon sequestration schemes. They actively look for new projects to support with funding and insights.
In 2020, they helped create SRC willow planting scheme which planted 120,000 trees and it has helped to sequester over 10.000 ton of CO2 during its lifespan.
In 2023, they are looking for a second SRC willow scheme to further sequestrate carbon emission.
You can learn more about My Carbon Plan here.
Forest Carbon
Forest Carbon is a UK-based carbon offsetting scheme provider. It helps in woodland creation and peatland restoration which helps in carbon capture and offsetting. It is a profit-based organization and it is based in Durham.
You can learn more about this scheme here.
Carbon Footprint
This is another profit-based organization located in Hampshire. They operate tree planting, Solar PV for schools and Biodiversity and Conservation schemes.
This scheme is ISO certified and their projects can be paired with other certified projects in developing countries.
You can learn more about Carbon Footprint here.
