Decarbonisation: Why now?

Learn when it comes to net zero, there’s no time like the present.

The pressing need to deliver

As organisations gear up for the net zero 2050 deadline, the focus must be on delivery – turning ambition into tangible outcomes.

Every day, organisations are losing money through inefficient processes, buildings and fleets, while the long-term costs of inaction mean there’s more ground to make up. So, the urgency to accelerate progress towards a net zero future has never been greater.

The most forward-thinking organisations started their journeys years ago. Now, with demands for change from customers, the public, investors and employees, there’s an even more pressing need for all organisations to act now before it’s too late. That’s why Mitie's own ambitious roadmap is on course to deliver decarbonisation by 2025 – that’s 25 years ahead of national and international targets.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons why we all need to act now. Each of the following drivers of change underlines the critical role that both the public and private sectors must play. It’s clear that every organisation in every industry and market must transform.

Compelling reasons to act

Unpredictable energy

Market shifts and geopolitics are creating energy-cost volatility. This price uncertainty raises far-reaching questions about how we will heat, light and power our buildings, organisations, electric vehicles (EVs) and civic spaces. By investing in renewable energy, creating efficiencies and transforming operations, we’re helping organisations like yours to reduce their vulnerability to the volatile global energy market.

The struggle to secure energy

Linked to price volatility is energy security, availability and resilience. As the world shifts rapidly to renewables and low-carbon technologies, surging demand could disrupt power supplies, placing ageing grids under huge strain. Only by generating our own energy, and upgrading to smart infrastructure and efficient energy storage, will we improve continuity of operations, reduce grid dependence and increase energy security.

Leading in compliance

Legislation and regulations are the stick (versus the carrot) of sustainability action. Most governments are toughening up their environmental protection laws. By reducing risk and staying compliant, organisations can avoid fines, legal action and reputational damage. But is that enough? Mitie goes further by helping organisations stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

ESG action plans

As organisations worldwide embrace environmental, social and governance (ESG), it’s now at the heart of decision-making and expected by investors, shareholders and stakeholders. In a PwC survey, ESG outcomes are three of the top five investors’ priorities for business. Based on our own experience within Mitie, we’re supporting customers to embed ESG into strategy, performance, reputation, investment and growth.

Source:

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/esg/global-investor-survey-2022.html
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/audit-assurance/corporate-reporting/2021-esg-investor-survey.html

https://www.mitie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ESG-Report-2022.pdf

Doing the right thing

Consumers, customers and employees increasingly demand clean, green products and services. If your organisation falls short, you risk losing customers, and reputational damage. Our Plan Zero approach puts the customer and their bespoke needs at the core of any decarbonisation strategy. Drawing on our own experience to overcome barriers associated with doing the right thing.

Commitment counts

Recent reports highlight even more evidence of why the time for change and concerted action is now:

35%

of UK employees would be willing to quit their job if their employer failed to take action to reduce its carbon footprint.¹

68%

of adults expect business leaders to speak out publicly on social and political issues such as climate change.²

60%

of UK talent would choose to work for an organisation with a strong environmental policy, over one without.¹

88%

of institutional investors subject ESG to the same scrutiny as operational and financial considerations.²

1 Source: HRNews, October 2022

2 Source: 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer