REPORTING
Our impact
Pledge to Net Zero reports over one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emission reductions
25 JUNE 2024
Pledge to Net Zero, the environmental industry’s flagship programme for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is proud to announce that its members have collectively reduced emissions by over one million tonnes from their baseline year.
Pledge To Net Zero is the environmental industry's flagship initiative driving rapid action on greenhouse gas emissions. It engages organisations to lead in transitioning to a Net Zero carbon economy, setting science-based targets aligned with the 1.5°C climate change scenario.
Examples of individual actions taken by large and small organisations within the Pledge to Net Zero membership to reach this achievement include considering environmental performance when selecting new offices, removing plastic wrapping from company journals to achieve significant carbon reductions, training the supply chain on low-carbon practices, and introducing carbon levies to discourage high-carbon business travel.
In 2023, the Pledge to Net Zero initiative saw its membership grow to nearly 200 companies, encompassing a diverse range of businesses from large enterprises to micro-businesses, primarily operating within the UK and Ireland.
This year's reports demonstrates that measuring and tackling Scope 3 emissions continues to be a priority. Whilst there is plenty of visible progress, notably from large companies, supporting smaller companies who have limited resource to act in these areas is important.
David Symons CEnv, Founder of Pledge to Net Zero and Head of Sustainability at WSP, said: “From a small start, it’s fantastic to see the environmental sector being a role model for cutting carbon and sharing expertise.”
Dr. Emma Wilcox CEnv, Chief Executive of the Society for the Environment, noted: "We know that businesses want to play their part towards achieving net zero, but sometimes don’t know how this can be achieved in practice. The figures released today show the vital role that collaborative, science-based initiatives like Pledge to Net Zero have, in realising climate commitments through tangible change.”
Chloë Fiddy, Senior Policy and Engagement Lead, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), stated: “The Pledge to Net Zero asks signatories to commit to targets, report on their emissions, and set the standard for others to follow, by publishing thought leadership pieces or by supporting smaller businesses. The fantastic results show real commitment from the sector and prove that these are not empty pledges.”
The initiative has been developed by the environmental sector with the aim of making the wider sector a leader for taking action on climate change. It was co-founded by the Society for the Environment (SocEnv), the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), together with leading environmental consultancies WSP and AECOM.