Examining Net Zero: Creating Solutions for a Greener Society and Sustainable Economic Growth

Cover of Examining Net Zero: Creating Solutions for a Greener Society and Sustainable Economic Growth
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Table of contents

(21 chapters)
Abstract

Climate change caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions poses a threat to species on earth. Such emissions have been caused by activities that have increased the rate at which greenhouse emissions have occurred due to the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes in recent decades. Without urgent intervention, the ability of earth’s citizens will be irrevocably altered. Hundreds of millions of people’s lives will effectively become extremely challenging. Deaths due to starvation, lack of water, storms and flooding will increase. The magnitude of the crisis confronting humanity has resulted in means the formation of what’s known as the ‘Net Zero’ target set by The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2024), a United Nations body consisting of global experts on climate change in 1994. This chapter explains why climate change has occurred, what its impact may be and how intervention by governments as well as all organisations and individuals catastrophe can be avoided. There is an overview of subsequent chapters contained in this book.

Part One: Challenges/Opportunities and Issues: Overview

Abstract

Using the earth’s limited resources is essential as an urgent element in dealing with the existential crisis confronting humanity as a consequence of climate change. Circularity is based on production and society adopting a radically different approach to the way raw materials are used to produce goods developed societies consume. Primarily, the use of the earth’s resources (raw materials) must be more carefully – and considerately –achieved in recognition of the impact that profligate exploitation has had in terms of pollution and disregard for the environment. Production systems should be designed to ensure that waste is vastly reduced and, eventually, eliminated. Crucially, goods should be designed to be used by consumers for as long as possible. Goods should incorporate the ability to repair them and, critically, that at the end of their effective life components can be recycled.

Moving from the traditional ‘linear’ model – ‘take, make, throw away’ – to one that is circular is essential as part of the quest to reduce carbon emissions. In explaining the historical development of the basis of why circularity is not only essential to protecting the planet from climate change, but also economically logical, this chapter explained that its theoretical foundations were first proposed in economist Kenneth Boulding who, in his 1966 essay, ‘The Economics of the Coming Spaceship Earth’. Boulding’s provocative arguments have been developed into the extensive advice and guidance presented by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation and summarised in this chapter. The circular economy will potentially achieve very significant social, economic and environmental benefits.

Abstract

Australia has struggled to escape its particular variant of the ‘resource curse’. It has also had important economic, social and political ramifications. In this chapter, the authors consider how the recently announced Net Zero Economy Authority in Australia is progressing, but crucially, the authors want to put these developments into a broader context within which it exists. This context includes Australia’s ‘resource’ curse challenges but also the emergence of a new state capitalism (Alami, 2023; Schindler et al., 2023) that has included a Future Made in Australia policy that involves advancing a renewable energy industry but also a militarisation of industry associated with the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and USA (AUKUS). The authors begin by looking at the continued tensions between Australia’s fossil-fuel dependence and efforts to combat climate change and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The authors then track developments in the proposed structure and activity of the Net Zero Authority itself. Finally, the authors will review these developments in the light of the ‘resource curse’ and broader Australian government policy such as the AUKUS alliance and the ‘Made in Australia’ policy.

Abstract

This chapter examines the challenges facing the Indian automotive industry in the pursuit of Net Zero. India is a major producer of passenger vehicles but traditionally has focussed on two-wheeled vehicles. However, Indian automotive manufacturers such as Tata and Maruti have established a presence internationally and India has become an FDI hub for global automotive MNCs keen to exploit its low production costs and large domestic market. The chapter commences with a brief overview of the Indian automotive sector. This is then followed by two mini case studies of Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki that highlight practical measures that both companies have undertaken to promote Net Zero. Subsequently, the prognosis for electric vehicle (EV) uptake and associated regulatory issues in India are considered.

Abstract

Air pollution poses a significant global threat to both human health and environmental stability, acknowledged by the World Health Organization as a leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a notable contributor to climate change. This chapter offers a comprehensive review of the impacts of air pollution on health, highlighting the complex interactions with genetic predispositions and epigenetic mechanisms. The consequences of air pollution to health are extensive, spanning respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and heightened mortality rates. Genetic factors play a pivotal role in shaping individual responses to air pollution, influencing susceptibility to respiratory illnesses and the severity of symptoms. Additionally, epigenetic changes triggered by exposure to pollutants have been linked to respiratory health issues, cancer development and progression, and even transgenerational effects spanning multiple generations. As countries, including the UK, pursue ambitious targets for reducing emissions, ongoing research into the complex interplay of air pollution, genetics, and epigenetics is essential. By unravelling the underlying mechanisms and advancing preventive and therapeutic strategies, we can protect public health and promote sustainable environmental practices in the face of this pervasive global challenge.

Abstract

To deliver net zero, this chapter demonstrates the importance of linking different levels of analysis. Macro concepts like Net Zero need to be operationalised at meso- and micro levels so that individual firms, and the ecosystems they operate in, make the required changes to reduce carbon. However, such change is difficult to achieve because of the scale of activities involved. We draw on the manufacturing case study of C Brandauer & Co Ltd to reveal how they successfully pursued Net Zero and then went on to embed change in their supply chain. We also highlight the key role of a transformational leader to sustain purpose-driven change, a leader brave enough to share core knowledge with local competitors. The authors introduce the term ‘sectoral transformation’ to capture multi-level change within the geographical area of the West Midlands. The chapter finishes with policy implications so that more SMEs can follow this agenda for change, and so that Net Zero becomes a much-needed reality, not just a policy ambition.

Part Two Empirical Examples of Practice (Case Studies)

Abstract

Bosch Thermotechnology is working to develop Net Zero, ethical manufacturing solutions so that the manufacturing of home heating products is not simply off-shored. With 85% of UK homes using gas boilers for heating, the challenges are considerable. Hydrogen is advocated as a solution, but the production of green hydrogen at a sufficient scale remains challenging. A tailored approach to decarbonising home heating is advocated by Bosch Thermotechnology, with electrification of new build homes, but, with a more cautious approach for existing homes drawing on a diverse range of technologies to suit individual and geographic circumstances including heat networks, hydrogen boilers, heat pumps (HPs) and, in particular, hybrids (boiler and HP). This approach contrasts with the UK government’s focus on electrification and HPs as a near universal solution having set up the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) placing obligations on boiler manufacturers to ensure they sell defined quantities of heat pumps from 2024, leading to fines where these targets are not achieved. The suitability of UK homes for heat pump technology is considered along with a phased hybrid solution. Hybrid HPs can deliver up to 80% carbon emissions reduction when compared to a 100% HP installation, for just 20% of the installation cost.

Abstract

Schneider Electric’s ethos to be ‘the most local of global companies’ includes promoting open standards and innovative partnerships, such as with customers Co-Op Live and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the UK, along with 1,000 suppliers, to deliver Net Zero goals through their Life is On ethos. In 2005, they created their Sustainability Barometer delivering customer savings of 120 million tonnes in CO2 emissions. Fifteen years after its launch and having enabled access to energy for 30 million people, they achieved a ranking as the World’s most sustainable company in Knight’s Global 100 ranking and have transformed energy management practices across their own sites including IntenCity as Schneider Electric’s new flagship building located in the Scientific Polygon (Presqu’île) of Grenoble, France, and their Leeds UK decarbonisation programme. The Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) programme, 2021–2025, aims to deliver contributions across all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including six long-term commitments to the environment, society, and economy, backed up by 11 global targets and accompanying local targets, as part of their focus on delivering a just transition. Schneider Electric introduced their ‘Zero Carbon Project’ as a demonstration of company-wide commitment to minimising ‘operational carbon emissions’ by 2025 and a Biodiversity Pledge promoting plan to protect and preserve nature and biodiversity. Early engagement at the design stage with clients has been essential. By explaining and demonstrating the opportunities for capturing and using technology and constantly evolving softwares, it is possible to unlock the efficiency of both project delivery and the operational energy performance of any building through its life cycle.

Abstract

Amtico, as a brand leader in luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs), is a 60-year-old design, manufacturing, sales and marketing business. As a plastics-based product manufacturer, the business undertakes energy-intensive production processes and has relied on fossil fuel-derived raw materials for decades. To assist on their journey to net zero, they engaged consultants and began harnessing the ingenuity, knowledge and insights of their entire workforce to develop four sustainability pillars. In 2023, they launched their first externally facing sustainability report, ‘This is Where we Stand’, reviewing actions taken during 2022 including, in full, their energy consumption, carbon footprint and product intensity ratios. In December 2022, the business launched Amtico Bio, a bio-attributed LVT option, starting to tackle the embodied carbon issue and demonstrating that the carbon footprint of their products could be effectively reduced. It relied upon deeper partnerships developed with their polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin suppliers. To provide traceability and credibility, a further partnership was formed with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), providing ISCC Plus certification and demonstrating strict auditing, and verification processes were in place for traceability of biomass consumption throughout the supply chain. In addition, far-reaching action plans have been put in place to reduce emissions in production and post-production, with recycling and working towards a circular economy at the heart of the company ethos. Amtico has also set an aspirational target to reach net zero carbon by 2040 as a demonstration of its commitment to reducing its impact on the environment and global warming.

Abstract

KPM Marine is at the forefront of wind farm service vessel interior build, providing essential services and refuelling for turbines. Designed as catamarans, usually 20–30 m long, they require several 1500 HP engines burning around 3,000 litres a day, 7 days a week. In designing the 2015 KPM Marine wind farm vessel, they created 10 design protocols reducing environmental emissions and planetary impact. Six protocols were used in all elements of interior build covering light weighting, elimination of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), design for recyclability, ensuring end-of-life value (ELV), and reparability to extend product lifetime by 20 years. These protocols have delivered competitive advantage and lifetime energy savings for clients whilst protecting market share from larger international corporates and remain under constant review and development.

Abstract

The Tyseley Energy Park’s (TEP) mission is to transform clean energy innovation by stimulating and demonstrating new technologies, turning them into commercially viable systems contributing to Birmingham City Council’s commitments to be Net Zero (NZ) by 2030.

TEP’s development plan commits to delivering low and zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste and recycling solutions delivered through development phases: 10 MW Waste Wood Biomass Power Plant, a £47 million investment, supplies renewable electricity to Webster and Horsfall, the original site owner, along with tenants across this 17-acre site, providing the foundations for a distributed energy system. The Waste Wood Biomass Power Plant diverts 72,000 tonnes of waste wood from landfill with the sustainable power generated equivalent to 17,000 homes’ requirements. Later, phases have seen the development of the UK’s first low and zero carbon refuelling station with the hydrogen station supplying public and commercial vehicles with hydrogen for Birmingham’s bus fleet. Partners on site are in the process of bringing forward a first-of-a-kind commercial scale electric charging station supply liquid fuels including drop in replacements for diesel such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is also avaliable.

On site, the University of Birmingham has created a sustainable energy research and innovation centre that promotes innovation in waste, energy and low carbon vehicle systems across the West Midlands.

Within refurbished building on site, the Incubation Hub offers an integrated package of support to drive business growth amongst low-carbon energy businesses. This initiative has been developed in partnership with the University of Birmingham’s Energy Institute’s SME Engagement Programme.

Abstract

Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) is 1 of 495 community energy companies with 331 MW of community-owned renewable electricity collectively generating 506 GWh renewable electricity, saving £3.35 million on energy bills, 143,000 tCO2e annually, powering 174,000 UK households and contributing over £21.5 million to community benefit funds (Community Energy, 2022). HECE’s 15-MW array, comprising 60,000 solar panels, is located outside Stratford-upon-Avon generating renewable electricity since 2016, raising £17 million to make this possible and through surplus revenues over a 20-year period will contribute £6 million back into local communities. Small UK community energy companies face a wide range of challenges compared with policies elsewhere. The biggest hurdle for community energy companies in becoming a licenced energy supply company is the cost (IPPR, 2016). Gaining a grid connection is challenging with Ofgem estimating that between 60% and 70% of high voltage schemes never connect to the grid and a large backlog of green power projects has accumulated (Lawson, 2023). In Germany, where there is a ‘Right to Local Supply’ set-up, costs are proportional to the size of the energy organisation (Croner-i, 2022).

Whilst the Climate Change Committee has stated, ‘it will not be possible to get close to meeting a net zero target without engaging with people or by pursuing an approach that focuses only on supply-side changes’, government’s focus remains very largely supply-side focussed (Community Energy, 2022).

Abstract

The Globe Group CIC (Globe) was established as a not-for-profit dedicated to driving positive sustainable change mitigating the impacts of climate change and building resilience within communities. As a team of 26, consisting of staff and volunteers, they are based at their Eco Centre in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Having hosted the first ever Midlands Climate Expo & Sustainability Conference Climate Expo in 2022 and expanded this the following year by bringing together over 500 individuals and over 100 organisations to drive change, this highlighted the importance and impact of collaborative, cross-sector action. This was followed by efforts to create lasting change throughout their county by creating the first ever Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent Celebration of the Possible (COP). The case study highlights seven key steps to bringing together the partnerships, businesses, stakeholders, funding and local communities. This was built on the back of six years of steady growth at Globe and led to the COP Framework highlighting a potential vision of the future for the county agreed by the partnership with their vision informed by over 300 members of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent community and their oversubscribed COP Conference 2024 attended by over 150 from all walks of life keen to support the Staffordshire journey to greater sustainability and Net Zero.

Abstract

Implementation of initiatives intended to achieve net zero will require very considerable investment. Whilst there are undoubted potentially immense benefits that will result from the transition to an economy that is based around the principles of net zero, all governments recognise the dilemma of making announcements necessitating spending many billions on this objective. This chapter examines the economic logic underpinning the quest to deal with the calamitous consequences of implementing measures essential to reduce emissions causing global warming. Using the UK as an exemplar, the political challenge and consequences of implementing economic changes required to produce net zero is considered. As is described, short-term expediency is frequently adopted as a way to avoid making difficult decisions to achieve not only long-term economic gain but almost universally regarded as essential to arrest the dire consequences that will befall future generations if immediate and urgent action is not taken. Drawing on previous research justifying the need to act now, this chapter potentially examines ways for governments to derive additional revenue, most particularly carbon taxes and emissions-trading schemes (ETS) as a way to fund investment in net zero through capital investment. As analysis of contemporary events suggests, the urgency of intervention all too frequently becomes a casualty of the need by political parties to avoid confronting tough choices by postponing such decisions.

Part Three: Moving Forward

Abstract

Transport is responsible for around a quarter of global emissions. It is 91% fossil fuel dependent for energy, with emissions remaining stubbornly high, increasing in the EU since 1990 and falling since then by just 15% in the UK. The UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), in producing its second assessment, a major strategic overview for the next 30 years, emphasises a near universal dependency on electricity and hydrogen to decarbonise transport emissions. Locally distributed energy solutions are not considered part of their approach and neither do they consider where the products proposed for mass adoption – electric vehicles (EVs) are to be manufactured. Embodied carbon emissions are not taken into account, with emissions analysis focused on zero tailpipe emissions. Green gases which can be used in combustion engines and hybrids, harnessing existing supply chains and maintenance service provision, are also not seen as part of the solution, even during transition. Manufacturers are concerned that legislation and policy approaches, such as the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate, will lead to off-shoring of production. Zero Emissions Vehicles do not consider tyre emissions, which some research has shown to be many times higher than tailpipe emissions with devastating impacts on ecosystems. The chapter proposes the need for a greater holistic and circular approach to be taken to embodied carbon, mineral and resource utilisation together with biodiversity and planetary impacts.

Abstract

In the UK, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will be used to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 75–80% in newly constructed houses as part of the effort to achieve net zero by 2050. This chapter explains what this means in practice through design and building of houses by a housing association and speculative housebuilder. Research carried out by the Centre for Future Homes at Birmingham City University (BCU) has enabled a deeper understanding to emerge in how technology and collaborative approaches to production by all participants engaged in the supply chain can ensure attainment of carbon emissions. Crucially, the research has incorporated analysis of the experiences of occupants of innovative houses in altering behaviour and interaction with technology including heat pumps and ventilation systems. Findings from the research will be widely disseminated to assist others in appreciating the potential for housing, built with traditional locally available labour materials to be part of the effort to arrest climate change through proactive carbon reduction.

Abstract

The transitional challenges to delivering a green growth economy, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), presented by the twin concerns of climate and biodiversity are considerable. This chapter examines the UK case, where extensive public and private investment is required, in combination, to deliver the UK Government’s desired green growth enabled by green innovation and business transition towards environmentally positive business models. The chapter draws on a contemporary literature review and qualitative interview evidence from UK financiers, entrepreneurial innovators and policymakers. We examine how they influence the emerging UK green finance escalator that relates to providing finance for green enterprise from an initial idea through to commercialisation, scaleup expansion and maturity. The findings suggest that this green transition requires a clear SME finance roadmap to deliver coherent public policy and regulation and sufficient knowledge of the environmental risks and opportunities presented. We provide a blueprint framework that can provide the finance for net zero and, beyond this, the wider environmental changes needed for a sustainable green economy transition.

Abstract

Population control as a state-sponsored activity came into prominence following the publication of Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb in 1968. This was taken up by the IPCC, but by 1994, this changed and any mention of population reduction as a part-solution to CO2-induced global warming became taboo. Later, when drastic reductions in birth rates as measured by Total Fertility Rates (TFR) were observed in economically advanced countries, books were written to celebrate the fact. The population bomb, it seems, had been defused spontaneously, or so it was claimed. The new problem for many states was the decline of their native populations, and the aging workforce triggering the need for mass immigration to fill the gaps. This chapter traces the ebb-and-flow of Population Policy related to climate change and net-zero. The current ‘hands-off, the problem is solved’ policy is a grievous mistake and may hasten the MajorPopulation Correction’ (he means catastrophic near wipeout) described by William E Rees in 2023. If States and inter-governmental organisation would get behind a policy of non-coercive population reduction, then the goal of net-zero can be achieved quicker and more easily.

Cover of Examining Net Zero: Creating Solutions for a Greener Society and Sustainable Economic Growth
DOI
10.1108/9781836085744
Publication date
2025-02-10
Editors
ISBN
978-1-83608-575-1
eISBN
978-1-83608-574-4