Dr. James Crosby, Head of Sustainability at Advantage Utilities
A recent survey conducted by Gallagher has revealed that almost half of UK businesses are already impacted by climate change, painting a troubling picture of what is to come in the years ahead. World Environment Day gives us a moment to reflect upon the ways in which manufacturing businesses from across the UK can adopt more sustainable working practices to meet their net-zero commitments.
With that in mind, solar photovoltaics (PV) is the leading energy generation method that businesses can choose to both drive down their energy costs and realise net-zero ambitions. Solar PV offers manufacturing businesses the chance to pursue carbon-free electrical production and consumption, with the embodied carbon of the initial manufacturing process offset entirely within just a few years.
Given that the World Meteorological Organisation has confirmed that the past eight years have been the hottest on record, it is crucial that manufacturing businesses meet the mandate of net-zero by 2050, or ideally sooner, in order to limit the impact of global warming. That is why the progress made within this decade will be so significant – and solar PV offers a sustainable, cheaper alternative for businesses looking to turn their back on liquefied natural gas.
Solar PV offers manufacturing businesses a compelling reason to explore the benefits of on-site generation through renewable energy. The two most effective strategies that they should pursue to reduce energy costs and enhance your green credentials are:
- The greenest form of energy generation is that which you generate yourself: it is also the most affordable method of consumption
- The cheapest form of electricity is that which you do not consume at all
Not only are energy prices likely to remain above pre-pandemic levels for at least the next three to four years, but global temperatures will only continue to break records year after year, a dangerous path we must limit as far as possible. Manufacturing businesses must therefore give solar PV panels the green light to enable the necessary progress towards net-zero.
About James Crosby
Dr. James Crosby is Head of Sustainability for Commercial and Industrial Energy Supply and Usage at Advantage Utilities. With a Ph.D in Geochemistry, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Crosby now offers business support to a range of companies who are looking to achieve net-zero and manage their energy costs through sustainable energy solutions.
