Simon Harris responds to Forbes’ feature on carbon reduction schemes

29.04.2024

Simon Harris responds to Forbes’ article featuring Britain’s Cleantech entrepreneurs as they push forward despite policy changes.

The government is legally required to deliver net zero by 2050 and to meet that target emissions will have to be reduced progressively over the next 25 years. There are several targets in place, including an end to the sale of new petrol-driven cars by 2035 and a pledge to implement a 50% reduction in emissions from public sector buildings by 2032.

Earlier this week, the outgoing head of the Climate Change Committee, Chris Stark, said recent decisions to push back the ban on sales of new petrol-driven cars from 2030 to 2035 and slow down the transition from gas household boilers to more environmentally friendly heat pumps provided evidence that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lacked ambition. In his view, the U.K. had taken a step back.

There are two opposing narratives surrounding Britain’s climate change commitments. The first argues that pressing ahead rapidly will unlock massive economic benefits. The second says the whole net-zero agenda will impose unjustified costs.

Against this backdrop, several businesses have successfully put carbon reduction solutions at the heart of their offer to customers.

Avrenim is a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, specialising in renewable energy technologies such as solar power production, small wind power, heat pumps, combined heat and power solutions in addition to district heating schemes.

Helping businesses transition to cleaner energy sources, Avrenim is focused on reducing their carbon footprint while saving operational costs.

Simon Harris MIoD comments on the importance of government-set targets in driving customer behaviour towards sustainable practical applications.

“These targets provide clear benchmarks and incentives for businesses and consumers alike to adopt carbon-friendly technologies and practices. They create a sense of urgency and direction, encouraging investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.

“Moreover, historically our government policies include subsidies, tax incentives or grant funding which further influence choices. As a company fully committed to sustainability, we closely monitor and align our delivery capabilities with those government targets to better serve our customers and contribute to achieving wider environmental goals.”

“The recent changes regarding electric vehicles and heat pumps have indeed had an impact on the market. There has been a noticeable surge in interest in heat pumps as consumers become more aware of the benefits they offer in terms of reducing emissions and lowering energy costs plus the increased allowance value. However, the abrupt removal of deadlines at best causes confusion and naturally will disrupt market dynamics and investment planning for businesses and consumers alike. Market data shows that since the removal of the 2030 deadline for electric vehicles (EVs), the sales of those vehicles have indeed slowed as the government-mandated deadline has removed the impetus to change.”