Sustainability
Solar for Life
The opportunity to become more sustainable is open to all householders that want to invest into Solar energy generation. Investing in solar energy and photovoltaic panels will reduce your reliance on the energy grid and allow independence.
This reduces the pressure on the grid at peak times where everyone is drawing electricity. The grid is now supplied by nearly 50% renewable energy but this is found in remote areas such as offshore wind farms and transfering the power to towns and cities that require the energy will mean huge investments in the infrastructure.
If the UK is to electrify transport and personal transport then the relaince on battery storage and better infrastructure will become key. The electrification of energy is key to decarbonisation for the UK and part of the Governments strategy to get to Net Zero.
The Net Zero challenge is a huge undertaking for all countries to stop producing carbon and develop alternatives to burning fossil fuels. Buildings and properties contribute 40% of the UK and Europes emissions so decarbonise heat in homes is essential to reducing emissions.
The role of Hydrogen and alternatives will all play a role reducing reliance on gas that produces carbon but these are many years off becoming viable alternatives or grid ready. The use of Solar PV and battery storage in domestic and residential properties allows homeowners to reduce their demand on the grid and can provide energy for heating, hot water and EV car charging.
Sustainability for all does not just cover the challenge of decarbonising heat and reducing building emissions, there are is also the alignment with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development goals which form the bedrock of a more sustainable future.
Sustainability goals in the UK
1. Net Zero by 2050
- Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
- Approach:
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar).
- Electrifying transport, including promoting electric vehicles (EVs).
- Increasing energy efficiency in buildings through retrofitting and low-carbon heating.
- Supporting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
2. Clean Energy Transition
- Expand the use of renewable energy, with an emphasis on offshore wind, solar, and nuclear energy.
- Targets: Achieve 70% electricity generation from renewables by 2030.
3. Circular Economy
- Promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to minimize landfill use.
- Implement measures like the Plastic Packaging Tax and initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics.
4. Biodiversity Protection
- Goal: Halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems by 2030.
- Commit to planting millions of trees under initiatives like the England Tree Strategy.
- Enhance conservation areas and rewild degraded ecosystems.
5. Air Quality Improvement
- Introduce measures to reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
- Expand Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
6. Sustainable Agriculture
- Encourage regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, reduce emissions, and protect water resources.
- Support farmers through the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), which rewards sustainable practices.
7. Water Management
- Improve water efficiency and reduce pollution in rivers and coastal areas.
- Invest in sustainable drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks.
8. Green Finance and Investment
- Mobilize private and public funds for green projects.
- Foster a green economy through policies like the Green Finance Strategy and the Green Industrial Revolution.
9. International Cooperation
- Champion global climate initiatives, such as the UK's presidency of COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
- Support developing countries through climate adaptation and mitigation funding.
- Work with local governments and communities to implement sustainability projects.
- Promote education and awareness about sustainable lifestyles.
These goals are supported by various legislations and frameworks, such as the Climate Change Act 2008, which legally binds the UK to emission reductions, and the Environment Act 2021, which focuses on waste, air, water, and biodiversity.