Why net-zero? The race against climate change is on. Many aspects of the global climate are rapidly changing, and the primary cause for this is attributable to the human race. The changes in our environment are already apparent. With the warming of our earth’s oceans, the diminishment of snow and ice, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases steadily rising, our planet has become a ticking time bomb.
A 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel warns us that mankind has approximately 12 years to reverse the damage already created, before it could become potentially irreversible. It was revealed that the best way to prevent such a drastic change to the planet is to cut net carbon dioxide emissions 45% by 2030, before cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050.
This year, we’ve joined the likes of BT and Severn Trent Water to fight for climate action.
Our leadership team have registered us with the SME Climate Hub to make a commitment to Net Zero 2030, making us a UK Business Climate Action Leader. We are now part of the United Nations’ global ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, the largest credible alliance of organisations working towards an emissions-free economy.
This means that we’ve pledged to reduce our carbon emissions down to net-zero by 2030, which is important to help ensure that global temperatures don’t rise to above 1.5C.
If levels rise above this, it could threaten the lives and livelihoods of people and creatures worldwide, causing increased coastal flooding, salinisation of water supplies, reduction of plant growth and species extinction due to ecosystem collapse, and much more.
As forward-thinkers, we already strive to decrease our emissions and create a plan of action in the workplace in favour of the environment. We aim to do our part by developing a strategy to reduce our carbon footprint to net zero, by 2030.
We make a continuous effort to improve sustainability throughout our workplace locations and during client projects.
We have already introduced a range of electric vehicles to our Johnsons fleet, as well as installing electric charging ports at multiple sites to reduce the usage of fuel within our establishment. Our packing materials are all produced from recycled materials, and we have a fully established zero-landfill strategy throughout our organisation and all its activities.
Some of our current implementations are shown through our:
We supply our clients with a fully audited environmental solution to meet the company’s CR and we are dedicated to our recycling practices and our Zero Landfill commitment.
All of our staff wear uniform that has been made from Fairtrade certified cotton. We also buy Fairtrade products for our offices where possible. We purchase our packing materials from companies that are members of the Forest Stewardship Council.
We work to continuously better ourselves in our sustainability processes. Some of the practices we follow are:
We work incessantly to decrease emissions from our Johnsons vehicles. As of 2020, our first fleet of electric vehicles landed, for which we installed electric charging ports throughout our office locations.
Our fleet of vehicles and our systems, procedures, and processes are annually assessed and certified by FORS. We are retrofitting technology to our current fleet, ensuring the upgrades fall in line with European regulations.
We operate an established and well-supported car share scheme as well as a ‘Bike to Work’ initiative, and undertake carbon footprint analysis for all journeys undertaken. Overnight accommodation is provided to staff where work activity dictates distance travel on consecutive days. All of our removal vehicles are fitted with sleeper pods.
Relocation activities are combined wherever possible through return loads and managed, in agreement, to ensure environmental and financial benefit to clients.
Johnsons is dedicated to minimising emissions on every service we deliver. As part of our ISO14001:2015 accreditation, we are constantly aiming to reduce any negative impact we may be having on the environment, from our vehicles to premises to the packaging we use.
One of many definitions of sustainability is ‘the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance”. We are committed to bringing the future of the world into our present.
As a company, we continually strive to ascertain innovative ideas to stay ahead of the game; we utilise the latest technologies and integrate them into our working practices from employment and training, to premises and vehicles. We aim to future-proof our performance to optimise the future for generations to come.
Improving air quality is important to us, which is why we have implemented the following:
Johnsons is proud to hold one of the newest fleets in the industry. We have always maintained our fleet and updated the vehicles to ensure our emissions are low and we will continue to do this. Ensuring they meet with the ULEZ compliance matrix by confirming:
This is relevant to all vehicles within our company whether they are predominantly based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, or London.
As an environmentally aware company, we have implemented the following in environmental reporting:
Climate action is vital to protect our planet and the creatures inhabiting it, in a world of ever-growing industries and technology.
If we do not make a conscious effort to work sustainably now, the earth in 2050 could look contrastingly different from how it does today. If carbon emissions continue to rise, the world in 2050 will be hot. The air will be fervent and heavy, and the temperature will continue to gradually rise.
The air will not be clean. There will be continuous issues of particle pollution which will inhibit you from breathing sufficiently outdoors. Causing respiratory distress and a persistent cough that refuses to lessen. Your eyes will frequently water due to pollution and the rising temperature. At times it’s even dangerous to step outside without a specially designed face mask to protect you from the elements.
It doesn’t sound ideal, does it?
This is why climate action is crucial. To protect our livelihoods, the livelihoods of our children, and the creatures inhabiting the planet with us.
There are so many different ways you can get involved in climate action. From switching your daily routine and personal purchases, to getting stuck in with large organisations environmental campaigns.
Imperial College London have put together some amazing tips and tricks to get you started on the road to improving your eco-friendly measures, here: 9 things you can do about climate change
We’re continuing to implement and set targets to stay on top of our emissions in the race against Climate Change. Got an idea that’ll help us reach Net Zero by 2030? We’d be happy to hear it!
Head over to our Contact Us page and send us your thoughts and ideas.
