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Net zero heroes: Harness technology to tackle climate change
Did you know 140 countries have already committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050?
So the race to combat the environmental crisis is well and truly on.
Succeeding at decarbonisation will rely heavily on innovation, technology and collaboration.
Understanding your organisation’s baseline
How do organisations join the movement towards a net zero future? It starts with understanding where you’re currently at. Capturing relevant energy and carbon data is a crucial first step to establishing your baseline and setting net zero boundaries. Armed with this knowledge, you can identify and prioritise the energy and carbon reduction measures that best suit your organisation.
Embracing AI and innovative technologies
Right now, AI is playing a big role in many industries, including energy. New technologies are being created to predict and improve energy supply and demand, leading to lower utility bills. Plus, innovative software can work out the best mix of renewable technology to invest in across your sites. Factors like weather patterns and power grid constraints are considered to create the ideal eco-friendly combination.
But the road to net zero isn’t without obstacles. One big challenge is the siloed nature of data, often spread across different areas of an organisation. This issue can be even more challenging for multinational companies working across multiple sectors.
Five considerations for your net zero strategy
But, fear not. This is how technology and innovation can help pave the way:
- Use AI and predictive analytics. These emerging technologies can optimise energy supply and demand, cutting costs and carbon emissions.
- Explore renewable energy modelling software. Use simulation tools that can help you plan and optimise for the best mix of net zero projects and technologies. These will both help reduce carbon and maximise return on investment.
- Improve data management and analytics. Leverage technology platforms to collect, store and analyse relevant data. This will make it easier to understand your organisation’s energy use and carbon emissions, while also informing the best strategy to achieve net zero.
- Work together. Collaborate within your organisation and with others to exchange insights, knowledge and best practices to support net zero goals.
- Keep up-to-date. Stay informed of emerging technologies, changing regulation on carbon accounting and reporting, and net zero targets.
Tackling climate change and working towards a net zero future requires a combination of innovation, technology and collaborative efforts. It’s all about joining forces, sharing knowledge and using the best tools at our disposal to create a more sustainable world. Now’s the time to be a net zero hero – let’s make it happen.
Insights from Alex Avila, Director of Plan Zero Consulting at Mitie.
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