We take our role in helping achieve net zero carbon seriously. It’s key to our vision of leading in building thriving communities and how we contribute to the lives of our customers both now and in the future. We’re committed to the environment and reducing our impact on it.
You’ve told us that you care about it too. In a recent survey, 79% of you told us that you are concerned about climate change and that 73% of you believe climate change is already impacting you.
It’s a pretty big issue. So, what can we do about it? Let’s start with some basics…
What is net zero carbon?
You’ve probably heard the term ‘net zero carbon’ in the news recently, but what does that mean exactly? We reach ‘net zero’ when the amount of carbon dioxide we add into the atmosphere is no more than the amount taken away. In other words, we achieve net zero when we stop adding to global warming.
Why is carbon dioxide bad?
Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to something called the ‘greenhouse effect’. This is when too much carbon dioxide creates a cover that traps the sun's heat energy in our atmospheric bubble, warming our planet and our oceans. An increase in carbon dioxide causes changes in the planet’s weather patterns – which is why we are seeing an increase in the planet’s temperature, with more floods, droughts and natural disasters. Most carbon dioxide comes from the burning of oil, gas and coal. Our planet is hurting and it needs us all to make some changes.
What can be done about it?
Although it’s a big issue, there are some small things that each of us can do to help bring change:
- Especially in winter, you can close your curtains and use draft excluders by doorways to help keep heat in and create a cosy space - and reduce the need to put the heating on or make your boiler work harder
- Cut down on the amount of meat you eat and try veggie or vegan meals twice a week or more
- Reuse/Recycle/Reduce!
- Use multiple use bottles in and around the home for washing or cleaning products
- Separate food and recycling
- Be thrifty – use apps like Vinted to buy and sell household items, clothes, toys or even digital devices that you don’t use anymore, but someone else might be able to
What is Orbit doing to help achieve net zero carbon?
To help us achieve our sustainability goals, we’ve created a ‘Net Zero Carbon Roadmap’. It outlines how we plan to achieve net zero carbon in our operations by 2030 and how we will become net zero carbon in our homes and with the products and services we buy before 2050.
Download our Net Zero Carbon roadmap
You may have heard the term ‘ESG’ which stands for ‘Environmental Social Governance’ – it’s often called ‘sustainability’. It’s how businesses make a difference, respond to climate change, how we treat our customers, employees and supply partners. It also sets out how we will help:
- Protect the planet
- End fuel poverty
- Ensure prosperity for all.
To read more about our ESG strategy please visit: orbitgroup.org.uk/sustainability
We’re in this together
By working together and each doing our part, we can make a real difference. Climate change, the environment and how we can achieve net zero carbon are topics we’re going to be speaking about a lot in the days and weeks to come, so please keep an eye out for more information about how we can all go greener. We are here, you are not on your own and we are in this together.
