Carbon offsetting has been experiencing growing attention of late, as bigger online personalities have become involved with initiatives to restore green spaces.

One of the most ambitious recently has been the collaboration of YouTuber Mr. Beast and Team Trees to plant 20 million trees with donations from followers. This is also something close to heart here at Utility Trade Group as we recently announced our own carbon offsetting project, and something we fully support as a renewable energy provider.

Ministers within England have recently launched a consultation on exploring ways to meet their pledge of trebling current planting levels in a bid to cover at least 30,000 hectares a year by 2025 or the equivalent of 30 million new trees each year. There are challenges to overcome, as it isn’t simply just planting a host of trees here and there – it is hoped that the right tree can be planted in the right place.

To support this, the government is now asking the public and other interested parties, such as landowners, to get more involved with the process – asking how best to achieve its aims with a view to publishing a new strategy for tree planting within the country later this year.

There are four key points this consultation focuses on:

• How to accelerate the tree planting strategy to combat climate change
• How to improvement the management and protection of existing green areas such as woodlands
• How to further connect people to nature
• How to enhance to role in which trees and woodlands support the economy

The recommendation to increase total UK woodland cover from the current 13% to a minimum of 17% in 2050 may also be accelerated, with the recent race to zero initiative launched within Europe. Furthermore, the UK government have mentioned that this will be fast tracked alongside working closely with administrations in both Scotland and Wales which are planting an additional 10,000 and 2,00 hectares respectively of woodland each year too. In order to support this, an additional £640m of funding had been announced for March’s Budget for Nature for Climate fund.

To find out more about carbon offsetting projects for personal or commercial purposes, or to explore ways in which you can reduce your own carbon footprint, get in touch with us today and explore how you can do your part in reaching our net zero goals.

We recently explored a statement signed by over two hundred business leaders calling for a renewed focus on an economic recovery that aligns with the UK’s climate change agenda.

However, a recent change and extension to the Climate Change Agreement could see a growing number of businesses sign on to this way of thinking.

The climate change agreement is laid out in a way that businesses who reduce energy usage can claim discounts on the climate change levy for their energy bills, but under the current rules, no new businesses have been able to join this scheme since October 2018.

It has now been announced that new targets will be put in place from January 2021, extending the scheme past the current 2023 end date through to March 2025, whilst also providing businesses with an opportunity to join the agreement at a time where savings may be needed most, as we come through the other side of this pandemic. New businesses can begin to submit their CCA application from September of this year, and also seek views for an extension following the March 2025 end date in the future.

This change suggests the scheme can secure up to £300 million in annual savings for companies across the country, but also with wider climate implications as the scheme will prevent an estimated 700,000 tonnes of Co2 – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road. There have already been concerns that with so many businesses opening all at once following the three month lockdown, all efforts of reducing the climate impact could be reversed in the short term, and that this extension could go a long way in accelerating the countries climate change goals.

With the opportunity now available to be part of this climate change agreement, it may be time to prepare your business to meet these energy efficiency goals – you can explore the options we have available for you, or get in touch with us today to start saving money and be a part of our clean energy future.

In a recent post, we explored the growing demand for EV vehicles within the UK and the impact that it may have on the country’s infrastructure, as we move forward towards the net zero goal laid out for 2050.

The spread of the coronavirus could in fact accelerate this change, namely on the EV front, and appears to be driving a greater effort in ensuring infrastructure is ready for our growing EV demand.

The automotive industry has taken a big hit during this period of time. Expectations are that the wider market may see a drop of around 15% due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, but within that, similar expectations suggest the electric vehicle market will either remain steady or be up a little on last year’s figures. As a result, it is forecast to make up around 3% of all vehicle sales – and alongside this are plans to extend the EV charging network within the UK by almost a third, according to predictions.

This change could lead to the wider spread acceptance of electric vehicles as a whole – although there are still some holdouts. In a survey, we asked if the general public are more receptive to the idea of using an electric vehicle after seeing the impact of COVID-19 on the environment, but over half said they weren’t:

This is largely due to restrictions on charging and battery capacity. Of those asked, 45% and 39% respectively suggested that their reasons for not buying an EV are because the availability for charging is limited, and that distance travelled per charge wasn’t high enough. If the charging network is expanded following predictions, this could make big waves in bridging the gap for many and be a catalyst for expanding the market even further – thus accelerating the timeline to reach the country’s goal.

With a renewed focus on climate change and clean, sustainable energy choices following the coronavirus outbreak, now is a perfect opportunity to make changes. To see how Utility Trade Group’s EV charging solutions can help you, get in touch today to do your part in reducing our climate impact.

We’re moving into the summer months, which always proves to be a great time for solar as a renewable energy resource.

As we had recently covered a piece that took a look at the potential for solar following COVID-19, we’re now beginning to see some early benefits that may not have been entirely expected. This comes amidst a time where there has been a renewed focus on clean renewables and may help in some way to lead the change in attitude.

A falling demand in energy requirements had been outlined as a reason in which solar had such a strong performance in the past two months, but the heatwave currently hitting Europe could provide a secondary boon.

As more solar farms have come online recently, records have been broken throughout May and June, and with the long, clear and hot days we’re currently experiencing, it has been expected that these numbers may continue to grow with the same vigour. This has resulted in a shift for energy companies too, as other forms of energy are being asked to run at reduced capacity due to oversupply.

The lack of pollution has also played its part in this – fewer cars on the road and fewer planes in the sky have been attributed to solar performing so well too. Less air pollution allows the panels to perform more efficiently, which may have only been a good sign in the short term as we now begin to see increasing traffic. That said, if the current weather can be capitalised on before big changes in global pollution levels change once again, it may serve as a great indicator of what could be for solar in the longer term as we move toward a net zero goal.

As solar panel options hit lower prices and with large scale battery storage now becoming more affordable and consumer friendly, this period of time and the growing changes in weather in the summer months could be a catalyst for growing change. You can explore our solar options for both business and consumer here, or you can get in touch today to have one of experts explore your options.

One constant throughout the spread of the coronavirus and the lockdown measures that have been put in place, is the change in our energy demand over the past three months.

We recently wrote a piece showing that globally emissions are expected to fall by 8% as the general public seem more receptive to preventing climate change.

This changing energy demand has led to a reduction in one of the UKs energy staples in coal amongst other factors leading to the UK’s longest period of time without any reliance on coal for energy. The previous record had been for 18 days, 6 hours and 10 minutes which had been set in June, but a combination of reduced energy requirement through lockdown and the sunniest May on record have led to a new record being set – currently at 61 days without coal power.

It is now expected that as the country reopens on a wider scale as non-essential businesses have been given the green light to open again that the increasing energy demand will also put demand back on coal produced energy. It is, however, a hallmark achievement and shows the progress made in this space and the progress toward the UK government’s goal of closing all coal plants by 2024 as part of the approach to reach the 2050 goal of net zero.

Another factor to consider is something we had previously addressed – there are expert fears that changing habits due to social distancing could lead a short term spike in energy consumption as the country rebounds. If this is the case, some of the goals laid out may need to be revisited – if coal usage is to be replaced, there needs to be a strong renewed focus in ensuring a green recovery as businesses across the country are putting pressure to ensure the same as well as the changing public sentiment that this should also be a priority. 

Utility Trade Group can help to identify clean energy solutions to help meet this goal, get in touch with us today to explore how you can help reach the net zero goal.

As the UK moves into a period of recovery, there has been a lot of mention for a focus to be on an economic recovery, which we had recently covered in a post exploring the impact of this easing lockdown.

However, as increasing pressure is placed on finding an economic recovery that falls in like with the UK’s emission goals, it has become clear that there are a growing number of opportunities in a renewed focus on our energy infrastructure.

Green energy has already become a pillar of the UK economy. Offshore wind value has already climbed by 17% with the solar industry falling a little behind growing by 7%. There are also suggestions that following the UKs last financial crisis, the green economy contributed substantial growth by supporting tens of thousands of new jobs and new export markets, something that may be increasingly important as it was recently announced that the UK GDP has shrunk by 20.4% following the COVID-19 crisis.

This renewed focus also comes at a time where there is increasing pressure being placed on the government to secure an environmental recovery following COVID-19. Combined with the support of the public, who after being surveyed have also shown the demand for this to be a priority – now may be the perfect time to make this change and grab a huge corner of the world’s renewable energy investments. With a strong history in providing jobs it may help ease the transition for the 1.4 million currently expected to be unemployed once lockdown is fully lifted.

The New Economics Foundation think-tank have also recently stated that the goals for the country have never been more aligned. As we start to fully understand the climate impact that the pandemic has had, alongside the economic recovery that is required, the two measures for recovery are moving hand in hand. If this is able to be capitalised on, it may go a long way in helping to reach the net zero goal set out for 2050.

To find out ways in which Utility Trade Group can assist your business in helping with this renewed focus on energy infrastructure, please get in touch with us today to hear about the solutions available to you.

We recently wrote a piece on how there’s an increasing demand for electric vehicles as the technology has improved and battery range continues to grow.

Electric vehicle usage has also been considered a key part in reducing our impact on the environment as the UK heads towards a net zero goal – but the evolving technology has led to innovation in another area of clean transport.

This innovation is being seen within the aviation industry as one company has made strides to creating a solution to this problem, but there are limitations to overcome:

The first is with range – with current weight and battery restrictions, it has been suggested current instalments may have a max flight range of 500km, but with safety margins that could be a little lower. This does solve one problem, however, as it has also been suggested that 54% of commercial flights worldwide are short haul domestic flights with an average distance travelled of 780km, with some popular routes being almost half. A small increase in capacity could lead to these flights being a very viable option for these majority in short haul options.

There’s also passenger capacity that has to be considered, the current electric alternative is only outfitted to hold nine passengers, quite a difference from the two hundred seater air busses that fly up and down. Big names in aviation such as EasyJet have already suggested they’re looking to make moves into this market. There’s clearly still a lot of ground to cover to make this as efficient as our current options, but as the first clean alternative it’s a great start. It’s also an indication of where the market is moving and just how quickly it’s progressing, and possibly a key market that needs to be explored in order to reach many of the climate change goals set out for the next few decades.

Utility Trade Group may not be able to fly you through the skies, but we do have a wide range of options available to help do your part in reducing our carbon footprint – get in touch today to see how we can help.

Workers across the country are now being urged to return to work as Boris Johnson has eased lockdown measures, but by doing so, it may be a catalyst to undoing much of the change that has led to positive climate and pollution changes in the past few months.

In a recent post we explored a recent story in which industry leaders urged the government to prioritise an economic recovery that aligns with the climate change goals – but there are fears this hurry back to work may have adverse effects.

Alongside a changing attitude as social distancing becomes normal behaviour, the government have also urged workers to avoid public transport where possible, but countless studies have shown the benefit of public transport on the environment relative to the use of personal transport. Over the course of lockdown measures, use of the rail network in London alone dropped by over 90%, and whilst information on private vehicle use is still not widely known, it will have certainly offset these figures:

There had already been growing concerns that a U-turn could be apparent in the drop in emissions following a return to normalcy – increasing use of personal transport may accelerate the rate in which the changes observed during the pandemic either return to the levels they had previously been at, or as some expect possibly make it worse.

Whilst there have been strides made towards making electric vehicles more affordable to the general public, the auto-industry has also been hit hard by the spread of the coronavirus which is more dangerous for the EV industry as it is still young without widespread consumer support. Alongside this, is the realisation that this period may not be a successful time to push electric alternatives, as many are more focussed on essentials than luxury goods.

If the UK is to reach targets to reduce petrol and diesel vehicles on the road, replacing them with electric vehicles, encouraging safe use of public transport, despite the current risks of doing so, may be vital. Utility Trade Group can help with any aspect of renewable energy, including the provision of EV charging points. If we can help you, then please get in touch today.

As the UK continues to strive to reach its ‘net zero’ goal laid out for 2050, one of the key elements to overcome has been identified within energy efficiency, and how improving on this may be key to reaching that goal.

In a recent piece, we had taken a look at the changing energy prices during the impact of COVID-19, but there is also a growing trend in homes looking to tackle the energy efficiency question. Currently, homes within the UK contribute around 15% of the country’s GHG emissions through energy usage. 

Whilst ‘smart’ may not always translate directly to green or efficient, there are many options available that may help to reach the net zero goal. These could also prove to be a more cost-effective approach compared to more luxury changes, such as changing to an electric vehicle.

One suggestion is to change to smart thermostats and smart lighting, for example. It has been proposed that a smart thermostat may reduce energy usage through heating by up to 37%, translating to over £100 per year. Furthermore, the use of LED lighting has also long been outlined as a valuable transition – proving to be 80% more energy efficient than traditional lighting.  

As current lockdown measures begin to ease and draw to an end, the expectation is that energy prices are likely to rise again as outlined in our previous post. Making the change towards some of these smart energy efficient systems may be a cost effective way to offset this change. Changes here have already been successfully introduced on a wider scale in other parts of the world and combined with the lockdown showing homeowners how much can be saved in the longer term – we hope to see a shift. Further resonation is given in our recent survey results:

To reach the 2050 goal laid out, strides need to be taken in as many markets as possible to ensure neutrality and energy requirements are met. Get in touch today to see how Utility Trade Group’s specialist Account Managers can assist.

Reaching the net zero goal laid out by Boris Johnson requires far greater involvement than simply reducing commercial business emissions and changing to an electric vehicle.

Our recent post explored why net zero matters so much, but the steps to reach that goal also come with their own challenges. Fortunately, accelerating advancements are assisting in reaching this goal.

One area that may assist, can be found within our own homes. Data released by the Committee on Climate Change last year suggests that UK homes are ‘shockingly unprepared’ for climate change, as housing emissions are off track to meet the targets. Currently homes account for 15% of emissions through energy usage, which may rise and fall with temperature fluctuations taken into account – but to reach goals laid out, these emissions need to be cut to 24% below their levels in 1990, with the current reduction sitting at just 9%.

Criticism has also been heavily raised recently, as regulation around energy efficiency in homes had been scrapped, with many new builds only meeting minimum standards for energy efficiency requirements.

Whilst going ‘off the grid’ may be difficult in practice, there are steps that can be taken, as methods are available for closing the circuit. Recent years have seen solar power become a popular choice for homeowners, as the low cost of maintenance helps toward the offsetting cost as the panels pay for themselves over a number of years. Similarly, battery storage solutions are shifting from solely commercial applications, as home solutions become available, reducing the demand the average home places on the grid.

Increasing pressure is likely to be felt by homeowners in the coming years to ensure their energy requirements begin to reduce, especially as we approach the net zero date. Thousands have already seen the benefits of a reduced energy requirement during the coronavirus lockdown, as some energy companies were able to offer rebates on using energy during the period of reduced demand. Utility Trade Group are experts in the field, so please get in touch today if we can help with any aspect of your renewable energy provision.

As the UK prepares to continue easing lockdown measures across the country, an increased focus has been placed on economic recovery, and how businesses within the UK can return to operating as usual despite the disruptions.

Business leaders are now calling on Boris Johnson to ensure that any plan for economic recovery aligns with the countries climate goals – something we discussed in a recent article.

Almost 200 chief execs from companies, including the likes of HSBC, Aviva, Lloyds, BP, and National Grid are calling for a clean, just recovery. The statement signed by these industry leaders, states that shifts in how we operate have already started, and that we must now use the recovery to accelerate the transition to the ‘net zero’ goal set out for 2050.

This sentiment also calls on those who have signed an open letter to the G20 to do the same – the signatories include health professionals representing over 90 different countries.

In a recent survey conducted, this sentiment is also shared by the general public, as the majority agree they are now more receptive to the idea of preventing climate change, with the same also being true across the world:

This may be more important over the coming months – countries across Europe have already started to announce the allowing of international travel throughout June, with some of the previously hardest hit countries restricting travel from locations that are still experiencing a high infection rate.

The resumption in aviation activity, combined with calls for the general public to return to work on a large scale whilst avoiding busy public transport, have experts concerned it could lead to higher pollution levels than prior to the crisis.

The letter signed by industry leaders sets out three key measures – the first targeting investment and policy measures such as tax incentives and penalty prices regarding carbon emissions.

The second is to prioritise helping sectors in emerging technologies toward energy efficiency, carbon electricity, and renewable infrastructure.

And the final point set out was to create stimulus packages that help businesses receiving support from the government to align their business strategy with the government’s climate goals. 

Now may be the perfect time to encourage change, with the hope that the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t cause delays of reaching the net zero goal over the next three decades. Utility Trade Group have helped many businesses with the provision of their renewable energy sources, in order to assist the shift towards net-zero. Get in touch today if we can help you too.

The emergence and spread of coronavirus has resulted in many records being set within the energy industry.

We had written a piece recently that outlined how Brexit could affect energy prices, but the Brexit impact could pale into relative insignificance in comparison to the biggest challenge the country has faced since wartime – Covid-19.

These changes are largely occurring due to a changing demand in energy during the lockdown period. As many businesses close, energy usage across the country has dropped – up to 12% in the UK. This change in demand has been likened to the typical usage over a weekend period only and has led to the change in demand for where our energy comes from – namely in coal. Many countries have announced that, during lockdown, there had been no reliance on coal power for over two weeks – for the UK specifically, this helps align the goal of being completely free of coal power by 2025. Furthermore, this adds solid momentum, as we head towards the summer months where there is less demand for coal power too.

The second record set is within the oil sector – namely the huge drops in price as the aviation industry shut down and vehicles remained off the road. At the peak of the virus, the price of WTI Crude – a benchmark crude for the US – dropped to a record low of negative $40 per barrel, something previously unprecedented. This dip in overall prices has led to new fixed energy tariff deals for household energy, with costs set to remain below £800 – the first time in two years that figure has been achieved. The current price difference between the best deal on the market and the current average household deal stands at £398, a significant potential saving for those looking to change their energy tariff. 

There may be a quick shift over time, however, as average daily electricity use at home has risen by an estimated 30% during quarantine – a rise of around £18 in value. Whether or not the quarantine figures will be factored in or not, is yet to be seen, and the bounce back of pricing once the pandemic ends may cause a significant vertical shift

For now however, it looks as though energy prices have taken a huge drop and the opportunity is rife for significant savings. Get in touch today to see how Utility Trade Group’s specialist Account Managers can find the best energy deal for you.

The spread of coronavirus and its positive impact on both climate change and pollution, has led to a renewed focus on renewable energy and our national interest in achieving net-zero.

We wrote only last week about why net-zero matters so much, with the current global pandemic prompting World Leaders to call for increased support, as we move on a path that resembles some element of normality. That said, our recent article suggests that Covid-19 really could be the catalyst for the beginning of the end of our energy as we know it.

One sector that has already been taking significant strides towards this goal, is the farming sector. Currently, global agriculture contributes around one fifth of all global greenhouse gas emissions – a figure that is expected to drop by as much as 20%, as measures are being implemented to reduce up to 4.6 gigatons of Co2 emissions by 2050. The core strategy here is the introduction of sustainable and energy efficient solutions. 

One suggestion being widely considered, is the widespread use of solar PV panels within agriculture. With large expanses of unused land, and vast flat roofing on buildings, farms are ideal for large installations that can generate substantial amounts of electricity and offset much of their consumption. Our recent article highlights the importance of solar, outlining the fact it has been able to provide a significant amount of clean energy – more than 11% of the energy demand within the UK, since April 10th.

Agriculture has always been quick to adopt new practices to help improve their way of working. If the sector can adapt further, and help shape the progression to more efficient energy sources, others may quickly follow. There are current grants to encourage farms across the country to adopt a move to solar, with reducing cost in panels and increasing efficiency at the forefront of them. Combine this with a potential renewed focus from the public and government, it is possible to see positive change in the longer term.

There have also been studies and suggestions to other forms of sustainable help that could reduce the impact farming has on the environment. One suggestion has been centred around urban farming, as a study found that growing fruit and vegetables in just 10% of a city’s green space could provide a five a day for up to 90,000 people.

We are now coming through the other side of a difficult couple of months of disruption. As such, finding clean and alternative methods for reaching a proposed net zero may now become more important. Utility Trade Group can assist with the provision of sustainable and clean energy – so get in touch today if we can help.

For the energy conscious, it may feel like the ‘net zero’ goal and reliance on clean renewable energy may still be some time away.

Boris Johnson vowed to ‘beat the renewable energy sceptics’ in his Conservative Party Conference last year, and within the UK, that goal has been set for 2050, with a reduced reliance on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles set for 2035 – something we have written about previously at Utility Trade Group.

There are some strong early signs, however, as many change their vehicle use habits and adopt a clean change early.

The biggest change can be seen within electric vehicle usage and a holistic approach to offset energy costs associated with charging – namely through the use of solar. A survey conducted in 2017 suggested that between 28% to 40% of all EV users would also use home solar panels:

As a few years have passed, this number may now be much higher – especially as the use of electric vehicles has started to soar in recent years, with growing incentives to own one. A limiting factor has always been the cost associated with both electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, however that is starting to be offset as the tech becomes cheaper and more widely available.

There may now also be an unprecedented opportunity to push this market, and renewables as a whole, even further. Lockdown measures have led to an increasing public support for sustainable and renewable energy – this alongside the growing market for electric vehicles and changing attitude in support for them, could lead to a bigger push for usage within this sector.

It is also already evidenced that this shift is entirely possible too – during lockdown there has been a reduction in energy demand across the board, which has led to coal usage dropping substantially. As a result, many countries across the globe have stated they had zero reliance on coal as an energy source, for a number of weeks at a time. Whether or not this is sustainable into the future, as the world kickstarts once again, is yet to be seen – but there is a lot to be learned from the past three to four months, and how we can change our energy needs in such a way that sustainable solutions are much more attainable and effective. The relationships such as those found between electric vehicle and home solar usage are prime indicators of this.

Utility Trade Group offer a whole host of renewable energy solutions, including Solar PV, EV charging points, Far Infrared Heating, and many more. Our holistic approach to sustainable energy is future proofed, so get in touch today if we can help.

The idea of reducing reliance on non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources isn’t an abstract one, and the virtues of doing so have long been realised.

As such, the goal of ‘net zero’ and the importance of reaching this goal cannot be understated – something underlined by Boris Johnson’s call for all countries to set net zero emissions goals in 2020.

Here at Utility Trade Group, we recently wrote a post that explored some of the challenges of reaching this net zero goal – the biggest challenge encountered within the energy efficiency sector, and how bigger changes are required to make a push towards the goal set out. 

This article was written before the spread of the global pandemic, which may explain as to how widespread change in this area can have an impact, as well as outlining the importance of reaching this net zero target.

The biggest area to tackle has always been on the subject of climate change – at the peak of the coronavirus lockdown efforts, global CO2 levels fell by up to 17%, and a survey conducted by us also suggests that there is widespread support for preventative measures:

Heatmaps showing pollution levels over certain cities, and the images in circulation showing the visible reduction in pollution levels around the world, offer hope to those involved with the drive for change. Whilst, for many, it may be difficult to grasp the importance of net zero through an energy efficiency or cost requirement – the imagery showing a clear and visible reduction in pollution speaks volumes and provides visualisation as to the long term benefits.

The challenges outlined in our recent post regarding energy efficiency are still very much true and remained unchanged, but there are positive signs highlighting the importance of the net zero goal, with strong results being shown so early. As lockdown measures begin to end, the coming weeks will start to provide more data and information comparing pre-covid conditions, the conditions during covid, and subsequently data following covid ,once most of the world begins to operate and full capacity again.

If the net zero goal is to be reached comfortably, or even earlier than intended, it may be key to capitalise on the momentum in changing attitudes toward climate change, before the focus shifts once again to an economic recovery, rather than an environmental recovery.

If we can help you with any aspects of your renewable or sustainable energy provision, then please get in touch today.

As the spread of the coronavirus begins to slow, many countries around the world are starting to ease their lockdown measures and begin their path to recovery.

However, as many strive for a return to normality, there are growing concerns that the positive impact on climate change seen over the past few months may quickly reverse.

This leads nicely on to the question of whether or not a new ‘normal’ should be what we strive toward. Survey results from Utility Trade Group suggest that the public are now more receptive to the idea of preventing climate change following COVID-19:

The question surrounding change may not be so simple, however, as social distancing measures are expected to remain for the foreseeable future. At the peak of lockdown, global CO2 emissions saw a 17% drop, but many fear that this may be higher than before the crisis now the lockdown is over, as people turn to personal transport over the use of public transport. 

Our survey results support this theory too:

As the UK is set to head towards the ‘net zero’ goal by 2050, the global pandemic has provided an opportunity to bring this date forward and strive for change much earlier than previously set out. It’s a difficult sell to push change so early, especially after many of us have faced a difficult few months – but as the first survey shows, there is support for a sustained drive.

Once we settle back into the more regular day to day activities, a clearer picture will emerge of the climate change impact both during and after the three month period that saw the biggest change. At that point, the difference can be measured, but it may also be too late to push for a wider change. Now is the perfect time to push and encourage a reduced reliance on our vehicles – if the goal is to improve ‘normal’, the continued and renewed focus on climate change needs to be capitalised on, whilst some measures are still in place. 

The next stages have already been made clear, with international travel next on the list of things to get underway again. As businesses reopen, we may also see reports of coal power being relied upon once again after months of low to zero reliance. The consumer mindset had been swayed during the pandemic, but whether or not that changing mindset is permanent or not will now be tested.

One thing remains clear – if we are to achieve our net-zero goal, normal needs to change. We need a new normal with a strong, collective desire for change – something that we are strong advocates of here at Utility Trade Group. Our solutions are perfect for the holistic approach required to drive longer term sustainability – so get in touch today if we can help.

Net Zero is the goal by 2050, as outlined by the British Government – and it’s one that Utility Trade are advocates of.

Whilst everyone needs to do their bit if this is to be achieved, there is perhaps nothing more important than flexible energy systems in the transition period.

Andrew Lever, Director of the Carbon Trust states:  “Significant action and investment are required to transition our energy system to help achieve net zero emissions for the UK economy by 2050. As the focus moves towards the decarbonisation of heat and transport sectors, it is essential that new sources of flexibility are explored to ensure the shift to net zero is achieved at lowest cost.”

This follows up on our recent articles about Solar PV having a bright future, and survey data showing a surge in increase in EV demand, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. Flexible energy involves consumers being more receptive to renewable resources, and indeed being open to use the array of options available to them. Our survey data supports this:

• 44% of people said that, given the changes to the climate they’ve seen in the lockdown period, they’d be receptive to switching their vehicle to an EV.
• Almost 74% of people believe that the period of lockdown has contributed positively to climate change, and they’d be willing to do more to enhance it further.

A flexible energy system is high on the list of priorities in Britain, and Carbon Trust have launched a project to understand the requirements in it achieving the net zero goal. The cost of a future energy system in Great Britain could be reduced by £40 billion, with greater flexibility and the implementation of storage.

Solar energy, EVs, LED lighting and a whole host of other renewable energy resources will be at the forefront of the flexible energy systems. Furthermore, thanks to advances in technology, the UK has been able to hit its longest coal-free period since pre-industrial times, as solar energy has been able to provide a significant amount – more than 11% of the energy demand within the UK, since April 10th.

The net benefits of deploying flexibility technologies, inclusive of their costs, are in the range of £1.4-2.4 bn/year in 2030. This is a substantial monetary figure, and combined with the environmental benefits, one that we should all work towards.

At Utility Trade Group, we offer a wide range of renewable energy solutions, so please get in touch today to find out how we can help you play your part in the implementation of a flexible energy system.

According to The International Energy Agency, renewable electricity will be the only source resilient to the biggest change in energy provision since wartime.

This follows on from our article last week, where we outlined the fact that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and being prepared to do more on the climate change front is essential to the UK’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The IEA’s report summarised a number of pressing predictions: 

• Demand for fossil fuels would be wiped out by Covid-19, prompting a collapse in energy demand equivalent to around 700% of that triggered by the global financial crisis.
• Covid-19 would trigger a slump in the demand for oil, gas and coal that could last for up to 30 years.
• Renewable energy is likely to continue to see sustained growth, meaning clean electricity is likely to play a fundamental role in the global energy system and eradicate the last 10 years’ worth of carbon emission growth.

These are powerful predictions from the world’s energy watchdog, and ones that will make an impression on our readers, especially those who would like to do more to prevent climate change. Our recent survey showed that over 73% of people are wanting to do more in the area, in light of Covid-19:

The growth of renewable energy is forecasted at 5% this year – a figure which would make up around 30% of the world’s faltering demand for electricity. Importantly, the growth of renewable energy in light of the pandemic could spur non-renewable energy producers to generate renewable and cleaner energy.

With global energy demand likely to plummet by 6% this year alone, there is no greater opportunity than the present to begin the process of change. The Covid-19 pandemic has not only changed the mindset of consumers, but the impact of the virus has forced the hand of some of the largest providers of fossil fuels. The start of 2020 is likely to be the start of the end of our energy as we know it, so if we can help with any aspects of your renewable energy provision, then get in touch today.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and being prepared to do more on the climate change front is essential to the UK’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic – that’s according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

An important statement in recovery, and one that Utility Trade Group have gathered some data around, in order to outline the general consensus on. Our survey showed that over 73% of people are willing to do more to tackle climate change:

The lockdown measures imposed by the British Government have resulted in far less cars on the road, and an almost complete suspension of air travel. If we are going to tackle the issues at hand, head on, then one core strategy will be to ensure that this travel behaviour will soon become the norm, and not merely a temporary measure in light of the pandemic. Trends adopted during lockdown should be rolled out longer term.

In light of this, we surveyed the same representative sample to find out if they’d be willing to change their travel behaviours, and even switch to an EV in the near future:

Over 36% of people said that they would change their driving habits and wouldn’t be using their car as normal. Perhaps more impressive, is the fact that 44% of people indicated that they are now more receptive to switching to an EV.

Our hope is that consumers will now begin to support climate change in a way that’s never been seen before. In light of the reduction of carbon emissions over the past few months, we’d like to see this translated into a longer term will and desire for change. Reducing emissions through the use of EVs is an essential component in that changing behaviour.

The Government’s net zero target is fast approaching, and the benefits of acting on climate change should be shared widely. If we can help you with the provision of an EV charging point, or indeed any other renewable energy solution to help you drive change, then please get in touch today.

The impact of Covid-19 on everyday life is no secret – health organisations under immense pressure, and the impact on the economy devastating.

However, the knock-on effect that the global pandemic has had, and continues to have, on global emissions is something that has gone under the radar.

A statement from the International Energy Agency, indicates they expect to see global emissions fall by a record 8%. This correlates with a survey we recently ran, showing that over 73% of that representative sample have indicated that they are now more receptive to the idea: 

Our survey was a representative sample of the UK, asking their view on whether they would be more prone to doing their bit in pushing for change on climate control. The result was overwhelmingly positive.

Lockdown measures are at the forefront of this prediction, as electricity demand has fallen by 20% in some areas – likely attributed to the lack of demand from businesses and manufacturers – both of which place heavy stress on the grid in peak operational times. Whilst it goes without saying that domestic usage has increased during lockdown – the former’s increase far outweighs the latter’s decrease.

The gas industry has seen a more moderate shift – around 2%. That said, global coal demand has dropped by around 8%, with oil demand following in close quarters. In fact, there was recently a situation in the US, whereby oil hit negative – suppliers were paying consumers to take it away, due to a lack of demand impacting the storage space available to them, for the commodity.

The forecast is such that oil demand could drop by around 9% on average across the year, with coal predicted to follow suit, to the tune of 8%.

Given the results of our survey, and the likelihood that people are now wanting to do more than ever to control climate change – the outlook is bright for the renewable energy sector. Utility Trade Group are advocates of going green, and we offer a host of renewable energy solutions to help both commercial and domestic users do their bit for the climate. Get in touch today to see how we can help.