The Road to Net Zero for Livery Halls and Livery Companies
The City of London Corporation has set out a Climate Action Strategy that commits to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the Square Mile by 2040, alongside greater climate resilience of City buildings, public spaces and infrastructure.
The City’s climate strategy is in support of the UK’s 2050 net-zero target, which in turn is in line with the 2015 Paris agreement’s aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts towards 1.5°C, compared with pre-industrial levels.
Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or net zero, is the mechanism written into UK government policy targets for 2050 (and 2040 for the City of London Corporation), whereby greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by their removal so as to achieve net zero overall. Greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming include carbon dioxide (80%), methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Heat is the largest emitter of GHG emissions. In the UK, 63% of heat is provided by natural gas, the highest percentage in Europe.
The process of eliminating CO₂ (carbon dioxide), or decarbonisation, can include transitioning to renewable energy sources, the greening of the City, reforestation on a national scale and carbon capture and storage (known as carbon sequestration) once we have the appropriate technology. To date, the majority of government and local authority net-zero targets for buildings are focused on “operational carbon” involving emissions as a result of a building’s use (called Scope 1 emissions) and the source of the energy the building uses (Scope 2 emissions). If a building’s entire energy supply is from renewable sources, scope 2 emissions would be at net zero. “Embodied carbon” is the carbon footprint of a building project before it becomes operational. It also refers to the CO₂ produced during refurbishment and at eventual demolition, including transporting and recycling the resulting waste. In future, building owners may be asked to report their emissions as part of the tracking and monitoring on the path to net zero.
These notes will help to identify the issues Livery Companies might face and will hopefully point to where solutions might be found. However, Livery Companies are recommended to seek their own professional advice.
The guidance notes:
Property
Property Glossary
A glossary of the terms used in the guidance notes on Property, together with links to further reading and explanations.
Heritage and Listed buildings
The most sustainable building is one that already exists. The challenge is to improve energy efficiency and make these buildings climate-change resilient.
Energy (Gas and Electricity)
Saving energy means saving on greenhouse gas emissions. It is that simple. Here are some ideas on saving energy without great capital outlay.
IT (Information Technology)
Information Technology is a key enabler on the path to net zero. This guide gives some pointers on how to take advantage of the technology that is already available on this journey.
Waste Management
There are many ways Livery Companies can reduce their general waste: some 70% of office waste is recyclable. The guidance note identifies some of the opportunities.
Circular Economy
Some two-thirds of materials we use slip through our fingers: plastics go into rivers and oceans, and a third of all food that is produced rots away. We need to rethink business models and solutions; repair rather throw away; and re-use products. This guidance note directs you to some sites which can help you achieve these aims.
Value of Green Spaces
There are two planetary emergencies upon us: climate change and biodiversity. Can Livery Companies help meet these twin challenges?
Water and Wastewater Management
Reducing water consumption saves money but also helps to meet the challenges of climate change. There are many ways Livery Companies can reduce their water consumption and these are included in this guidance paper.
Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning
Advice on energy efficient HVAC Systems whilst reducing the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles.
Transport
Livery Companies and members can combat climate change through their choice of travel.
Catering
Food
Mindful and sustainable food choices for Livery Company events make a worthwhile and meaningful contribution. Helpful guidance on how Companies can engage with caterers and their supply chains is provided here.
Investment
ESG Investment
Livery Companies are stewards of substantial assets invested in stocks and shares. This guidance note aims to help Livery Companies manage these assets in a sustainable way and in accordance with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles. This guidance note includes a Glossary of terms with links to sources of more detailed advice, further reading and explanation on ESG Investments.
Acknowledgements
The Guidance Notes were written by volunteers with the relevant skill-sets drawn from the wide multi-disciplinary expertise in the Livery Companies and Guilds.
Property and Transport: John Pike (Chartered Surveyors), Heather Barrett-Mold (Gardeners), Peter Blair-Fish (Engineers), Rob Casey (Water Conservators), John Clink (Merchant Taylors), Nick Dart (Leathersellers), Derek Farrow (Constructors), Martin Gettings (Constructors), Simon Honey (Information Technologists), Averil MacDonald (Fuellers), Andy Miles (Management Consultants), Edwina Moreton (World Traders), Philip Pascall (Ironmongers), Neil Reynolds (Water Conservators), Sheldon Stoutt(Information Technologists), Rebecca Thompson (Constructors), Liz Thrussell (Information Technologists), Chris Williamson (Architects).
Food; Richard Herbage (Cooks), Margaret Boanas (Butchers), David Smith (Cooks), Richard Whitlock (Famers). Approved by The Pan-Livery Food Group.
Investment: Robert Hughes-Penney (Investment Managers), Liz Field (International Bankers), Stephen Beer (Investment Managers), Peter Hall (Water Conservators), Christine Jarvis (Water Conservators), Jenny Knott (International Bankers), Eoin Murray (Investment Managers), Liz Thrussell (International Bankers).
The Property and Transport Guidance Notes were fact-checked independently by researchers from a collaboration of 15 of the UK’s top universities known as UKCRIC, the Institute for Infrastructure and Cities, arranged through the UKCRIC Deputy Convenor Prof Gordon Masterton (Engineers).