Meeting the demand needed to get the country to “net zero” is going to be a challenge but we’re making it our business to help your  businesses over all the obstacles and become net zero organisations.

Credit: Ricardo Esquivel

Half the battle of tackling any problem is to understand what we’re up against, so let’s start with the legal stuff:

The Climate Change Act of 2008 commits the UK government by law to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050.

Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses is not only going to be key to meeting the net zero targets, but also for tackling the ongoing energy crisis. As it stands, UK buildings currently account for around a quarter of UK carbon emissions. We’re not on track to meet the UK carbon reduction targets.

There’s so much evidence out there to illustrate the growing demand for net zero organisations like yours:

In a survey conducted in 2022 by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, a new report found the following:

• 14% of businesses have either never had a boiler service or have not had one in the last five years.
• More than 50% claimed they want to focus on energy efficiency to tackle the costs associated with the energy crisis.

Source: The edie network

There’s lots to do and pressure is mounting on Government to accelerate efforts.

Extract from a letter from Lord Deben, Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, to Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, dated 9th November 2022:

“A decade ago, 2.3 million energy efficiency measures were installed annually through Government-backed schemes. In 2021, fewer than 100,000 were installed. Reducing energy demand in UK buildings is now the biggest gap in current Government energy policy.”

Source: Climate Change Committee

The consequence of such high demand is that any organisation contributing to our net zero targets will face a greater need for efficient working practice and self-sufficiency.

Is that such a bad thing? We don’t think so. Tackling your operational inefficiencies may feel like a distraction. However if your organisation becomes a better one as a result, then the opportunity to improve is clearly advantageous.

“We must find new ways to produce, to work and to live that significantly reduce our impact on the natural world.

BNP Paribas

So, the question has to be: HOW?

Credit: Rodolfo Clix

We know that extra pressures on any organisation are unwelcome right now. The economy is contracting, and we all need less problems to resolve, not more! On the other hand, here at Optimo we can take the weight off your shoulders. By assisting your company with your innovations that make a genuine difference.

Here are some of the common challenges that companies supporting the journey to net zero are facing:

David Gard, Executive Director of MEECA (a nonprofit trade association for energy efficiency contractors):

“A major challenge for many is profitability, and efficiency, when developing additional business, especially from new customers. This has always been time-intensive, requiring resources that could be used serving existing customers, as well as order fulfilment activities. Finding the time and resources in today’s business environment is especially difficult. Many are working off unusually large backlogs resulting from the upsurge in business following the pandemic.“

And what if yours is a new business with lots of different stakeholders to bring along on the journey?

Natasha Boulding, CEO and cofounder of Sphera (manufacturer of next-generation construction material alternatives):

“In construction, everyone from developers to architects and contractors must be on the same page and trying to achieve the same thing. So, the more that we can collaborate, the quicker we can achieve Net Zero.”

Once you’ve got your vision and strategy covered, what next?

Phillip Davies, cofounder and Commercial Director of Magway (an all-electric, zero-emissions, low-footprint, high-capacity delivery system):

“We share the same challenges as other entrepreneurial businesses – not just those in ClimateTech. People are at the core of what we do, so we need skilled resources and funding – and we also need to be ambitious. Without ambition and thinking big, we’re not going to crack Net Zero.”

Speaking of thinking big… Net Zero organisations may be small in number (323 in 2021), but they are growing exponentially across the UK, with 75% outside of London.

We aim to support as many of these companies as possible, with a view to meeting common challenges, optimising every element, and sharing best practice for the benefit of all.

Okay, you know what challenges are affecting your own organisation, and perhaps some of the examples referred to above are comparable. So, what can we do for YOU?

We believe that for any business to operate effectively, there are four elements of an operation that need to be at their optimum individually, but also need to work in harmony together. These elements are People, Process, Technology and Information. We’ve broken down what this might look like dependent on the size of your organisation:

SMALL COMPANY or START-UP: We support businesses to establish robust foundations that can scale as your business grows from strength to strength. This means:

• Ensuring your processes are documented, consistently understood and are as effective as possible.
• Replacing manual processes with technology that meets your needs. Some examples include a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Project Management software and Collaboration tools.
• Ensuring you have access to the relevant external and internal information to be able to define and execute your strategy.
• Ensuring your people understand the role they play in the organisation, are engaged and productive.

ESTABLISHED COMPANY: We support businesses to streamline their operations as much as possible so you can ultimately increase your positive impact. This means:

• Assessing your operations end to end to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, through process improvements or by utilising technology to automate.
• Validating that your existing systems serve the required purpose, are integrated to aid information flow and are used correctly and consistently.
• Ensuring you can culturally attract, retain and develop your people.
  

  Credit: Nina Uhlikova

Overall, when a business’s operating model is working in harmony, there is more efficiency. The less time and money wasted, the more opportunities there are to think strategically, innovate and invest in your business and scale to meet increased demand.

Don’t face an uphill struggle. Let Optimo help you find the easiest route . Get in touch for a free no obligation chat