Net Zero Festival: How AI Can Drive Your Sustainability Goals

We had a great two days at the Net Zero Festival listening to some fascinating talks and meeting some very exciting innovators in the sustainability space. There was a broad array of topics ranging from greenwashing regulation to space solar power. Here are some of our takeaways from the event:

Rock the Vote: Net Zero Priorities for the New Parliament

We heard how immediate investment in sustainable infrastructure is crucial and how low-cost, low-carbon homes that can regenerate nature should be key focuses for the Labour Party. Addressing the skills shortage in planning and renewables is a vital blocker within the industry. New low carbon infrastructure projects are predicted to create around 300,000 new roles by 2030. Simplifying paperwork and promoting a positive planning system are necessary steps.

Political World

Newly elected MP Polly Billington emphasized Labour's net zero commitment as a key factor in their electoral success. She stressed the need for clean power by 2030 and that ensuring clear direction and emissions reporting will allow businesses to invest confidently in green initiatives.

Our House: Decarbonising the Built Environment

Decarbonizing the built environment industry will be difficult, but successful developments, such as the ongoing project at 25 Baker Street, do exist and show that collaboration will be key for significant carbon reductions. They emphasized how good data and carbon reduction targets were crucial and will underpin the innovations, such as zero-carbon cement and steel, that will accelerate the net zero transition.

Here Comes the Sun: Space-Based Solar Power

Co-CEO Sam Adlen of Space Solar outlined how solar power would offer low-cost, high-efficiency energy. Though there are obvious technical and logistical difficulties in capturing and converting energy into high-frequency waves and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth, this technology could be the silver bullet to solve the UK's energy security crisis.

Electric Feel: Powering Corporate Net Zero Goals with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

The panel spoke about how many large European companies are using their purchasing power to fund new solar and wind farms, bypassing slow national expansions. EY’s Phil Dominy stressed that corporate PPAs offer price stability and can cut corporate energy bills by up to 10%, driving renewable energy growth in Europe.

Robot Rock: Will AI Save Us? The Role of AI in the Net Zero Transition

As the world races towards achieving net zero emissions, the role of AI has become increasingly significant and is already being leveraged across various sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize energy usage, and promote sustainable practices. Google’s Adam Elman discussed how they use AI in fuel-efficient routing, which has helped save 2.9 million metric tonnes of GHG emissions.

Overall, the Net Zero Festival showcased the strategies and innovations necessary for the UK to achieve its net zero goals. We loved the points made surrounding the need for the application of AI and the collection (and reporting) of good data. We're committed to helping businesses big and small utilize AI to meet their ESG reporting needs. Contact us today to learn how our data-driven solutions can support your journey towards genuine, impactful sustainability practices.