How Hull is leading the way as a vital part of the UK’s goal to achieving net zero carbon emissions
When the Government agreed a binding target to bring down all greenhouse gas emissions, Hull and the Humber had a real chance to make a difference because it is responsible for 37% of CO2 emissions from the UK’s industrial clusters .
However, in just 12 months, the Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign has attracted more than 150 members – from micro-businesses to multinationals and playgroups to public sector organisations – to set an example in achieving the zero emissions goal.
The collaboration has led to Hull’s workforce making changes in the way they get to work, reducing the amount of energy they use, buying more local produce and making a positive impact for generations to come.
Hundreds of employees cycling to work
A cycle-to-work scheme at Willerby, the UK’s largest manufacturer of holiday homes and lodges and one of the first companies to join the campaign, has led to a quarter of its 1,200 employees now regularly cycling to work.
Willerby’s emission-reducing initiatives have also included the installation of two biomass boilers which convert waste wood into renewable energy for the factory at its 80-acre site.
It is also switching its fleet of vehicles to electric or hybrid models and last September, introduced the Willerby GreEN Standard – an industry-leading sustainability specification – which cuts the energy consumption of the 7,000-plus holiday homes it produces every year by up to 28 per cent.
Willerby’s chief financial officer Sue Allan said: “We share our customers’ commitment to helping protect the planet and sustainability is central to our business. At the time of Oh Yes! Net Zero’s launch we had already made strong progress in reducing our carbon footprint but, like most businesses, we need support and advice on taking the next steps and so welcomed the chance to be part of a network facing similar challenges.”
She added: “There’s lots we can learn from other Oh Yes! Net Zero members, at the same time as we share our experience as an environmental leader in our sector. I would encourage any local business that wants practical support and advice on reducing their carbon footprint to join.”
Millions of pounds invested
Oh Yes! Net Zero was established in March 2022 by founding partners the University of Hull, Reckitt, Hull City Council, and Future Humber. The campaign aims to demonstrate how a city can become net zero, offering organisations of all sizes real support and the practical tools they need to develop and implement their plan alongside other priorities.
The initiative has secured the support of political stakeholders at all levels of government and in all major parties.
Its 150-plus members represent 46,500 employees and 80% of them are small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
The combined committed investment in initiatives to fight climate change by just five Oh Yes! Net Zero members totals as much as £150 million.
A full report of the first 12 months of Oh Yes! Net Zero, ‘Delivering Net Zero for Hull’ was published last week at a House of Commons event hosted by Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy.
Sign up and show your support
Hull is critical to the UK’s net zero ambitions as the Humber is the most carbon-intensive industrial cluster in the UK, with 12m tonnes of CO2 emissions produced each year. It means that unless Hull achieves net zero, the UK will struggle to reach net zero by its target of 2050.
Individuals, organisations and businesses can all join Oh Yes! Net Zero. To sign up, show your support or for more details visit https://www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk/