Ward accepted onto the Pledge to Net Zero

Ashley Oates, Head of Sustainability at Ward

Derbyshire based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, is one of only 104 signatories to have been accepted onto the ‘Pledge to Net Zero’ also joins the UN’s ‘Race to Zero’ campaign.

Organised by the Society for the Environment ‘Pledge to Net Zero’, is the first industry commitment in the UK requiring science-based targets from its signatories to tackle greenhouse gas emissions within their organisations.

The pledge recognises the need for organisations from the environmental services sector to take a leadership role in the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy.

Pledge signatories include the Chartered Institutes of Waste Management (CIWM), Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), environmental service organisations and a range of engineering consultancies across the UK. Each one has committed to submitting key pieces of science-based evidence at various points over the next three years, marking their progress against targets set for greenhouse gas emissions in line with either, an encouraged, 1.5°C or well below 2°C climate change scenario – covering buildings and travel as a minimum. 

Ward is achieving the 1.5°C target by making reductions in energy use and implementing its sustainability road map to 2030, The Ward Way. Real, evidence-based greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced across the business, rather than purchasing carbon offsets.

In addition, a partnership between Pledge to Net Zero and the United Nations Framework on Climate Change’s (UNFCC) Race To Zero campaign was officially announced ahead of COP26. Ward has also become a part of this, as its own targets are in line with the required 1.5°C targets for emissions.

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. All members are committed to the same overarching goal: achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest.

Ashley Oates, Head of Sustainability at Ward said: “We’re proud that our organisation is stepping forward with others in the environmental sector to be a leader and drive the changes required to meet the UK's Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions 2050 target.

“Many of our customers are also now looking for science-based evidence of our commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to tackling climate change. Through our sustainability roadmap to 2030, the Ward Way, we can provide this evidence, commit to the Pledge to Net Zero and are eligible to join the UN’s Race to Net Zero too.”

Organisations must submit evidence including annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and progress against the target, as well as publishing one piece of research/thought-leadership each year on practical steps to delivering an economy in line with climate science and in support of net zero carbon. The next milestone for Ward is to report back on its progress to date, by 31^st Jan 2022.