Amid the ongoing crisis, Energys Group wishes the very best to all our customers and friends. In the spirit of resilience, here is our rundown of the latest energy efficiency and business developments as the clocks usher in the summer.
UK economic woes
No self-respecting analysis can ignore the vast impacts, both human and economic, that we are seeing in these unprecedented times.
The Guardian reports that a quarter of UK companies are already cutting staffing levels “in the short term” due to the coronavirus crisis, according to a new survey of the British economy from the Office for National Statistics.
Of those 3,642 businesses who responded to the Business Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Survey (BICS), 45% reported turnover that was “lower than expected” for the period 9 to 22 March 2020. Over a quarter (27%) of responding businesses said they were reducing staff levels in the short term, while 5% reported recruiting staff in the short term.
And almost half (46%) of businesses who responded said that they had encouraged their staff to work from home in the period 9 March to 22 March 2020.
“Plainly both the UK and global economies face challenges to scales equalling and indeed surpassing the financial crisis of yesteryear,” comments Kevin Cox, our Managing Director at Energys Group.
“It is essential the industry and government work together, with frank open dialogue, to do our very best to keep UK PLC open for business and to maintain jobs and low carbon developments in these frightening times.”
UK slashes CO2 emissions by 41%
In much needed positive news, Energy Live News reports that since 1990, UK carbon dioxide emissions have decreased by 41%, a reduction that has resulted from changes in the mix of fuels being used for electricity generation, with a shift away from coal and growth in the use of renewable energy sources.
The report, published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, says in 2019, total UK greenhouse gas emissions were provisionally 45.2% lower than in 1990 and 3.6% lower than 2018.
It says the change was due to lower electricity demand, owing to the greater efficiency of modern technology and a decline in the relative importance of energy-intensive industries.
Carbon dioxide emissions are estimated to have decreased by 3.9% between 2018 and 2019. In 2019, an estimated 34% of carbon dioxide emissions were from the transport sector, 26% from energy supply, 19% from the residential sector and 18% from business.
New SECR tool
Meanwhile, EDIE is reporting that the government agency and reporting council overseeing compliance for the upcoming Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards have launched a new taxonomy to submit relevant data in better aligned digital formats.
In simpler language, businesses will be able report using the XBRL global framework commonly used in business accounts. It marks the first time the format has been utilised so businesses can capture environmental data in annual reports.
Companies House’s Director of Digital Ross Maude said: “This is a fantastic example of cross-government working to deliver a digital service that addresses an important issue.
“Understanding the role businesses have in reducing energy and carbon emissions is central to delivering the UK’s ambition to reach Net Zero by 2050. Through effective collaboration, we can make it easier for businesses to play their part.”
Ongoing analysis…
Here at Energys, we will continue to report on low carbon and economic developments as the country progresses through the existing crisis. We offer all our thoughts and support to every UK business and organisation striving to remain afloat in these challenging times.
