Companies, business groups and investors call on UK Prime Minister to deliver strong Paris Agreement pledge and urge businesses to join the campaign

1 December 2020 - In the run up to the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change companies, business groups and investors are calling on Boris Johnson to announce a substantial emissions commitment.

Read the letter in full

As hosts of the postponed United Nations COP26 climate summit the UK is being urged to lead the way for other nations to deliver similarly ambitious interim emission targets to ensure global temperature rises stay well below 2C and that efforts are pursued to limit it to 1.5°C.

In a letter to the UK Prime Minister, companies, business groups and investors highlighted the urgent need for the Government to set out an ambitious emissions target for 2030, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), by the end of this year. 

The letter states:

“As we stand a year away from the start of the COP26 Climate Summit, and five years on from the Paris Agreement, we believe there is an opportunity for the UK to demonstrate the right level of ambition to guide a green recovery and secure international momentum. […]

“As the UK calls on other governments to set their own increased NDCs, it has a unique opportunity to catalyse action globally and lead the way for other countries to reflect this level of ambition. We hope you will announce an ambitious UK NDC before the end of the year…”

The business groups, including The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group, the Aldersgate Group, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, UK Green Building Council, The B Team, We Mean Business, UK Business Council for Sustainable Development, call on the UK’s NDC to be at least in line with the Paris Agreement, the UK’s own net zero by 2050 target and advice from the Climate Change Committee.

This letter is supported by 81 businesses and investors including Tesco, BT, ScottishPower, Sky, National Grid, Nestlé UK & Ireland, EDF, Heathrow, JLL, SSE and Coca-Cola European Partners, as well as, a number of progressive small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Eliot Whittington, Director, The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group said:

“A substantial and realistic 2030 emissions target for the UK not only corrects our course to reach net zero by 2050, and shows the right level of ambition expected from other nations for COP26, it also fits with the actions needed to deliver a larger economy and more jobs.  

“The Prime Minister’s recent Ten Point Plan has set out an unprecedented set of measures to credibly drive change across the economy towards decarbonisation, building new industries and restoring our economy. To secure the UK’s leadership position on climate change the government can build on these actions to set us on the right path to achieving climate neutrality in the next 30 years.” 

The letter outlines its support for an emissions pledge that is:

• Aligned with business targets: We represent businesses many of whom have set their own net zero targets, including a number who have signed the Business Ambition for 1.5 pledge, and investors that are aligning their portfolios to the goals of the Paris Agreement. UK businesses and investors would value a clear signal from the UK Government that ambition for the economy aligns with their own aims.
• Setting out clear ambitions for resilience: The NDC should be supported by solid plans and ambitions to ensure the UK is well prepared for the impacts of climate change.
• Embedded in UK policy: The NDC should include a comprehensive, just and inclusive delivery plan supported by all parts of government. We welcome your decision to publish a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy in the lead up to COP26. We stand ready to work with you on the development and delivery of this strategy, including policies that will deliver near-term emission reduction in multiple sectors.
• Supportive of the UK building back better: An ambitious NDC can support the UK’s green recovery efforts, helping deliver significant job creation and growth opportunities. Clear policy can encourage investment in the technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and hydrogen, and resource efficient business models that are essential for a competitive, zero emissions UK economy.

Nick Molho, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group said: “Having an ambitious NDC in place will crucially strengthen the UK’s leadership role ahead of COP26 and galvanise international ambition for decarbonisation ahead of this important summit. With increased commitments from countries with a large share of global emissions such as China, it is now key that the UK remains a leader on climate action, with a strengthened NDC in line with the Climate Change Committee’s advice, and backed by a comprehensive domestic plan to deliver its climate targets. This will put the UK credibly on track to meet its climate ambitions and deliver a sustainable economic recovery, whilst sending a powerful investment signal to mobilise private finance.”

Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) said: “As host of COP26, the UK has a unique platform to support global ambition on climate action through setting out a progressive NDC this year. Investors are clear that governments should be much more ambitious in addressing climate change and this is a significant opportunity for the UK to demonstrate true leadership. This is even more vital as we look to ensure a sustainable recovery from the economic impacts of Covid-19.” 

Márcia Balisciano, Chair, UN Global Compact Network UK said: "Five years on from the Paris Agreement, we face a health and economic maelstrom. But we must not overlook the climate crisis.  The UK Government has an opportunity to commit to an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution that will chart a path to a green recovery and the long-term well-being of both citizens and the economy.”

Jason Longhurst, Chair and Chief Executive, UK Business Council for Sustainable Development said: “For economic recovery, read green recovery - the two are inextricably linked.  This proposed NDC is an opportunity to give clear direction that will galvanise businesses across all sectors to transition to Net Zero.  UKBCSD members are proof that they have not only the will but, critically, the way, because they are already doing this and will share their expertise with others.  We call on Government to set the benchmark, ultimately using legislation that supports the NDC and fixes the SDGs in the business psyche.” 

For quotes from 40 of the business signatories to the letter click here.

For a blog by Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower on why business needs to see an ambitious NDC click here.

Business briefing: The UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

Download this CLG briefing to find out more about the NDC and how the UK can set an ambitious climate change target for 2030.

The briefing, supported by modelling from Cambridge Econometrics (see here and here), indicates the Ten Point Plan is predicted to grow GDP by up to an additional 1.8 per cent (£43billion) by 2030, while achieving a reduction in emissions of nearly 60 per cent on 1990 levels. This would rise to nearly 70 per cent by 2035. This trajectory puts the UK on track to meet its existing 2030 target but it is not in line with its net zero target, and the UK will need to go further and faster to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The modelling suggests an ambitious new UK NDC 2030 reduction target of at least 70 per cent based on 1990 levels, supported by a strong Long-Term Strategy, could accelerate this. 

Letter signatories:

1. Nick Molho, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group
2. Chris Turner, Executive Director, B Lab UK
3. Amanda Mackenzie OBE, Chief Executive, Business in the Community
4. Paul Dickinson, Executive Chair, CDP
5. Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom
6. Paul Vanston, Chief Executive, Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN)
7. Stephanie Pfeifer, CEO, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
8. Kinvara Carey, General Manager, Natural Source Waters Association
9. Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO and Chief Change Catalyst, The B Team
10. Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group
11. Peter Simpson, Chief Executive, Anglian Water Group, and Co-Chair, The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group
    Colin Matthews, Non-Executive Chairman, EDF Energy, and Co-Chair, The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group
12. Jason Longhurst, Chairman,UK Business Council for Sustainable Development
13. Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)
14. Márcia Balisciano, Chair, UN Global Compact Network UK
15. María Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business coalition

Businesses supporting the letter:

1. Alessia Gotti, Textile Agent, AG Textiles Studio
2. Peter Simpson, Chief Executive, Anglian Water Group, and Co-Chair, The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group
3. Jack Harvie-Clark, Director, Apex Acoustics
4. Charles Kirwan-Taylor, Executive Chairman, ATLAS Infrastructure
5. Sue Riddlestone, CEO, Bioregional
6. James Amos, Company Director, Boodles
7. Rachel Elwell, CEO, Border to Coast Pension Partnership
8. Denise Le Gal, Chair, Brunel Pension Partnership
9. Andy Wales, Chief Digital Impact and Sustainability Officer, BT plc
10. Morten Nilsson, CEO, BT Pension Scheme Management
11. Neil Squibbs, CEO, Buro Happold Limited
12. Jane Paterson-Todd, CEO, Cambridge Ahead
13. Martin Garratt, CEO, Cambridge Cleantech
14. Peter Hugh Smith, CEO, CCLA
15. Chris O’Shea, CEO, Centrica
16. Chathura Sudharshan, CEO, Chanodil
17. Ian Duncombe, Board Director, chapmanbdsp
18. Adam C.T. Matthews, Director of Ethics and Engagement, Church of England Pensions Board
19. Stephen Moorhouse, Vice President and General Manager, Great Britain, Coca-Cola European Partners
20. Tim Attwood, Managing Director, Conisbee
21. Dougie Sutherland, CEO, Cory Riverside Energy
22. Alex Vaughan, CEO, Costain Group plc
23. Peter Flavel, CEO, Coutts
24. Steve Foots, Group Chief Executive, Croda International Plc
25. Jean-François Baralon, CEO, Dorval Asset Management
26. Michael Lewis, CEO, E.ON UK
27. Emmanuelle Spriet, CEO, E-Voyages Ltd
28. Gordon Power, Chief Investment Officer, Earth Capital
29. Stuart Lemmon, CEO, EcoAct UK, an Atos company
30. Andy Clark, CEO, EdenTree Investment Management
31. Colin Matthews, Non-Executive Chairman, EDF Energy, and Co-Chair, The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group
32. Nicola Lovett, CEO, ENGIE
33. James Brueton, CEO, EnviroBuild
34. Robert Gould, Chair, Environment Agency Pensions Committee, Environment Agency Pension Fund
35. Richard Speak, Co-Founder, Environmental Finance
36. Bryan Smail, Chief Finance Officer, Falkirk Council Pension Fund
37. Joost Bergsma, CEO and Managing Partner, Glennmont Partners
38. John Holland-Kaye, CEO, Heathrow Airport Ltd
39. Marc Waters, Managing Director UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
40. Nigel Stansfield, President (EAAA), Interface
41. Chris Ireland, UK CEO, JLL
42. Cesar Taillardat, CEO, Jogu Ltd.
43. Mike O'Donnell, CEO, and Lord Kerslake, Chair, London CIV
44. Doug Heron, CEO, Lothian Pension Fund
45. Roy Bedlow, Chief Executive, Low Carbon
46. Robert Lambe, Managing Director, Melius Homes
47. Chris Smith, Managing Director, Michelin Tyre PLC
48. Simon King, Director of Sustainability and Social Value, Mitie
49. Nicola Shaw CBE, Executive Director, UK, National Grid
50. Julia Szajdzicka, Managing Director, ND Metering Solutions
51. Stefano Agostini, CEO, Nestle UK & Ireland
52. David Fairbrother, Managing Director, NSR Management Ltd
53. Jean-Pierre Grimaud, CEO, OFI Asset Management
54. Jack Broadley, Founder/Owner, Pelorus Consulting
55. Jon Johnsen, CEO, PKA
56. Jose Luiz Moura Neto, SVP & COO UK & Ireland, Salesforce
57. Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, ScottishPower
58. Stephen Rouatt, CEO, Signify UK&I
59. Nicola Stopps, CEO, Simply Sustainable
60. Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky
61. Mark Smith, Chief Executive, Southern Co-op
62. Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive, SSE plc
63. Richard McIndoe, Director, Strathclyde Pension Fund
64. Michael John Lytle, CEO, Tabula Investment Management
65. Jason Tarry, CEO, UK & Republic of Ireland, Tesco
66. Alistair Allison, Managing Partner, TFT
67. Sarah Bentley, CEO, Thames Water
68. Tom Druitt, CEO, The Big Lemon CIC
69. Saker Nusseibeh, CEO, The International Business of Federated Hermes
70. Harry Grocott, CEO & Founder, Treeconomy
71. Bevis Watts, CEO, Triodos Bank UK
72. Yvette Edwards, Communications and Sustainable Business Director, Unilever UK & Ireland
73. Dave Worthington, Managing Director, Verco
74. Louise Kjellerup Roper, CEO, Volans
75. Nicci Russell, Managing Director, Waterwise
76. Matthew Orme, Director, Wenlock Spring Water LTD
77. Mario Mazzocchi, Group Chief Executive, Wesleyan
78. George Latham, Managing Partner, WHEB Asset Management
79. Charles Malissard, Head of Media & Public Affairs, WSP
80. Liz Barber, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Water
81. Tulsi Naidu, UK CEO, Zurich Insurance Company