Mitie outlines decarbonisation predictions for 2024

Mitie has launched its Net Zero Navigator 2024, detailing nine key decarbonisation predictions for the year ahead along with advice and support for organisations taking their next steps on the transition to net zero.

Carbon reporting
Research from the Net Zero Navigator reveals that when it comes to carbon reporting, a third (33 per cent) of companies are still not confident about predicting their energy usage despite the use of technology. It says with many organisations automating their annual mandatory carbon reporting, they are missing out on more extensive and meaningful insights into their carbon usage which can help develop sustainability strategies. Advances in technology offer the opportunity for organisations to measure their carbon emissions more regularly throughout the year and track tangible progress so increased measurement will likely become the norm in 2024, and automation will be central to making this a faster and more efficient process.

AI & IOT
The Net Zero Navigator also outlines the fast-growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance energy efficiency, with almost three-fifths (57 per cent) of organisations having already implemented AI or IoT to gain insights into their energy usage and carbon emissions. From forecasting energy supply and demand to increasing the reliability of grid connections, AI’s huge impact on decarbonisation is set to continue in the year ahead. However, the decarbonisation experts are warning that organisations must exercise caution as any technology which is energy and resource-intensive will require a robust strategy to mitigate its associated costs and energy use. Otherwise, it could quickly become a major contributor of carbon emissions.

EV transition
Another key prediction from the Net Zero Navigator is that despite the government’s new five-year extension to the electric vehicle (EV) transition deadline, many organisations will continue to push on with electrifying their fleet and will likely resist the opportunity to delay their EV plans despite the extra time afforded to them. However, lingering concerns regarding charging infrastructure and costs will remain, with over a third (35 per cent) of organisations citing charging costs as the biggest barrier to adopting a fully electric fleet. The report also predicts that in the year ahead, many organisations will rethink and re-evaluate their EV transition plans to ensure they are taking the necessary checks such as infrastructure analysis to drive learnings and eradicate inefficiencies.

Other key predictions and findings from the 2024 Net Zero Navigator include;

• Energy strategy: Effectively reducing carbon emissions will help to positively impact the bottom line, with two-thirds (65 per cent) of organisations agreeing their net zero strategy has improved investor engagement
• Water: Reducing water consumption will give organisations an easy win in cutting Scope 3 emissions
• Waste: Circular procurement will be a secret weapon when it comes to reducing waste
• Nature: Focus on green infrastructure and biodiversity will be stronger than ever as almost all (96 per cent) sustainability decision-makers identify their organisation’s net zero strategy as nature positive
• Data: Smarter data collection and benchmarking will not only accelerate the path to net zero, but will dictate the future of the energy market

Pradyumna Pandit, Managing Director, Energy and Decarbonisation, Mitie, said: “The start of a new year brings the opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards net zero goals and set new resolutions to accelerate their achievement. From the use of technology in carbon reporting to an increased focus on biodiversity, the predictions and findings from this year’s Net Zero Navigator will provide organisations with ideas, tools, and guidance to make an impact on their emissions in 2024.”

The Net Zero Navigator was compiled by Mitie’s decarbonisation experts in collaboration with sustainability expert and author, Jim McClelland. The research surveyed 100 sustainability leaders from organisations with over 1,000 employees and was carried out by Opinium between 10 and 20 November 2023.