We're tackling the causes of climate change by cutting our emissions.
Our goal for Forestry England is to be net zero by 2040.
What do we mean by ‘net zero’?
To tackle climate change we all need to significantly reduce our carbon emissions. The goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement.
Forests help reduce the impact of climate change and they play an important role. But the world can't rely on offsetting by trees to decarbonise. We need to tackle the cause of the problem first to eliminate as much carbon as we can. Our net zero pledge aims to do this.
We're setting a science-based target to decarbonise our organisation, to remove our dependence on fossil fuels so that we reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
We're investing in low-carbon and renewable energy sources and changing how we do things.
Our vision for “Our clean future”
We will:
- achieve net zero for the emissions we directly controlby 2035.
- be net zero by 2040.
- by 2030, establish our strategy to be net positive for the environment by 2045 – utilising the full range of opportunities open to us as the country’s largest land manager.
- share our progress and expertise – ensuring we communicate regularly and clearly on our progress and collaborate with our wide range of stakeholders.
How will we meet this target?
- we have already been working towards reducing our energy and travel needs as well as making the energy we use and travel we do more sustainable.
- between now and 2035, we will put in the smart energy, storage, and communication infrastructure across the country, so we can continue our work without depending on fossil fuels.
- we are reducing emissions by travelling less and using more sustainable modes when we do. Where possible, we are replacing fleet vehicles with electric and low emission models and installing charging points.
- we will continually measure and review our emissions, always eliminating avoidable emissions first before identifying the best ways to offset any remaining to meet our goal.
- before 2040 we will make changes where we can reduce the emissions from our wider commercial operations, IT and let estate.
- we will make sustainability a priority in purchasing and supply chain management.
- our business travel will transition to net zero emissions.
- we will continue to improve our resource efficiency and reduce consumption.
- and where we anticipate residual emissions, we will implement a credible programme for offsetting and insetting.
Beyond 2040
Our ambition is to be a carbon positive organisation by 2045. Utilising the full range of opportunities open to us as the country’s largest land manager including but not limited to sequestration from nature-based solutions and creating new woodlands, to renewable energy generation, biodiversity gain, natural capital, and Green Finance.
Net zero is interwoven with Forestry England’s objectives and values.
It is a key part of how we will deliver aspects of our Growing the Future ambitions. It will also play a significant role in helping secure our long-term financial and environmentally sustainable future. As leaders and experts, we will reduce our own operational emissions to net zero and beyond and continue to manage our forests for the benefit of people, nature, and the economy.