Sustainability

With net-zero deadlines looming, the UK public sector faces a challenging paradox: ambitious targets paired with limited budgets. Despite these bold goals, many remain unaware of transformative tools like Independent Network Operators (IDNOs). At a recent Vattenfall Networks seminar, only one of 15 attendees had heard of IDNOs—despite their potential to accelerate green initiatives.

Councils and NHS trusts, tasked with leading the way in the Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, are just beginning to recognize how IDNOs can offer cost-effective solutions for sustainable energy transitions. With government funding stretched thin, creative approaches like IDNO partnerships are becoming essential. Brent Council’s Francesca Campagnoli reflected on this knowledge gap: “This was all completely new to me.” As the stakes rise, introducing the public sector to the role of IDNOs is more urgent than ever.

The knowledge gap

This lack of familiarity with IDNOs isn’t just surprising—it’s a barrier. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which has allocated over £1 billion to assist public bodies in reducing emissions, has been crucial but still leaves funding gaps. Jacob Kupferberg, from Brent London Borough Council, highlighted these challenges: “The two main obstacles are governance and funding”. Limited resources and complex bureaucratic processes slow down decarbonisation efforts, while public scrutiny adds pressure to perform efficiently.

IDNOs like Vattenfall Networks are designed to bridge some of these gaps, offering a lifeline through both funding and project acceleration. Their Asset Adoption Value (AAV) payments, a concept new to most public sector organisations, can significantly reduce upfront infrastructure costs.  By reducing initial project expenses, AAV payments ease budgetary pressures, helping councils and trusts improve the economics of their electrification projects.

Suzanna Lashford, Head of Business Development at Vattenfall Networks, explained the rationale: “The public sector is under pressure to deliver ambitious net-zero goals with limited budgets. IDNOs can be the key to unlocking these projects, giving councils and NHS trusts the financial support to move forward with electrification”. With increasing emphasis on decentralisation and local accountability, as noted in the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, partnerships with IDNOs align with these goals by offering flexible, localised solutions.

From theory to practice: beyond funding

IDNOs offer more than just funding. They bring a streamlined, end-to-end approach to grid connections, which many organisations discovered could fast-track their projects. Francesca observed, “If IDNOs have priority on highway permits, it means they can perform grid connections more efficiently”. For councils managing time-sensitive projects, this competitive edge is a game-changer, particularly in urban regeneration or infrastructure-heavy initiatives where delays are common.

Severine Turgis from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust emphasised how IDNOs simplify project delivery: ” Understanding that IDNOs offer support beyond the infrastructure itself was a big plus. Knowing that they would assist with applications, facilitate processes, and not just ‘do the work’ makes it easier for me to convince my directors of their value. It gives us confidence that IDNOs are capable of delivering as promised, which is essential when making decisions at the executive level.”

For many, learning about IDNOs was eye-opening. Joy Olokpa, Carbon Zero Program Manager at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, valued IDNOs’ comprehensive support, noting that they could “relieve some of the burden on us by managing every step”. The Public Accounts Committee recently pointed to the need for better infrastructure management within the public sector, emphasising that streamlined processes and external expertise could enhance project efficiency. IDNOs, with their holistic approach, seem well-suited to meet these recommendations.

A call to action for the public sector

If public sector organisations are serious about meeting net-zero goals, IDNOs need to be part of the conversation. This starts with educating key stakeholders—energy managers, sustainability directors, and facilities teams—on the advantages IDNOs offer. The UK public sector is at a critical crossroads, balancing ambitious net-zero targets with tight budgets and limited awareness of key solutions. IDNOs present a promising path forward, offering both financial and operational support that can help councils and NHS trusts navigate the challenges ahead. It’s time for the public sector to recognize the value of IDNOs, unlocking a partnership that could prove vital to achieving a sustainable future.

Horizon Energy Ventures, a prominent low-carbon financier and portfolio company of Arcus Infrastructure Partners, has partnered with Landis+Gyr, a global leader in integrated energy management solutions, to enhance the development and deployment of advanced electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for workplaces across the UK. This collaboration seeks to address the rising demand for EV infrastructure in business settings, improving accessibility and sustainability for organizations and their employees.

Under this memorandum of understanding, Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr will leverage their combined expertise to expedite the implementation of smart EV charging systems designed specifically for workplace environments. By utilizing Landis+Gyr’s cutting-edge technology alongside Horizon Energy Ventures’ innovative financing strategies for sustainable energy solutions, this partnership aims to provide efficient, scalable, and future-ready charging options tailored to the needs of UK businesses.

“We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Landis+Gyr, a leader in smart metering and energy management solutions,” said David McCoubrie, Head of Sales at Horizon Energy Ventures. “This partnership will not only aid businesses in their transition to EVs but also contribute significantly to achieving the UK’s net-zero targets by ensuring workplace charging is accessible, reliable, and seamlessly integrated.”

This initiative aligns with the UK government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which incentivizes businesses to install EV charging infrastructure by offering grants that can cover up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, depending on eligibility. By working together, Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr will enable businesses to capitalize on these incentives, making the transition to EVs more attractive and financially feasible.

“Landis+Gyr’s innovative technology and in-depth understanding of energy management are crucial for delivering intelligent charging solutions that can adapt to changing market demands,” stated Rob Harper, Director of Sales and Market Development at Landis+Gyr. “With Horizon Energy Ventures, we are poised to revolutionize the workplace charging landscape in the UK, equipping businesses for an electric future.”

This collaboration is part of a larger strategy to create an interconnected ecosystem that facilitates the decarbonization of transportation and energy. As the UK pursues its ambitious sustainability goals, the partnership between Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr aims to empower businesses with the necessary tools to engage in this transition.

Initial installations under this partnership are anticipated to commence later this year, emphasizing scalable solutions suitable for a variety of business environments. By offering reliable and user-friendly workplace charging infrastructure, the two companies aim to establish a new benchmark in the UK market.

LRQA, a global leader in assurance, has acquired Ergon Associates, a top London-based consultancy specializing in labour standards, human rights, and gender equality.

As global businesses and investors face growing regulatory pressures, heightened scrutiny, and the need to integrate human rights due diligence, this acquisition strengthens the technical and advisory offerings for LRQA’s clients. The combined expertise of LRQA and Ergon Associates will empower companies to more effectively embed ESG factors into their decision-making processes.

This acquisition addresses a rising demand for robust ESG support. LRQA’s experience in ESG advisory, inspection, cybersecurity, and data insights aligns seamlessly with Ergon’s specialized focus on human rights, labour standards, and gender equality. Together, they will provide unparalleled advisory services across diverse sectors, markets, and client types.

Erin Lyon, Managing Director of LRQA’s Advisory division, emphasized the urgency of protecting human rights within complex global supply chains:
“LRQA is committed to strengthening our ESG capabilities to meet market demand. By combining our data-driven approach with Ergon’s expertise, we’re poised to create substantial impact for our clients and their communities.”

Steve Gibbons, Director of Ergon Associates, remarked on the value of joining forces:
“This partnership enhances our ability to support clients with in-depth expertise and insights in human rights, labour standards, and gender equality. With LRQA’s global reach, we’re excited to continue tackling key issues for our clients.”

This acquisition supports LRQA’s growth strategy, building on recent acquisitions of global risk management and advisory firms to enhance client support in a rapidly changing risk environment. Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, stated:
“Our partnership with Ergon Associates strengthens LRQA’s ESG offerings, helping us lead the charge in labour standards and human rights. We remain focused on strategic growth through M&A, positioning LRQA as a global leader in assurance and risk management.”

The partnership, now complete with all regulatory approvals, is a milestone for both firms, advancing their mission to improve labour standards and human rights globally. Ergon Associates’ integration with LRQA will ensure a smooth transition that enhances impact for clients and strengthens both companies’ dedication to purpose-driven work.

As the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, XPO will use an electric road tractor for the first time and HVO biofuel once again to support the Tour de France in its CSR approach.

LONDON, UK — 25 June 2024 – XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has announced it will be the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France for the 44th consecutive year. This partnership underscores their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the iconic cycling event by utilising HVO biofuel and an electric truck. XPO Logistics will also continue its role as the Official Transport Partner for the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, a partnership that began with the inaugural Women’s Tour in 2022.

Starting from the Grande Boucle in Florence, Italy, on 29 June, a team of 59 XPO Logistics drivers will transport all necessary equipment for the Tour de France’s logistical needs. This includes barriers, podiums, arches, race sign paint, prefabricated village furniture, and sound and video equipment, among other items. Notably, the 2024 edition will conclude in Nice for the first time in over a century due to its proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A Proven Energy Transition Strategy

To further minimise environmental impact, the Tour de France has adopted XPO Logistics’ LESS® HVO solution, introduced in 2023. This sustainable, low-emission solution uses HVO biofuel to cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% and reduce fine particle and NOx pollution by up to 30% compared to diesel.

In 2023, the use of HVO biofuel resulted in a reduction of 136,571 kg of CO2 for 48,826 litres used. The Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift also benefited, with a reduction of 18,976 kg of CO2 from the use of 6,784 litres of HVO biofuel.

For the first time, a 100% electric road tractor will journey from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges and will be present at the Tour’s finish in Saint-Vulbas. XPO Logistics has been testing biofuel at the Tour de France since 2021, starting with B100 biofuel made from rapeseed oil, and has progressively enhanced its commitment to sustainable development. Aligning with both companies’ sustainable development goals, XPO’s drivers will wear uniforms made from organic materials and are rigorously trained in eco-driving.