E.ON Next is an energy supplier on a journey to become a leading sustainability company – working to preserve our planet for future generations.

Becoming net zero is part of the international effort to minimise global warming to below 1.5°C. The UK is one of 197 countries who have agreed to take action under the Paris Agreement. The target set by the UK government is to be net zero by 2050 and to reduce emissions by 68% by 20301.

What does net zero mean?

Net zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere because of human activity is no longer increasing. This is achieved in two ways:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere

Reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we emit is the most straightforward way to achieve net zero. Simply put, to prevent adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere we should stop the activities that produce them and use cleaner alternatives. This is the primary strategy to achieve net zero.

Removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere helps to achieve net zero by offsetting our emissions. Offsetting means that any emissions we produce are cancelled out by removing an equal amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This strategy is used because it is not possible to bring emissions all the way to zero - so the aim is to offset the small amount we still emit.

By combining these two strategies net zero is absolutely achievable, and will have a huge impact in slowing global warming and reducing climate change.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse emissions are gases that pollute our atmosphere by trapping heat, which causes global warming. The biggest cause of greenhouse gas emissions is burning fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal), which are responsible for over 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions2.

How can we achieve net zero?

The biggest impact we can have towards achieving net zero is by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy to cut down emissions. That means fewer fossil fuel power stations and more wind farms, solar panels, and other innovative renewable energy solutions.

Forests and oceans also naturally absorb greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2). Preventing deforestation and investing in re-planting lost forests will help to absorb more pollution. Projects that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere offer a helping hand in offsetting emissions on the road to net zero.

How is E.ON Next working toward net zero?

The E.ON Next journey to net zero has already begun. Here are some of the ways we are working to provide sustainable energy to E.ON Next customers on our road to becoming a net zero energy company:

• 100% of the electricity we supply to our customers comes from renewable sources3. Learn more about how we supply 100% renewable electricity.
• We are supporting the switch to electric vehicles (EV) in preparation for the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. Find out more about the advantages of electric vehicles.
• We have installed more than 2 million smart meters. Reducing CO2 emissions by better understanding and supplying your exact energy needs4. Check out the benefits of getting a smart meter in your home.

At E.ON Next we know that together we will make the biggest difference, which is why we are working to make the green choice an easy choice. Our E.ON Next customers are already part of a team that is taking action and building a better future. For more ideas on how you can reduce your carbon footprint (as well as your bill) check out our tips on saving energy.

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The E.ON Next Community is a space for customers just like you, sharing their experiences to offer a helping hand. Find support or suggest your own unique topics, plus get involved in discussions of all the latest news. Join the conversation now.

1 Compared to UK emission levels in 1990.
2 https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change
3 Electricity backed by 100% renewable sources, E.ON's renewable generation assets, agreements with UK generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates. The electricity supplied to your home or business comes from the National Grid.
4 With smart meters comes a smarter energy grid, helping us to be more precise about the energy that everyone needs and reducing CO2 emissions by 25% in the next decade.

Blog updated: 8/11/22