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Simon Brown leads the environmental practice at Positive Momentum and has helped organisations develop and deliver environmental, social and governance (ESG) programmes for over 20 years. In this interview for UKAS’s 2023 Annual Report, Simon outlines the net zero transition landscape along with the potential benefits of using the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to deliver effective and practical net zero pathways.
What is the scale of the net zero transition challenge?
The scope of change and investment required to decarbonise entire economies is enormous and unprecedented, estimated to be 7.5% of global GDP 2021/50. The challenges facing countries, industries, companies and individuals in developing net zero pathways vary tremendously, with energy intensive and high emissions industries facing the most daunting, complex and costly tasks. It is also apparent that the effects of climate change are being disproportionately felt by those that have contributed the least to causing it and are least able to finance any transition programs. Therefore building fairness, transparency and accessibility into net zero pathways has to be a priority if any policies, regulations or schemes are to achieve approval, momentum and results.
How is the National Quality Infrastructure suited to developing net zero pathways?
The most effective way to accelerate the creation of credible and reliable net zero pathways is through creating global performance benchmarks (standards), the means of demonstrating those benchmarks are being met (conformity assessment) and the globally recognised assurance that performance evaluation is being carried out competently (accreditation). Standards, conformity assessment and accreditation are three core pillars on which all NQIs are built.
The UK’s NQI is already embedded in the environmental arena, with thousands of UK organisations regularly benefitting from accredited conformity assessment against a number of recognised environmental standards; covering everything from products, processes and services to management systems and emissions verification. Just as the current fossil-fuelled economy is heavily reliant on robust standards and accredited conformity assessment, a successful transition to a net zero future can only be achieved through the deployment of NQI capabilities and international cooperation. Using the NQI to establish these pathways ensures that net zero best practice is widely accessible to all businesses and, as with quality and safety, becomes an integral part of how most organisations operate.
What are the main challenges in utilising the National Quality Infrastructure for net zero pathways?
The biggest individual challenge is balancing the conflicting timeframes involved. It can take over three years to articulate best practice in an international standard, then more time to develop conformity assessment processes, followed by a period of real-world evaluation and refinement. However, with the IPCC warning that the window of opportunity for achieving the Paris 1.5oC goals is rapidly closing, it is clear any new system of standards, conformity assessment and accreditation will need to be implemented at a faster than usual pace.
The timeframe issue is complicated by the problem that whilst the net zero imperative is clear, there is currently no consensus amongst the numerous stakeholders on how best to achieve it. The differing approaches and levels of understanding, ‘culpability’ and activity across industries, combined with varying geographical, environmental, political and financial conditions internationally reflects both the complexity and scale of the task at hand. By setting out the frameworks, guidance, technical standards, measurements and assurance mechanisms for organisations to follow, the NQI can unify stakeholders, coordinate activities, resolve confusion and enhance the credibility of net zero pathways and related claims.
How can the National Quality Infrastructure support government policy and regulation in this area?
The best regulatory policies are those that are informed by best practices that are established by the consensus of industry and other stakeholders. There’s no point in regulations setting levels which are either too high that they can’t realistically be achieved, or too low that their impact is insufficient. Finding the appropriate level is an evidence-based process, and the NQI provides demonstrable evidence of both the level and effectiveness of best practices. In turn, this underpins confidence in policies that better support both the participants and overall objectives. By rewarding the successful and encouraging others to improve, the NQI can join the dots between government policy and best practice, helping deliver the most effective outcomes.