What does Net Zero mean to Urenco?
Urenco is committed to contributing to a sustainable net zero future. We will operate safely and form partnerships with our supply chain to deliver measurable positive impact for our people, our communities and help the world to decarbonise.
What is Net Zero?
Net zero carbon refers to achieving a state in which the carbon emitted into the atmosphere is balanced by the carbon removed from it. For this to occur, the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere must not exceed the amount removed.
Committed to reaching net zero by 2040
In 2021, we committed to net zero carbon emissions in advance of 2040 as part of The Climate Pledge. To support our 2040 goal, we have developed interim targets for 2030 to ensure we make the progress needed to continue being a sustainable and responsible business.
Our interim targets:
- Reduce scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline)
- Reduce scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline)
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions which are produced through means that Urenco owns or controls. Examples of Scope 1 emissions include those from the combustion of fuels in boilers and also diesel and petrol used in Urenco owned road vehicles.
Scope 2 emissions relate to the generation of either electricity, heat or steam that is supplied and consumed by a company. Urenco consumes electricity that is generated by other organisations which is then supplied to Urenco’s different sites. The greenhouse gases are emitted in a location not owned or operated by Urenco but the responsibility lies with Urenco to report on these emissions.
Scope 3 emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that are classed as ‘indirect’. This means that the emissions are a result of the operation of the company but Urenco does not either own or control the sources of these emissions. Scope 3 covers the wider value chain, for example including mining and extraction of raw materials and transportation of products and services to and from the sites. Also included under this scope are items such as employee travel, as these activities generate greenhouse gas emissions and are a consequence of the requirements of Urenco operations to conduct its business.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INVESTMENT ACROSS ALL OF OUR SITES
CARBON REDUCTIONS IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
SOLAR INVESTMENT ACROSS OUR SITES
100% NUCLEAR BACKED LOW- CARBON ELECTRICITY CONTRACT IN THE UK
In November 2021, the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conferences of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, during this time Urenco played an impactful role in several events advocating for a net zero world.
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Why is nuclear power important in achieving net zero?
Nuclear has saved the UK 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 far more than any other energy source
Nuclear has saved 70 billion tonnes of CO2 globally since the insutry began
One kilogram of uranium can release 3 million times more energy than a kilogram of coal
Nuclear is a proven low carbon energy source that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can help replace our reliance on fossil fuels
Nuclear and different renewables can be utilised together to provide efficient and affordable clean energy
Nuclear energy and the nuclear industry is heavily aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports sustainable development