Zest has renewed its status as a carbon neutral organisation by partnering with Carbon Neutral Britain. Established to improve access to EV charging across the UK and make electric vehicles a realistic option for everyone, Zest is driven by its sustainable values.
As such, for a second year, Zest is supporting Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER) and Certified Emission Reductions (CER) offsetting programmes across the world, developed to create positive environmental impact and lasting social value.
To combat climate change, behaviours on an individual, organisational and governmental level need to be challenged and transformed. Studies by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict that we only have five years before the catastrophic damage to the planet becomes irreversible. The impacts of the climate crisis are already apparent. Species of plants and animals are becoming extinct at nearly 1,000 times the natural rate and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
As a signatory of The Climate Pledge, Zest has already committed to reducing its carbon emissions to zero by 2040. Now, by reaffirming its carbon neutral status with Carbon Neutral Britain, Zest is supporting projects across the world, which aim to make a long-term impact. The projects in our offsetting portfolio include the Andes mountains hydropower plant, Salkhit wind farm, and energy efficient lighting project.
As well as supplying renewable energy, the Andes hydroelectric project also creates jobs in construction, funds community projects in healthcare, education, and social change through the "Tinguiririca Participa" grant program, and supports a reforestation project around the site, which has seen 120 hectares restored.
As the first grid-connected wind farm in Mongolia, the Salkhit Wind Farm supports the country’s increasing electricity demand with renewable energy. It benefits the environment through greenhouse gas emission reduction, air quality improvements, and creates social value by offering employment opportunities and developing local expertise.
This project aims to reduce the number of energy inefficient Incandescent Lamps (ICLs) used in Indian households, which convert just 5% of electricity input to light. Beyond the estimated savings of over 35,000 tonnes of CO2e each year, the project also creates financial value for households through lower energy bills.
Zest is proud to be certified as a carbon neutral business for another year and build on its existing efforts to meet rigorous social and environmental standards as a B Corporation.