Dozens of businesses sign up for Tech Zero taskforce, taking membership past the 100 mark

The initiative's original ambition was to reach 100 members by COP26

The so-called ‘Tech Zero taskforce’ was launched this spring and is being spearheaded by energy company Bulb and industry body Tech Nation. At the time of its launch, it had 16 founding businesses, but Bulb has today (12 August) revealed that membership has passed the 100-business mark.

Among the taskforce’s new joiners are insurance comparison website Confused.com, classified advertising firm Auto Trader Group and Oddbox, which sells boxes of fruit and vegetables that would otherwise have gone to waste due to their cosmetic appearance. Confused.com notably achieved carbon-neutral certification last year

In joining the taskforce, companies pledge to make a string of climate commitments if they have not already done so. They pledge to set an “ambitious” net-zero target, supported by a climate action plan detailing short-term and medium-term interim targets that are aligned with climate science.

These targets and plans should be reported on annually and “communicated in meaningful ways, including to customers”. Additionally, taskforce member businesses should appoint a member of the C-suite with responsibility for the delivery of net-zero, ensuring that climate action remains a board-level priority.

Taskforce members are also obliged to use their external reach to drive higher levels of climate ambition and greater levels of action.

The initiative is working with the UK COP26 Unit, the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Government’s Council For Sustainable Business – the entity set up to engage businesses in the delivery of the 25-Year Environment Plan. In this way, it can inform and influence policymaking.

In terms of engaging the wider sector, the taskforce will continue to encourage new firms to join and will also produce a ‘Tech Zero toolkit’ explaining climate concepts and buzzwords to businesses.

“With less than 100 days until COP26 in Glasgow, it’s fantastic to see 100 of the UK’s leading tech companies uniting in their commitment to net-zero and signing up to the Tech Zero taskforce,” the COP26 Unit’s UK Net-Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith MP said.

“There is no better time for companies to take action on climate change, and today marks a superb step that will enable the UK tech sector to remain competitive, prosperous and fit for a green future.”

The taskforce’s founding business members are allplants, Bulb, Babylon, Citymapper, Faculty, GoCardless, Habito, Hopin, MoneySuperMarket Group, Olio, Onfido, Revolut, Starling Bank, Wise, what3words and Transferwise.

Sarah George

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