Net-Zero November: edie’s bumper month of content and events kicks off this week

The month of content will inspire and empower sustainability and energy professionals on the road to a net-zero future for their business

Brought to you in association with edie’s headline partner EDF Energy, Net-Zero November will offer edie readers an array of net-zero-themed exclusive interviews, downloadable guides, reader blogs, virtual events and podcasts.

As part of the month of content (more details below), edie is also encouraging sustainability professionals to submit new or newly created carbon commitments aligned to net-zero on the Mission Possible Pledge Wall.

While our inaugural Net-Zero November last year spotlighted the climate movement, this year’s programme takes an even deeper dive into achieving net-zero, covering the practicalities of reducing emissions; the need for business leadership and the role of resource management and social sustainability in the transition.

Net-Zero November: Content & events

> 4 November: #SustyTalk panel on the Net-Zero Energy Transformation

Our popular video interview series – #SustyTalk – will take a slightly different spin for November, with edie’s editorial team assembling expert panels for bigger, broader and longer conversations. First up: We’ll be talking to those driving and overseeing the energy transition, including representatives from Oxford City Council.

> 6 November: Net-Zero Navigators podcast series begins

Earlier this year, edie launched a spinoff to its ever-popular Sustainable Business Covered Podcast – the Net-Zero Business Podcast. A new episode of this spinoff will be published weekly throughout November, providing an in-depth look at four business’ carbon neutral or net-zero strategies – and the careers of the experts driving them.

> 10 November: Net-Zero Business Leadership Day at Net-Zero Live

For the first time, Net-Zero Live is going virtual. Each day of the event will feature interactive panel discussions, networking sessions, educational masterclasses and roundtable discussions. On day one, we have speakers representing organisations including the Committee on Climate Change, Dentsu Aegis, CDP and the CBI. Register for free here.

> 11 November: Net-Zero Carbon Day at Net-Zero Live

Our speaker line-up for day two features experts from the likes of the APPG for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, EnergyUK and Landsec. Those looking at the practicalities of the net-zero transition – be it from the angle of a specific business project or national policy – won’t want to miss these sessions. Register for free here.

> 12 November: Net-Zero Resources and Waste Day at Net-Zero Live

The third and final day of the event kicks off with a keynote speech from Unilever’s chief supply chain officer Marc Engel. Then, sessions will cover topics ranging from supplier engagement and waste management contracts, to consumer engagement and regenerative business models. Register for free here.

> 18 November: SustyTalk panel on the Countdown to COP26

Our second #SustyTalk video panel for the month will provide an update on preparations for COP26. Will the delay to the event provide more time to build motivation and practical plans for delivery – or is there a risk that momentum will fizzle out? Our expert panel will debate this and other key questions on what should be the most important COP since Paris.

> 25 November: Achieving a Green Recovery for Retail report

edie’s Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Next up is retail.

> 27 November: Net-Zero Navigators podcast series concludes

> 30 November: Special edition of edie’s email newsletter sends

Our email newsletters usually send on Wednesdays, but we’ll be curating a special edition on the last working day of the month, wrapping up all of the best content from Net-Zero November. Make sure you’re signed up to our free newsletters by clicking here. 

> 2 December: Net-Zero November summary report

If you missed any of the Net Zero Live sessions or any other announcement, this exclusive report will bring you up to speed. It’ll also serve as a reference point to help you apply key learnings from the month going forward.

Net-Zero November: Get involved, make a pledge

If you are considering attending Net-Zero Live, it’s not too late to register as a delegate or exhibitor. You can view the full agenda and register by clicking here.

Making a Mission Possible Pledge is also a great way to get involved. No Mission Possible Pledge is too small or too ambitious for the Wall – so long as it is a new, measurable action that will help your organisation on its mission to achieve a sustainable future. The Mission Possible Pledge Wall is endorsed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Additionally, if you would like to suggest or contribute net-zero related content, please contact the edie editorial team here. Please note that our speaker agenda for the Net-Zero Live event is now full.

Last year’s Net-Zero November saw the editorial team deliver more than 40 pieces of original content which resulted in edie’s most successful month ever in terms of website traffic and audience engagement. You can view all of that content here.

Net-Zero November: The context

The concept of net-zero is by no means new, but commitments to achieving net-zero emissions have become increasingly common since the IPCC published its landmark report on global warming in 2018. The report revealed that humanity will have the best chance of capping the global temperature increase at 1.5C, as per the Paris Agreement, if net global emissions are halved by 2030 and reach zero by mid-century.

In June 2019, UK Prime Minister Theresa May enshrined a 2050 net-zero target into UK law. In the months since, businesses have sought to assess how they will comply with this requirement – and whether they can go further and faster.

Net-Zero Live and Net-Zero November 2020 are therefore taking place at a crucial time for the global net-zero carbon transition; with the solutions to coronavirus and climate change converging, the collaborative green recovery movement gathering pace, and the deferred COP26 climate talks due to be hosted exactly one year later, in November 2021.

We’re excited to have you on board!

Luke Nicholls, Matt Mace and Sarah George