“We heard this week from the UN’s Report that ‘…climate change is not a problem of the future, it’s here now and affecting every region of the world…’. ‘Very likely’ was the term used repeatedly in the Report in reference to global warming. Sea levels are rising, temperatures are rising and we’re seeing the devastating effects of that in Greece, Turkey and California at the moment where entire communities are being destroyed by sweeping wildfires.

“Climate change is nothing new, it’s been around since the dawn of time, but the changes we’re seeing now have been and continue to be, accelerated by our own actions – by how society has evolved in an unsustainable way. And while every single person, organisation and government has a role to play in protecting our future, I’m looking at our industry, at utility infrastructure and connections requirements, and asking whether we’re doing enough, or just paying lip service to it?

“In the market research we commissioned earlier this year, we asked participants what they would want a utility infrastructure provider, like ourselves, to offer over the next few years. We expected the responses to include a reference to sustainability options, and they did, but not in any great depth. It was almost like it was something they were expected to say, without really understanding the complexities of what it might entail. I wonder, is there a lack of understanding in the market of what zero carbon looks like?

“We’ve also been looking at internet search trends in our industry. There are some companies who lead with commentary on their websites about net zero, businesses who publish their sustainability strategies and proudly promote the green credentials of their developments, but our research revealed that words like ‘sustainability’ and ‘net zero’ aren’t common search terms for our industry. Perhaps at the end of the day, do ‘we’ just want to get the job done?

“Don’t misunderstand me, I’m encouraged to read about sustainable development and the fantastic work which is being done to take power from renewable sources. The increase in self-generation projects – of which we’re part of many, is having a positive impact on our efforts towards reducing carbon emissions, but the enormity of this task, from education to practical delivery and what that actually means for our industry, is immense.

“In our own business we’re developing initiatives such as investing in an electric company car fleet, switching to a renewable energy provider and exploring options for solar power generation to make ours a net zero business. And as our proposition to our customers evolves, we’re focussing on how we can bring developments to life by connecting them to renewable sources of energy, and looking at how we can introduce measures to further improve the sustainability of our operational methods. This is all important stuff – but how does it fair in the sustainability versus price war?

“The challenge remains – turning words and attitudes into actions. Last year we were forced to cease all but essential air travel. That change helped the environment, but now restrictions have largely been lifted, our skies are once again dotted with contrails from aircraft engine exhaust. I accept we’re all in need of a holiday, but are we learning anything? There’s no easy answer to this, if there was, we wouldn’t be where we find ourselves now, but certainly in our business, I’ll be working hard to ensure we do what we can to navigate our path to net zero and we’re here to help our customers do the same.”

Rob Sparkes, CEO, Matrix Group