Our PledgeThe ADE pledges to ultimately set and commit to deliver a greenhouse gas reduction target in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5C, covering buildings and travel as a minimum.In order to set a meaningful target, within the next 5 years we pledge to obtain energy consumption data from our office landlord and benchmark the ADE’s current consumption. We commit to engaging regularly with our consumption data from this point, to inform our choices and recognise a reduction in the Association’s carbon footprint. We pledge to publicly report our greenhouse gas emissions, through this data.Within the next 5 years we pledge to have initiated a decarbonisation strategy which reflects maximum effort toward the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C. We commit to focusing on the small, practical steps we can take.We pledge to progress against this target each year and to publicly report this progress. We pledge to publish one piece of research or thought-leadership each year on practical steps to delivering an energy system in line with climate science and in support of net zero carbon. We also pledge to champion our members as they set decarbonisation targets and begin reporting their energy consumption. Context: About the ADEThe Association for Decentralised Energy is bringing energy together to advocate on the priorities for the UK in achieving net zero. We are driving the decarbonisation of heat, championing the role of industry in the green transition and pushing for UK homes, places of work and public services to be energy efficient and smart. The ADE is the leading trade association for decentralised energy, representing more than 130 interested parties from across the industrial, commercial and public sectors. Whilst the ADE is encouraging its member organisations to make similar pledges, this document focusses only on our direct organisational impact. The ADE, including its research arm ACE- Research, are comprised of 15 staff members who (in non-restricted times) work predominately in the office with some homeworking. The organisation rents one whole floor in in a multi-floor building.In order to provide a meaningful pledge, it is important to understand the ADE’s operations and therefore address what is in scope. The ADE does not have a company fleet as this is not necessary for our operation. Staff predominantly travel into the office via public transport or on bike. Sometimes staff are required to travel for meetings, events or to visits members sites. This is predominantly achieved through public transport and on bicycle supported by our cycle to work scheme.The ADE has begun making small efforts to reduce the carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of the organisation’s operations by having energy saving light bulbs on motion sensors in the office, regularly controlling the temperature of the A/C as well as maintenance and repairs, sourcing sustainable office supplies such as ecofriendly washing up liquid, fair trade tea and recycled paper for the printer. Whilst the ADE will continue to implement small changes into our day to day activities, this pledge focuses on prioritising reporting, monitoring and reducing the emission associated with the offices energy demand.
