A huge movement in the race to Net Zero has been launched on the Humber.
Reckitt, a now global healthcare company founded by a Lincolnshire farmer’s son moving to Hull, is leading the charge, heading up an innovative collaboration between business, local government and the community.
Oh Yes! Net Zero has 45 organisations signed up at launch, representing more than 30,000 employees, all committing to steps to reduce carbon footprints.
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Laxman Narasimhan, chief executive of the firm behind Dettol, said: “I’m delighted that Reckitt, along with our coalition of partners, is bringing together the people of Hull and the Humber to shape the region’s net zero future. We’re extremely proud of our 182 years’ heritage in the city and are committed to the role Reckitt plays in creating a cleaner, healthier world for all.
“The Oh Yes! initiative, focused on one of Britain’s biggest industrial clusters, aims to unite and galvanise the city region behind the central aim of reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UK’s target to become net zero by 2050.”
The Humber is seen as critical in the UK’s efforts, and reflecting the gravitas of the initiative, COP 26 President Alok Sharma was welcomed to the company’s state-of-the art Science and Innovation Centre - Reckitt’s largest single capital investment in the UK which opened just before the pandemic.
Mr Sharma said: "This is a unique campaign, illustrating the action we need to see as the UK becomes carbon neutral by 2050. It brings private and public sectors together, and asks every individual, household and organisation to help and make a difference across the Hull and Humberside areas.
"I look forward to seeing their success in driving down emissions, raising innovation and hope to see their ideas being replicated across the UK."
From turning a tap off when brushing teeth to solar generation and fuel switching, many routes to zero were highlighted.
The aim is to develop an innovative economic model in to reduce carbon emissions and support a net zero future.
A strong turnout from across the region heard how Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has pledged to reach net zero by 2030, with a £4.5m solar panel called ‘Field of Dreams’ to provide the energy to power Castle Hill Hospital.
More than £50 million of carbon-neutral, green and net zero capital projects were also flagged by Hull City Council, with energy saving improvements in the existing housing stock.
Cllr Rosie Nicola said: “The big things, we can do, we are on a good path and doing this. What we have to do on a daily basis are the simple things we can do and should do.”
Innovation managing director at city business Springfield Solutions, Matt Dass, said: “It is on all of us as individuals, businesses and larger businesses, we have got to make it happen.”
Prof Susan Lea, vice chancellor of University of Hull, where a 2027 Net Zero target is on track, said: “Our students want to walk the walk and talk the talk. This is core to who we are and the role we play in this region.”
And Rachael Thompson, head of geography at Malet Lambert School, from where students got to ask questions of Mr Sharma, said: “In Hull we are one of the biggest carbon emitters and we are one of the most vulnerable cities in the country.
“It is now time to be involved in this, it shows the students what a difference they can make as individuals and what we can do as a school.”
The movement will be based on a ‘Living Lab’ approach, with learnings to be shared at household, community and organisation levels, with the aim to help other cities achieve the same.
Individuals, households and organisations can say Oh Yes! to making small changes to drive down carbon emissions by signing up for tips and advice at www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk.
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