Welcome to the Net Zero Challenge!
Get Started
1. Get the app
As well as the interactive web platform, there's also a free Net Zero Challenge app for iOS and Android! Search 'The Net Zero Challenge' in your device's app store or click the links below and get rewarded on the go.
Download on iOS
Download on Android
2. Take part in activities
You can take part in a whole range of activities to earn Green Points for yourself and your team. We've grouped these activities into themes, all of which you can get involved in at any time.
Click here to check out each of the activities - for some you'll need to submit some information or a photo whilst for others you'll be sent a weekly reminder to let us know what you've done. We've included an impact and effort rating so you know which activities will have the biggest effect on your carbon footprint.
3. Check the leader board
The leader board on the homepage shows how you're performing compared to your colleagues and how your organisation is doing compared to others in your sector.
4. Win prizes
As part of the Net Zero Challenge you'll get the opportunity to win £20 vouchers each month with choices listed on the homepage. Every 6 months, we'll also be awarded £125 to the organisation with most points on average to donate to one of our charity partners. Team competition runs March - September, October - February.
Prizes are given to individuals who have earned the most points during that month. Don't worry if you've only just joined or haven't taken part in a while - as soon as you get stuck in, you're in with a chance to win!
5. Encourage your colleagues to get involved
You can encourage your colleagues to get involved (and earn Green Points for yourself) using our refer a friend tool - all you need is your friend's email address to send them an invite.
Please note: only people inside your organisation can get involved.
6. Any Questions?
Click here to read up on our Frequently Asked Questions page. Should you continue to struggle finding an answer to your questions then please feel free to contact us via our Contact Us page.
What is Net Zero?
The Net Zero Challenge is all about reducing our carbon emissions in order to achieve 'net zero' - but what does this term actually mean?
To put it simply, 'net zero' is balancing the amount of greenhouse gases we are putting into our atmosphere with the amount we are taking out. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount we take away.
There is no global net zero target or commitment, but the United Nations are calling for us to reach net zero by 2050 whilst many other countries around the world have set their own net zero timescales. The UK and USA have pledged to reach net zero by 2050, whilst China have stated they are aiming for the same by 2060.
This short video from National Grid UK is a great introduction to the concept of net zero:
Why is Net Zero important?
Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere have led to global temperature rises, with 19 of the 20 warmest years occurring since 2001.
The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommend keeping global temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to limit the most serious risks of climate change, such as rising sea levels, habitat loss, water shortages and forest fires.
Since 1990, global carbon emissions have risen from 22.7 billion tonnes per year to 36.4 billion tonnes per year - an increase of over 60%.
What does that mean for me?
We all need to make changes to the way that we work and live in order to achieve these targets. What these changes are depend on our lifestyles, but could include:
- Reducing our car and air travel
- Switching to green energy suppliers and reducing our home and work energy usage
- Using less water at home and work, particularly hot water
- Reducing the amount we throw away
- Helping to protect and improve biodiversity in our local areas
Not sure where to start? That's where the Net Zero Challenge comes in!
How does the Net Zero Challenge help?
The Net Zero Challenge has been designed to show you ways that you can reduce your personal and your company's carbon emissions, in order to help get us on track to achieve net zero by 2050. We'll show you small, achievable ways to reduce your carbon footprint and support you in taking action throughout the challenge to achieve these goals. All those actions soon add up to a big impact!Ready to get started? Head back to the homepage and start opting in to activities or making submissions - and good luck on your journey to net zero!
