Positive Climate Action: Towards Net Zero 2024

WINNER

Decarbonising Essex. A step closer to reaching Net Zero Carbon Emissions, Mitie

Sponsored by: CEF

Mitie and Essex County Council (ECC) have partnered to fight against climate change and reduce carbon emissions, with a focused approach on reaching net zero carbon emissions in ECC’s core estate by 2030 and in schools by 2050. 

Over the past three years the partnership has evolved its decarbonisation journey: 

  • Developing and submitting detailed government grant applications worth £13.8m;
  • Reviewing ECC’s estate to identify priority sites; 
  • Undertaking feasibility studies; 
  • Creating local employment opportunities and volunteering opportunities such as planting 10,000 trees; 
  • Using savings generated from projects towards providing essential services to local communities through circular economy and providing turnkey project management services for the installation of energy-efficient technologies.

The partnership’s core focus is to help ECC reach net zero by 2050, with resulting priorities including:

  • Decarbonisation of ECC’s building portfolio with solar PV installations, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting upgrades;
  • Energy efficiency with double-glazed windows and building fabric improvements;
  • Sustainable solutions such as structural insulated panelled (SIP) classrooms at Harlow Fields School; and 
  • Community engagement with tree planting initiatives and raising awareness about climate action within Essex communities. 


Results achieved

ECC’s decarbonisation projects have impacted the organisation’s net zero goals through several measurable aspects. These include:

  • Energy production and CO2 reduction – solar panels produce around 1,700,000 kWh of energy annually, saving 534 tonnes of CO2 emissions. By the end of 2024, 14 more sites will be fitted with ASHP’s, resulting in savings of 209 tonnes of CO2e.
  • Financial savings – solar panels are saving an estimated £280,500 annually on energy bills, with a payback period of under 10 years. Additionally, LED lighting upgrades are projected to save an estimated £121,000 per year.
  • Project completion rates – successful projects, such as solar panel installations at 12 schools and 20 council buildings, and LED upgrades at 45 buildings and schools, demonstrate efficient project execution. 
  • EPC rating – the SIPs classrooms at Harlow Fields and Moulsham Junior School resulted in EPC rating of A+ and awarded carbon negative status.
  • Community engagement – more than 80 volunteers have planted around 10,000 trees in the last two years.
  • Sustainability leadership – students and staff at SIPs classroom at Harlow Fields School are learning from the school’s commitment to renewable energy and its positive impact on operational costs.

Lessons in best practice

  • Take a collaborative approach with joint decision-making, open communication and stakeholder buy-in;
  • Phase implementation to build confidence and gather feedback for wider rollout across the county;
  • Engage stakeholders including building occupants, FMs managers, and local communities to address concerns, encourage responsible energy use, and foster ownership of the project;
  • Make data-driven decisions by monitoring energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and project completion rates;
  • Plan proactively to overcome supply chain disruptions and project delays; and 
  • Manage change, such as transitioning to new technologies, by understanding stakeholders’ concerns or initial uncertainties.

Key quotes

“The Essex Forest Initiative had another huge boost this year… The site will now sequester more carbon.” 

“Mitie’s volunteer efforts not only contributed to environmental improvements but also strengthened community ownership for this vital initiative.”

“The learnings from the ECC projects contribute to Mitie’s overall approach to sustainability and inform its service offerings to other clients. By sharing these learnings, Mitie plays a role in empowering other organisations to embark on their own positive climate action journey towards net zero, ultimately contributing to a broader positive environmental impact.”

Seizing the initiative 

Net zero is coming in just over 25 years, which is why Mitie and ECC’s action towards a more sustainable future shows is inspiring and purposeful.

From the judges 

“An organisational approach self-focused on developments that can support customers and suppliers in the longer term.

“This innovative collaboration not only focuses on decarbonisation but also fosters social wellbeing through community engagement and working with schools.”