UN-backed Race to Zero is calling on businesses across the global economy to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world in time. All members are committed to the same overarching goal: reducing emissions across all scopes swiftly and fairly in line with the Paris Agreement, with transparent action plans and robust near-term targets.

It mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives who bring together 799 cities, 35 regions, 4,475 businesses, and 250 investors from over 110 countries. Businesses in the Race to Zero now account for almost 15% of the global economy; cities & regions in the Race represent almost 1 billion people; and together, non-state actors account for over 10% of global GHG emissions.

Increasingly funders, supply chains and customers are demanding a commitment to net zero.

Over 60% of businesses taking part in Race to Zero are Europe-based. Now is your opportunity to join them.

The race is on.

Our free, online event will inspire you with presentations from some of the leading players across Europe, demystify the process of how to take part and show you how it makes business sense to join the race.

Draft Agenda

(10:00-12:35 CET)

10:00 - 10:05 CET

Keynote speech - Andrew Griffith, MP, Net Zero Business Champion

10:05 - 10:15 CET

Ministerial panel discussion - including European government ministers on the important role for businesses in achieving net zero ambitions.

• Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, MP, UK Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

• Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy

10:15 - 10:25 CET

Introduction to Business Ambition for 1.5 - how it can support your business and why joining Race to Zero is good for business.

• Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director Science Based Targets Initiative

10:25 - 10:35 CET

CLG Europe - Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public and Government Affairs

10:35 - 11:25 CET

Panel discussion – large corporate businesses – including business that have joined the Race to Zero outlining how they plan to address their challenges and achieve their net zero ambitions.

Chaired by Ursula Woodburn, Head of EU Relations CLG Europe and the Green Growth Partnership.

• Volvo Cars - Stuart Templar, Director, Global Sustainability

• DSM - Salla Sulasuo, Corporate Sustainability, Global Climate Lead

• IKEA - Karol Gobczyński, Climate and Energy Leader, Ingka Group

11:25 - 12:20 CET

Panel discussion – SME businesses - how Race to Zero has supported them in setting their net zero targets and how easy it is to join and sign up.

Chaired by Jonny Peters, UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

• AMPECO - Orlin Radev, CEO

• Sensefinity – Orlando Remédios, CEO

• G-Force - Marian Gazdik, Managing Director

Introduction to SME Climate Hub - and how businesses of all sizes can join the race and contribute to net zero.

• Lydia Elliott, Supply Chains Manager and Partnership Lead for the SME Climate Hub

12:20 - 12:30 CET

Final remarks – Neil Sachdev MBE, Chair, Energy Saving Trust

12:30 - 12:35 CET

Closing - Italian Ambassador, Pietro Benassi

This event is produced by Energy Saving Trust in partnership with UK COP26 Presidency, Italian Government, and UN-backed Race to Zero campaign and partner initiatives.

Please note this is a virtual event which will be held on Webex. Joining instructions including access information will be sent to you nearer the time.

If you have any queries, please contact racetozero@est.org.uk