ULEZ and the accountant
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is just one of many climate change initiatives where chartered accountants can play a key role with business, writes ICAEW business strategy manager Rachel Underhill.
July 2019
One month in, the ULEZ is being touted as a success, with just under 10,000 fewer of the worst polluting vehicles entering central London in April compared to March. This number is more drastic when compared to the figures when ULEZ was announced: 36,000 fewer of these vehicles came into the zone in April 2019 versus February 2017.
But the impact on businesses in the capital and surrounding areas is particularly marked; a rise in operating costs in what is an acutely challenging business environment simply isn’t appealing to many, with small businesses taking the brunt. That being said, being more environmentally friendly makes sense; from both a social responsibility and a long-term profitability angle.
The accountancy profession will have a key role to play here as leaders and advisers of business. Climate change is not something that we can think about tomorrow: it is affecting us and business now. It is time to adapt.
At a big picture level, we are seeing a rise in the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to investors. Climate Action 100+ (a group of the world’s largest investors managing some $32tn in assets) called on BP to make greater disclosures on its emissions and show how its investments and business strategy align with the Paris climate goals to limit global temperature rises. More than 99% of shareholders voted in favour of this resolution, which is a particularly powerful message.
Unilever has also released an open letter requesting their trade associations and business groups ensure their climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s. Businesses are looking out to their supply chains and networks to ensure they are working with the right people whilst exerting peer pressure.
Consumers are choosing their products more carefully now, with organic and sustainable ranges becoming more popular. The outrage from the general public as a result of Sir David Attenborough’s programme on plastic waste and the impact on the environment has changed consumer behaviour on things like plastic straws forever. Small businesses are well placed to be agile enough to adjust to peer and consumer pressures with the right support, although the upfront costs of changing regulation such as ULEZ is challenging.
In early June, on World Environment Day, the House of Commons Treasury Committee launched a new inquiry into the decarbonisation of the UK economy and green finance. It looks to scrutinise the role of government, regulators and financial services firms in supporting the Government’s climate change commitments. It also wishes to explore the economic potential of decarbonisation for the UK economy in terms of job creation and growth.
ICAEW will submit to the Committee’s inquiry, and we look to our members in business carrying out cutting edge work to highlight the positive role chartered accountants can have in the decarbonised world.
We would also be interested to hear views from members as to how the ULEZ has impacted you. In particular, if you or clients are involved in impactful decarbonisation projects then we would be delighted to hear about it.
ICAEW is part of the United Nations Global Compact, and we work closely with both the Natural Capital Coalition and Accounting for Sustainability to ensure accounting for climate change is rigorous yet usable for businesses. To further support our members, we are releasing a training programme in July which is designed to raise awareness of the impact climate change is having on humanity and business, along with exploring how businesses need to adapt to manage risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Rachel Underhill is part of ICAEW’s new Business & Industrial Strategy team
ICAEW wants to hear your thoughts: if you would like to submit comments on ULEZ or the decarbonisation consultation, please contact Rachel on Rachel.Underhill@icaew.com by 19 July.
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