The view from COP26

ECA's Head of Communications & Public Affairs Jane Dawson attended the annual COP26 climate conference this week. Read on to learn why electrical and engineering services contractors are essential to making Net Zero a reality.

COP26 has been splashed across every news feed in the world this week, so it’s very likely you’ve heard something about the events happening at the global summit. You might be less aware of how decisions taken at COP26 might affect the electrotechnical and engineering services sector. 

One thing we can be sure of is the world is changing very fast, and we need to change with it

I had the privilege of spending a few days in Glasgow earlier this week, meeting the people spearheading some of the changes.

What is COP?

Since 1995 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has met 26 times to discuss the world’s progress on climate change. These summits are called the ‘Conference of the Parties’ (COP). Every country signed up to the Convention can send representatives to attend. 

The future is electric

Away from the razzamatazz of the world leaders gathering, I spent my week in Glasgow meeting a range of net zero businesses. They all had in common solutions which used electricity and needed the skills of electrical contractors.  

Our Green Pivot Guide is full of information. As a Trade Association, we know success and growth for our Members is about innovation and culture change

I heard about mini-grids on the Scottish Island of Eigg, bringing off-grid energy stability to remote rural communities. I tried my hand in an electric racing car, part developed by ECA Commercial Associate, ABB. A personal tour of a vertical farming system, using energy efficient LED lighting, heating and ventilation, showed me how this local food source eradicated air miles and supply chain shortages.

Business embraces net zero

This COP is likely to be remembered as the moment when business embraced net zero. As firms find new ways to reduce their carbon emissions, they will need the skills of ECA Members and the engineering services sector to transition to low carbon solutions. 

In turn,  ECA is stepping up to offer expertise to help Members pivot to these new technologies.  

Our Green Pivot Guide is full of information. As a Trade Association, we know success and growth for our Members is about innovation and culture change. COP26 demonstrated that businesses who fail embrace Net Zero will get left behind. 

One thing we can be sure of is the world is changing very fast, and we need to change with it.