In May 2024, the High Court ruled that the UK’s net zero by 2050 climate plan was unclear and must be redrafted within the next 12 months.

Environmental campaign groups, ClientEarth, the Good Law Project and Friends of the Earth took legal action against the government, fearing their budget delivery plan would not help the UK reach its goal of cutting emissions by two-thirds before 2030.

Despite a gloomy outlook on current net-zero plans, we’re pleased to report that countless UK corporations have their own sustainability strategies.

By implementing carbon-cutting procedures at a company-wide level, we’re seeing a growing trend of commercial solar panel installations among UK and multinational corporations.

Learn more about the top 10 solar-powered companies leading the green energy front with Project Solar’s comprehensive list.

• Associated British Ports

Associated British Ports (ABP) has been making strides in sustainability since 2014.

Having reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 38% in 2021, ABP continued its takeover with the installation of a large-scale, 6.5MWp solar system at the Port of Hull.

This impressive array of 21,000 solar panels now accounts for 29% of the port’s energy requirements.

But that’s not all! ABP has made its Net Zero by 2040 mission a priority and, because of their dedication, has become one of the largest corporate producers of solar energy.

They’ve recently unveiled big plans to transform the Port of Newport into a ‘clean growth hub’. The idea is to make decade-long investments in solar energy and wind power to make the transport of goods more efficient (and sustainable!)

• M&S

Multinational retailer, Marks & Spencer’s has been smashing sustainability targets since 2007.

Their aptly named Plan A strategy (because, when it comes to the environment, there is no Plan B) also aims to see the company go Net Zero by 2030/40.

To drive efficiency across their estate, the M&S Energy Society installed solar panels on 8 of its host buildings, including Banbury Gateway, Longbridge and Cheshire Oaks here in the North West.

Just this year, M&S has announced new initiatives aimed at producing green energy using farm-generated wind and solar power!

• Amazon

Amazon has been making headlines for their commitment to solar energy. In January of 2024, the world’s largest online retailer also became the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fourth consecutive year!

However, it’s unsurprising the global giant clinched this title. Amazon has ambitious goals to roll out 30,000 modular solar panels across key UK facilities in Bristol, Manchester and Milton Keynes.

2023 saw the company install solar panel systems on 15 of its European facilities and in 2024, Amazon has pledged to invest in even more on-site renewables, like rooftop solar systems and utility-scale solar projects.

• Aviva

While it may be surprising that insurance broker Aviva is spearheading the corporate solar takeover, the company has been tackling climate change at a local level since 2020.

They opened the UK’s largest carport and energy storage facilities in their Perth office, with support from the Scottish government. The installation includes 3,238 solar PV panels, which are set to generate 812,000kWh!

Three-quarters of the energy produced is set to power the firm’s offices, with the other quarter being used to charge 50 electric vehicles simultaneously!

• Facebook

Another tech giant on a carbon-neutral mission is Meta, formerly known as Facebook.

In 2011, Facebook became one of the first companies to commit to 100% renewable energy, and in 2020, they claimed to have achieved that goal.

With over 2.8 gigawatts of wind and solar projects online, Meta is now aiming for net zero across its supply chain by 2030.

• Cambridge University Press

As a leader in global research and education, Cambridge University Press has committed to reducing its carbon emissions. Their goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2040, with a target of at least 72% by 2030.

To do this, the company has been replacing gas boilers with electric alternatives (which led to an estimated 10 tonnes of carbon savings), improving energy management and replacing ventilation pumps.

It’s believed that the nationwide changes made in 2022 and 2023 have allowed Cambridge University Press to save around 200 tonnes of carbon!

• IKEA

IKEA’s ‘climate-positive’ approach to business has seen the company form their very own sustainability strategy. By 2030, the Swedish manufacturers want to reduce more greenhouse gas emissions than the full IKEA value chain emits.

The company aims to become net zero by 2050 by striving towards electrification and 100% renewable energy. However, IKEA also encourages its partners to follow in their footsteps.

They offer partners two ways to convert: by facilitating the purchase of renewable electricity and financing on-site investments. IKEA’s US and Australia stores have also been at the vanguard of the company’s push into solar.

The 370 stores across these locations contribute the most to IKEA’s total figure of 1 million solar panels installed worldwide.

• Tesco

Tesco was the first company to set a zero-carbon goal back in 2009. They’ve since reduced their carbon emissions by 55%! It’s no surprise the company aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and net zero by 2050. But what’s their plan?

Over the years, the UK’s largest supermarket chain has proven itself a solar pioneer. In 2019, Tesco announced its plan to source renewable energy directly from solar farms and rooftop installations on their own sites.

Just this year, they announced plans to install on-site solar panels on 100 of their UK stores over the next 3 years. Tesco hopes the initiative could help generate 20GWh of clean electricity.

• John Lewis Partnership

Pledging to be net carbon zero by 2035, the John Lewis Partnership has set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The company buys all its directly purchased electricity from 100% renewable sources and signed a three-year clean energy supply agreement with Engie in 2020.

In 2022, they rolled out online training on energy awareness for employees and as of 2024, John Lewis Partnership has set goals to reduce its energy estate by 25% as of 2028.

• Gridserve

Gridserve, the country’s foremost net zero transport business, has created partnerships with some of the UK’s most well-known names.

From Dobbies Garden Centre to RoadChef to independent retail parks across the country, Gridserve is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions by making electric vehicle charging points more accessible.

Gridserve is all about taking actionable steps to put sustainability above all else.

Looking for a solar panel installer?

The time to invest in solar is now.

Every home or business can reap the benefits of a solar system. Whether you’re part of an established corporation or have just invested in a new property, going green doesn’t just save energy.

Today, global brands and individuals alike are using solar investments to affirm their status as a person committed to the future of Earth.

At Project Solar, our mission is to make these technologies more accessible. Speak to us today for more advice about owning your own solar panel system.