Published: February 24, 2025

Martin Bellamy (C2Zero) presents the initial carbon cancellation certificate to Patrick O’Hara (LGPS Central).
Martin Bellamy (C2Zero) presents the initial carbon cancellation certificate to Patrick O’Hara (LGPS Central).

We are proud to announce our partnership with C2Zero, adopting an innovative approach to managing and reducing our operational emissions. Rather than using traditional carbon offsets, we have embraced C2Zero’s Carbon Cancellation Service, directly reducing operational emissions, as part of our wider operational emissions strategy.

You can view our joint press release with C2Zero here.

One of the UK’s leading pension pools, LGPS Central, has joined forces with carbon emissions reduction champion C2Zero to adopt an innovative approach to managing and reducing its operational emissions. Moving beyond the traditional reliance on carbon offsets, which fund projects to remove or reduce emissions elsewhere, LGPS Central has embraced C2Zero’s Carbon Cancellation Service as part of its net zero strategy for operational emissions. This progressive solution reduces the future emissions permitted from the UK’s largest polluters.

Patrick O’Hara, Head of Responsible Investment and Stewardship at LGPS Central said, “When it comes to addressing our residual emissions from our business operations, we are keen to support innovation that allows companies to access emissions allowances from government regulated compliance carbon markets. C2Zero’s solution provides access to carbon emissions allowances from the UK Emission Trading Scheme. In addition to access, the ability to remove the purchased allowances from circulation was also attractive. Partnering with C2Zero has provided us with a solution that meets these aims and is both measurable and transparent.” Details on LGPS Central’s net zero operational emissions are available here: https://www.lgpscentral.co.uk/responsible-investment/net-zero.html

C2Zero has operated in Australia since 2021 and launched its UK Carbon Cancellation Service (C4S) in London in March 2024 as part of the Connect to Prosper initiative of the former Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli. Commenting on the partnership, Alderman Mainelli said: “LGPS Central’s adoption of initiatives like C4S demonstrates forward-thinking leadership and a tangible commitment to combating climate change. Their collaboration with innovative companies like C2Zero sets a powerful example for others to follow.”

Roger Cohen, Founder and CEO of C2Zero, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “At C2Zero, our mission is to empower organisations like LGPS Central to take impactful steps towards reducing emissions.

This partnership showcases how innovative solutions and forward-thinking organisations can drive real progress in the fight against climate change.” Cohen continued: “This collaboration marks the beginning of our journey into the UK and beyond. Working with organisations like LGPS Central, alongside the support of Alderman Mainelli and the City of London, gives us every confidence that we can make a significant difference as we grow. We are grateful to LGPS Central for recognising the potential of the solution we offer.”

About this initiative, Prof. Andreas Hoepner, Professor of Operational Risk, Banking & Finance University College Dublin, Head of Data Science Hub & Member of the EU Platform (PSF) on Sustainable Finance said: “I am encouraged by the innovative and robust approach taken by LGPS Central in addressing its operational emissions. It is important for assets owners and asset managers to address their own operational emissions and I hope other enterprises follow this example.”

“The partnership between LGPS Central and C2Zero highlights the potential for collaboration to achieve essential environmental milestones. It sets a precedent for other organisations seeking to align their operations with sustainability goals”, Professor Hoepner continued.

Partners

Cheshire Pension Fund logo
Nottinghamshire Pension Fund logo
Staffordshire Pension Fund logo
West Midlands Pension Fund logo
Shropshire County Pension Fund logo
Worcestershire Pension Fund logo
Derbyshire Pension Fund logo
Leicestershire Councty Council Pension Fund logo