Net Zero

As the leading independent expert for weather and climate, we’re not just advocating for change – we’re making it happen.

Climate leadership means living by the science, and the science is clear: urgent action is needed. Every year, the evidence grows stronger. Every fraction of a degree matters, and the window for change is rapidly narrowing.

As weather and climate scientists, our members know this better than most. They’ve dedicated their careers to understanding the systems that shape our planet. They’ve contributed to the data, the models, the warnings – and the solutions. Our members hold the Society to a high standard, and we’re grateful for their encouragement, expertise, and expectation of integrity that drives us forward.

At the same time, society is asking more of organisations like ours. Not just to speak out, but to act. Not only to communicate the risks, but to demonstrate the response. In other words, to be the change.

That’s why we believe climate leadership must start from within. It’s why RMetS has worked steadily and quietly over the past 15 years to reduce its own environmental footprint. And it’s why we’re proud to now share a significant milestone achievement.

RMetS: Leading the way

We’re committed to achieving net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2030 from a baseline year of 2022. Net zero will be achieved by reducing absolute Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions by at least 90% by 2030, and our journey to net zero is supported by the interim target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 100% by 2025.

We’re delighted to share that for our 2024 reporting period, our measured carbon emissions demonstrate a reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 to just 0.3 tCO2e. This gives us confidence that during the 2025 reporting year, we will achieve our interim target.

This achievement has been independently certified by Planet Mark, an internationally recognised sustainability certification that uses science-based targets to verify progress.

How is the Society honouring its commitment to achieving Net Zero?

For over 15 years, we've been on a journey to reduce our environmental impact. Now, by reaching net zero for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions – those directly under our control – we’ve achieved a milestone that reflects our members’ desire to see climate science translated into credible action.

This progress hasn’t happened by accident. Net Zero is deeply embedded in the way RMetS works – from governance and strategic planning through to day-to-day operations. Trustees, staff and members alike have shown sustained commitment to aligning our work with the science, ensuring that environmental responsibility is not a side project, but a core principle of how the Society operates.

"Reaching Net Zero for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions didn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of consistent, organisation-wide commitment over many years. As trustees, we’ve supported this ambition not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it reflects who we are as a Society guided by scientific evidence."

Professor Brian Golding OBE, RMetS President.

"Achieving our 2025 emissions target is a shared achievement – one that spans departments, roles, and decisions. Trustees, staff, and members have all played a part in helping RMetS lead by example, and we’re proud to be part of a long-term vision grounded in science and action."

Mona Lukha, Member Trustee. 

"As stewards of the Society’s resources, we knew that decarbonising our investment portfolio was essential to aligning our finances with our values. We’ve taken significant steps to reduce the carbon intensity of our investments, ensuring that our capital is working in service of a more sustainable future."

Paul Hardaker, Treasurer.

RMetS net zero pledge: achieve net zero direct carbon emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 2025, where there is direct control through avoiding, reducing and substituting. Also work towards net zero indirect emissions (Scope 3) by 2030, subject to a full feasibility assessment.

Fig1. From science to action. 

From energy audits to divestment, certification, and supplier engagement, this timeline maps the milestones of RMetS’s long-standing commitment to meaningful climate leadership.

*Supplier engagement, sustainable investment options, and sustainable events.

**Confirmed for our 2024 reporting period.
 

What's next for RMetS?

Net zero isn’t a distant ambition at RMetS – it’s already becoming a reality. By achieving net zero for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions ahead of the UK’s 2030 target, we’ve shown that climate leadership begins at home with decisive, credible action.

But our journey doesn’t end here.

True net zero is about more than internal operations. It’s about understanding our wider impact – and using our influence to drive change across the ecosystem we’re part of. That’s why we’ve turned our attention to Scope 3 emissions – the indirect emissions generated through our supply chain, partnerships, and services.

Through analysis of our carbon footprint, we’ve identified that approximately 85% of our Scope 3 emissions stem from scientific publishing, investments, and events.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve been actively exploring decarbonisation opportunities within these areas. By working closely with suppliers and collaborators to identify where emissions can be reduced, we’re empowering better practices across our network. These conversations are about partnership, shared values, and raising ambition across the board. Significant progress has been made, and we remain confident in our ability to reduce Scope 3 emissions sufficiently to meet our 2030 net zero target.

This next phase of our sustainability strategy reflects our belief that meaningful change is collective. Just as weather systems are interconnected, so too is climate action. The choices we make ripple outward – through our events, our publishing, our investments, and our professional networks.

By aligning our operations with our values, we aim to inspire others in the scientific community and beyond to take practical steps toward a sustainable future.

This is leadership that extends beyond our organisation: Leadership that honours our members’ call for action and invites others to join us in creating lasting change.

We're proud to be a part of:

Through the PlanetMark Business Certification, we will continue to measure and reduce our carbon footprint to ensure that we are embedding sustainability into our business practices.