Peter Emery, CEO of Electricity North West, said: “As the Queen suggested with her comments leading up to the conference, what matters most isn’t what countries, businesses and individuals are saying but what they do now to reach those targets.

“Leading the North West to net zero is central to our business plans as the country moves away from fossil fuels to using more low carbon electricity for things like transport and heating. Not only have we committed to make our business net zero by 2038 agreeing a science-based target and signing up the UN’s Race To Zero campaign, but we are also increasing capacity on the electricity network and providing tailored information to businesses to enable others to meet stretching net zero targets too.

“We’re investing up to £2bn in the region’s network during the rest of this decade to meet the increasing electricity demand from electric cars and heat pumps. As a minimum businesses should be taking responsibility, focusing on energy efficiency, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and installing solar panels on their buildings.

“COP26 has been hugely powerful in reminding us of the scale of the challenge ahead and the impact on communities worldwide. With the discussions in Glasgow now over, it’s time to get on with the job with a renewed sense of urgency.”