Tim Day has worked in the solar industry for more than 20 years and attended Intersolar for many of them. Then one day, he stopped and asked himself a simple question:
“If we’re all working towards a net zero future, is there a more sustainable way to get there?”
That question led to the creation of Journey to Zero.
It started in 2023 when Tim cycled for 10 days to Munich, with no team, and no fundraising total to celebrate. Just one person deciding to act.
Since then, more riders, colleagues and industry contacts have got involved, helping Journey to Zero grow year after year. In 2025, Tim, Frank Dekker and the wider Journey to Zero team raised £5,000, including £2,500 for SolarAid’s vital work across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This year, Tim completed the full 10-day journey alongside Ben Evans from Downing and Fergal McEntee from Renvolt, while other industry colleagues joined sections of the route. Together, they have already raised nearly £6,000 for SolarAid – more than double last year’s total.
And how did he do it? As Journey to Zero grew, Tim called on organisations across his network to support the challenge, with several companies and individuals making generous donations.
From peer support to strengthening sector relationships, the participants’ reasons for supporting Journey to Zero were varied. But all chose to act – showing how individual effort can work to unlock organisation-wide action.
Investment management firm Downing was one of the companies that supported the challenge. Their connection to the ride was especially personal, with Portfolio Analyst Ben Evans joining Tim and Fergal for the full 10-day journey from London to Munich.
Speaking about Downing’s support, Anna Napolitano, Associate Director, Head of Business Support, said:
“We were proud to support Journey to Zero and SolarAid this year. Having one of our colleagues take part in the ride gave us a first-hand view of the commitment behind the challenge, and we were pleased to support a cause that is bringing clean energy to communities without reliable access to electricity.“
For Ben, taking part offered the chance to contribute directly to a cause he cares about while representing Downing throughout the challenge.
“Taking part in Journey to Zero was a fantastic experience. It meant a lot to have the support of Downing behind me throughout the challenge, and it was even more rewarding knowing that the funds raised will help SolarAid bring clean, reliable energy to communities without access to electricity.” – Ben Evans, Portfolio Analyst at Downing and a Journey to Zero cyclist.
Turning support into impact
Journey to Zero finishing their 10-day ride at Intersolar 2026
All funds raised through Journey to Zero will help bring clean, affordable solar power to the hardest-to-reach communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through our work, families can access safer, more reliable and affordable sources of light, helping ensure that progress in the energy transition reaches the people who are too often left behind.
“At Journey to Zero, we believe that clean energy should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. SolarAid’s mission to bring solar power to the most remote and underserved communities in Africa resonates deeply with our values.” – Tim Day, Co-founder, Journey to Zero.
What next?
SolarAid joined the Journey to Zero team at their 2026 kick off event in Covent Garden.
One of the best things about Journey to Zero is that it proves you don’t need to start with a huge fundraising campaign or a big corporate programme.
Tim started with a bike.
Your idea might look completely different.
Whether it’s a challenge, an event, a team activity or something entirely your own, we’d love to help turn it into something that creates impact. If you’ve got an idea and need help getting started, get in touch at [email protected]
If you’re a company looking to support SolarAid or Journey to Zero then the team will be cycling to Solar & Storage Live Birmingham and hosting a Q&A session on Wednesday the 23rd. Whether you choose to sponsor the ride, ride alongside Tim for part of the journey, or come along to watch SolarAid and Journey to Zero talk about their partnership – your support is appreciated.
After all, the message at the heart of Journey to Zero is simple:
“Do something, do anything. But do something.”