To coincide with COP26, we spoke to several businesses across the region to see how they are setting targets to become net zero. Although each business has their own needs that they need to adapt to in order to decarbonise, the thing that unifies them is their willingness and desire to become more sustainable.
Bristol Climate Leaders Group
In 2020, The Bristol Green Capital Partnership launched Climate Leaders Group. This was for organisations that have committed to be carbon neutral in their own operations by 2030 and have a plan for reducing their emissions. Nina Skubala, Head of Climate Strategy at Business West and Jessica Ferrow, Co-Founder and Director at Twelve, are both Co-Chairs of the Climate Leaders Group. They spoke to a number of businesses that are apart of the Climate Leader groups, who outlined importance of reaching net zero.
Proctor & Stevenson Ltd – Innovative Marketing Agency
As well as being an Initiative member, Proctor & Stevenson design effective digital campaigns and business strategies. Roger Proctor, the Founder and Chairman of Proctor and Stevenson shares his own experience of his change in attitude towards climate change within his organisation. They have taken their green transport to another level, not only have they given their staff electric cars, but they have had solar panels installed on site in order to charge the vehicles. This is something they are particularly proud of as an organisation.
Burges Salmon - Independent Law Firm
Initiative member Burges Salmon have pledged their commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2026. Kirsty Green Mann, Head of Corporate Responsibility speaks about how they plan to reach this ambitious target with the approach of reduce, reuse, recycle. This simple but highly effective method has already allowed them to reduce their climate impacts as they have installed an environmental management system, switched to renewable energy and have energy efficient machinery.
Wiper And True - Craft Beer Brewery
A Bristol based craft brewery, Wiper and True are committed to being sustainable themselves, and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Joseph Watts, the Operations and Sustainability Manager talks about how they want to be drivers for change, they do this by meeting with their suppliers and will communicate how important reaching net zero is for Wiper and True, and how their suppliers should also be incorporating sustainable measures.
SS Great Britian – Tourist and History Attraction
Since 2018, Nicola Grahamslaw, Conservation Engineer has been working on a project that has helped Business West Initiative member SS Great Britain’s energy run more efficiently. One of their main outputs of power comes from running their dehumidifiers; these are vital to upkeep the condition of the ship and stopping it from forming rust. They hope to install a greener fan and energy recovery device to reduce energy used.
Avon Fire and Rescue – Public Service and Welfare
The typical words that spring to mind when you think of fire and rescue services isn't normally sustainability; but that’s something that Business West Initiative member Avon Fire and Rescue services are doing their best to change. Annabel Hartford, Environmental Manage and Neil Stradling, Station Manager discuss how introducing electrical vehicle charging points, solar pv and thermal systems has allowed their fire stations to run in an energy efficient way. Within the next 12-24 months, they are undergoing a trial of electric fire trucks.
The University of Gloucestershire – Higher Education
Dr Alex Ryan the Director of Sustainability at the university, talks about one of the ways they are decarbonising is by updating their old heating system to have an energy efficient boiler. The university are committed to reducing their environmental impacts across several elements such as their supply chains and how they commute to campus.
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