Sustainability at Business West

Learn more about what we commit to, the changes we have made already and how we can support businesses on their sustainability journey.

How we can work together >

What we believe and commit to

 

In December 2020, Business West became the first Chamber of Commerce in the UK to announce our commitment to safeguarding the environment and addressing the climate crisis. 

As an organisation, we aim to be net zero by 2030 and have published a carbon reduction plan which we will continue to update.

We have taken meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact and to support our business network as they transition to more sustainable practices.

We track our progress through two key accreditations: an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System, which is open to all businesses as a universal standard, and our B Corp certification. We focus on:

 

Reducing emissions

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At Leigh Court, between 2020-2025, we reduced our gas usage by 50%, electricity usage by 12% and water usage by 16%. We are currently reviewing our next reduction target which was set as an annual 6% reduction until the sale of Leigh Court, when the target will be reviewed again.

Engaging businesses

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We support our members and wider business community on their journeys to net zero and climate resilience. You can see how sustainability is embedded in our current projects below.

Accelerating the region

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We work with our stakeholders to transition our region towards net zero, building a climate and nature-resilient economy and place. 

B Corp

 

In 2021, we became an accredited B Corporation (B Corp) and joined a global network of businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Gaining B Corp accreditation demonstrates we put people and planet at the heart of everything we do. 

 

What we have done as a business

 

Business West is based at Leigh Court, Bristol, and Park House in Swindon, both Grade II* listed buildings.

These buildings don't naturally lend themselves to energy efficiency, but we work hard to champion sustainable solutions and innovative technology to improve our carbon footprint and be as sustainable as possible.

Here are some of the changes we have made to ensure we are leading by example and reducing our impact: 

ISO14001 certification

Implemented and maintain ISO14001 certification. This is an internationally agreed standard that helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.

Environment Audit

Carbon Trust carried out an environmental audit on our business, which advised on which areas to focus our energy-saving efforts in the future.

Energy modification

100% renewable electricity through Ecotricity plus transitioned to 100% green gas at Park House, a carbon neutral source of gas. Over 90% of lights converted to LED replacements.

Volunteering days

187 days spent volunteering from 2024-2026, with staff using the opportunity to support environmental causes including litter picking, tree planting and green social prescribing activities.

Training

Mandatory Environmental Training module for all new and current staff

How we help others

We embed sustainability across our projects and partnerships, supporting businesses and stakeholders to make the transition to a greener economy. 

Local Skills Improvement Plans

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The Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are central government funded research projects working to ensure post-16 technical education and training aligns with business needs.  Business West runs the LSIPs for the West of England and North Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire and Somerset (in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce). Through on-going research, the LSIP team collect insights from local businesses and stakeholders on their green skills and wider environmental needs. This research informs curriculum planning for local education and training providers, as well as strategic decisions made by Skills England and local authorities. The integration of green skills is increasingly central to the LSIP's objectives, with Clean Energy industries now a priority growth sector across our geographies and a specific area of research and engagement.

Nuclear South West

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Business West was a founding partner of Nuclear South West, a public-private partnership of industry, academic and public sector, established to champion the South West nuclear industry as the premier destination for investment, innovation and growth. Nuclear South West’s mission is to position the South West nuclear industry at the centre of the global nuclear arena, ensuring that the region is recognised and supported for its capability in the nuclear industry, and that low-carbon opportunities are maximised over the next two decades. 

Hydrogen South West

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In partnership with Hydrogen South West, we facilitate cross-sector collaborations to develop hydrogen infrastructure and technology. Hydrogen South West is a business-led infrastructure ecosystem that connects people, places and projects. The network brings a combination of industrial experience, delivery expertise and regional knowledge to help accelerate the UK’s transition to alternative power at scale, all while making a meaningful contribution to the UK’s net zero 2050 target. It raises the profile of hydrogen innovation, supports partnerships where businesses can develop low carbon hydrogen projects, and helps deliver projects including Project Acorn, Bristol Airport Hydrogen Hub, Bristol Sea Port Hydrogen Hub. 

How could we work together?

At Business West, underpinning everything we do, is our work to drive long-term prosperity for businesses and our region. That is at the heart of everything we do - and it is the lens through which we approach sustainability.

We are not a perfect organisation, and our own operations still have a long way to go. We will continue to update our Carbon Reduction Plan and learn from the businesses, communities, and regional organisations working alongside us

Our previous work in this space includes one-to-one sustainability support for organisations at the start of their net zero journey, carbon audits for VCSE organisations in South Gloucestershire, business engagement for low carbon training programmes, and support for local climate strategies and action plans.

If you are looking for support calculating your carbon footprint please get in touch with us.