Features / Sustainability
Why it’s critical for Bristol businesses to embrace sustainable choices
As former European Green Capital, Bristol is a city that takes sustainability seriously.
On top of being the green capital in 2015, the city was also the UK’s first to declare a climate emergency in 2018. It has since developed the one City Plan that will prevent wildlife habitats from being destroyed and has plans to create and care for wildlife-rich spaces.
Whilst there appears to be work fighting climate change at a government level, where does this leave our city’s local businesses?
How does sustainability tie into strategy, profit, competition and how can businesses keep up with the changing innovation and laws around being green?
Action Net Zero is an organisation in Bristol that supports just this. They are here to support residents, businesses, local authorities and communities to accelerate sustainable action and help tackle the climate crisis.
CEO of Action Net Zero, Pam Barbato, told Bristol24/7: “It’s critical for businesses whatever size to embrace sustainable choices to enable them to be future fit. We know 60 per cent of carbon reductions required to meet the UK’s 2050 net-zero commitments has to come from businesses and individuals.”
“Every business has the ability to reduce its negative impact substantially. It’s recently been quoted that 90 per cent of energy in the South West comes from fossil fuels and there’s a huge part that every business, employee and resident can make. If we start looking at how we can stop being so reliant on fossil fuels as an example, reducing pollution in the process, it’s better for all.”
Action Net Zero takes sustainability from an abstract concept to concrete steps that businesses can adopt by making sense of the complex, breaking down myths and guiding businesses on their journey.
By working directly with businesses, Action Net Zero offers free sustainability consultations to get people prepared for their journey.
For Pam, making these changes will not only be good for the planet but better for business.
“Every business will be required to evidence what they are doing to address the climate crisis and in the future, regulation will penalise those that are not acting, which is why it is so important that businesses act now, to prepare themselves.”
“Businesses that do embrace sustainability will also be employers of choice. New recruits want to know what companies do to support the climate crisis and make their decisions on this. In a market where there’s a skills shortage, it’s a great way to attract the best employees.”
“Finally, sustainable switches can also save money, there are lots of ways businesses can prosper and be green.”
The case for businesses to go green is clear. And if you want to hear more about the actionable steps that businesses can take towards sustainability, you can hear more from Pam and other experts at the next event in our Bristol24/7 Presents events.
Register on Eventbrite and join us on Thursday February 17 at 2pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-actionable-steps-can-local-businesses-take-to-become-more-sustainable-tickets-245734868607
Main photo: Archie Richards
Read more: Why all businesses should be going green
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