New figures suggest Bristol businesses are ready to tackle climate change

New figures suggest Bristol businesses are showing a strong appetite for taking action on climate change, with a large number seeking support to help them make positive change.

Bristol Green Capital’s Partnership Climate Action Programme launched a year ago, with support from Bristol City Council and NatWest Group. Since then, the organisation has held seven Climate Action Programme events on topics including how to get started, digital footprint, transport and employee engagement.

More than 232 organisations have attended their event and research conducted by the organisation found that 91 per cent of attendees felt motivated and able to take further action.

Resources, including two in-depth guides on measuring and managing carbon emissions and creating an engaging climate action plan were downloaded more than 3,000 times.

The high level of business interest has not gone unnoticed and highlights how Bristol organisations are working together and forming strategies to become more sustainable.

Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member for climate, ecology, waste & energy said: “Organisations are directly responsible for about half of the carbon emissions from Bristol, so them taking climate action is a vital part of the city reaching its 2030 targets.

“By offering free assistance to all Bristol organisations on their journey to Net Zero and helping them to overcome challenges collaboratively, the Climate Action Programme is directly supporting business action towards the One City Climate Strategy.”

As part of the programme, 28 organisations have joined forces in the Climate Leaders Group. Each organisation has set itself targets to be carbon neutral by 2030 and created a plan for reducing their emissions. The group, which includes Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Bristol Old Vic, SS Great Britain, and We The Curious, meet regularly to share best practice and identify solutions to common challenges.

Jessica Ferrow and Nina Skubala, co-chairs of the Climate Leaders Group, say: “Collaboration is essential if we’re going to reach our net zero targets, whether as a global society or as a city. The Bristol Climate Leaders group is a great example of how working together means we can do more than working alone.

“By sharing ideas, learnings and best practice we can help accelerate progress towards our shared climate goals over the coming years. As chairs, we really hope the group continues to grow, offering a place for support, advice and inspiration as we all face the huge challenge of rapid decarbonation together.

Matt Hatcher, director of commercial and corporate banking, West of England at NatWest Group agreed: “The first 12 months of the Climate Action Programme have been hugely encouraging. This is a testament to the commitment and appetite of businesses across the city and wider Bristol region to challenge climate change and make a positive impact upon the environment.”

The figures come after it was announced last week that Bristol24/7 is recruiting a Climate & Sustainability Editor position, sponsored by NatWest.

Speaking about NatWest’s corporate responsibility, Hatcher added: “As the UK’s biggest business bank we have a real responsibility to not just support businesses on their journeys to become greener, but educate and inspire those that aren’t considering change.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

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