Bristol24/7 Presents: What actionable steps can local businesses take to become more sustainable?

After the success of our previous event, which explored Bristol’s journey towards becoming net-zero, we decided to host another online panel event looking at sustainability in Bristol.

This time, we focused on the practical steps that local businesses can take towards becoming sustainable.

Bristol is on an important journey regarding sustainability and has pledged to become net-zero by 2030. Whilst the local government is making important progress, what role do Bristol businesses have in this movement?

In the fifth event of the Bristol24/7 Presents series, we invited four expert panellists for their insight, knowledge and guidance around the issue.

You can watch the full event here:

For all panellists, optimism was clear. As a city, Bristol was the first UK city to declare a climate emergency and introduced the One City Plan, which brings together public, private and third sectors to make Bristol a safe, healthy and sustainable city.

Maria Connolley, who leads the cross-discipline clean energy team at TLT, said: “It’s about taking action now. We need to have a very clear strategy so we do get there and everybody plays their part.”

Pamela Barbato, CEO of Action Net Zero commented: “Positivity is critical. It’s challenging, we all know it is but it’s time to act now. For businesses and individuals, it’s critical to ride the challenges that we know exist. It’s about embracing change and that’s when the collaborative and partnership approach that we see on the ground in Bristol is testament to the fact that there is so much positivity.”

For those who want more information on the tips mentioned by Pamela in the call, you can visit the Action Net Zero business guide here: www.actionnetzero.org/guides-and-tools/how-can-businesses-reduce-carbon/

When it comes to the short term and long term actions that businesses are able to take, Lizzi Testani who is the chief operating officer of Bristol Green Capital Partnership CIC, gave this advice: “Focusing on both is an acknowledgement of your business that this is an emergency and you’re preparing for the change that will inevitably come.”

“Something that comes up quite frequently is the actions that most businesses might take for granted. If you’re to leave the office at the end of the day, there are probably lots of switches that remain on. One business I know has gone round to every switch with a colour code, saying whether it needs to stay on.”

Sarah Ives, project director at YTKO, said: “Conversation is a fantastic way to start. If you’re a one-person company you can think about your own values and how your sustainability values can align with your business and make sure this is authentic. Easy things to start with are checking with your supply chain. Are you working with ethical suppliers?”

Over the course of the event, all the panellists gave a wide range of actionable steps that businesses can adopt to become more sustainable. To watch the full event, you can visit our Youtube channel.

This event was sponsored by TLT.

Look out for the next events in the Bristol24/7 Presents series coming up this year. Our event in March will focus on women in the nighttime industry.

Read more: Want your business to be sustainable? These experts will tell you how

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: