Climate Offers: Getting Started

“Companies that don’t adapt [to the climate crisis] – will go bankrupt without question” – Mark Carney ex-Governor of the Bank of England”

Bristol One City ambition is to reduce carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible by 2030 and for residual emissions to be offset by credible schemes. This will require all businesses and organisations to make changes, and these are some of the offers available to support you. Some refer to the national target of net zero by 2050 – which is simply not fast enough. To avoid the worst effects of climate change and the impact on businesses and residents, Bristol aims to get to net zero by 2030. If Bristol can’t crack this, then who can?

If you have not already done so, then please declare your own organisation or business’s ambition to become net zero by 2030 via the Bristol One City Climate Ask. The city and region has a wide range of offers from different networks to support you to get there.

Getting Started

The Bristol Green Capital Partnership (BGCP) offers a range of events, resources, and peer to peer learning opportunities through its Climate Action Programme, including Climate Action Breakfasts and Intention to Action Clinics – which are also available to watch online. They also offer the Climate Leaders Group and publish guides and advice articles such as ‘measuring and managing carbon emissions’, ‘creating an engaging climate action plan’, ‘green energy tariffs for businesses’ and more.

If you do one thing , get involved with the Partnership’s Climate Action Programme

Business West has a Trading To Net Zero hub to support all businesses on their journey to Net Zero. This includes blogs and insights from the team and members, signposting to good practice, guides and support, event listings and access to membership services. Leading by example it is a BCorp and is working towards becoming Net Zero by 2030. It’s Initiative team harnesses the business voice to play an active role working with local government and other stakeholders to shape the future of the region where business, communities and the environment thrive.

If you do one thing, read 26 ways businesses can get help to reach net zero

The Federation of Small Businesses offers a range of resources and support your need to thrive in a post-carbon economy including jargon busting basics, a range of guides including eVs, buying an electric van, solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines and in partnership with Zero Carbon UK a sector specific tool to design a net zero plan tailored to your business. They organise events, networking sessions, workshops and free training, with many more resources via the Zero Carbon website and the SME Climate hub.

If you do one thing, download the free ‘how to get started with sustainability‘ guide

YTKO provides free business support to pre-start, start-up and existing business, charities, CICs, sole-traders and the self-employed across all industries within Bristol. They provide advice and training around sustainability, and how businesses can implement their own sustainable strategy for both economic and ethical growth. Offering the benefits of sustainable practices via small changes and incremental steps, to retrofit infrastructure, logistics and strategy.

To access their free support and start your sustainable business strategy, contact westofengland@ytko.com

Climate Action Bristol LogoClimate Action Bristol supports local businesses with the creation, development and implementation of their climate action plans. Whether you have already begun your journey and need additional support on a specific area, or are looking to begin from scratch, our programme pairs you with a team of four students trained to research, provide recommendations and even support implementing actions. The programme runs annually from October to March, and support is given by Bristol Hub, the University of Bristol Sustainability Team and NETpositive Futures. Businesses are provided with a Climate Action Tool to support the development of their plans, and will join a network of businesses with similar goals.

If you are interested in learning more and taking part, contact the Bristol Hub manager at manager@bristolhub.org or register your interest here.