Sector Spotlight: Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, it’s safe to say that Bristol is a city that is leading the way and considered a magnet for green businesses.

Since Bristol became the first UK authority to declare a climate emergency, the industry has become more important than ever and we are seeing a growth in firms focusing on our target to achieve net-zero by 2030.

As a sector that leads innovation and care for the planet, we are having no choice but to support the growth of this industry.

Bristol has the ambition of becoming a European hub for the low-carbon industry with a target of 17,000 new jobs in creative, digital and low carbon sectors by 2030. As a city, we also demonstrated a 4.7 per cent growth in the green economy back in 2012.

One project that is building Bristol’s reputation in the sector is Future Leap, the £1.5m sustainability hub located on the corner of Gloucester Road and Cromwell Road that offers and encourages sustainable opportunities for jobs and skills that are likely to remain relevant as the UK transitions to a low carbon economy.

Future Leap is the first of its kind in the UK, photo courtesy of Future Leap

Commenting on how sustainability has changed in Bristol over the past ten years, Katherine Piper, the director of partnerships and sustainability, said: “I remember a time, even less than 10 years ago when I would get excited to hear any mention of sustainability within the media because it was such a rarity.”

“Now, sustainability seems a lot higher profile, with many organisations considering what they can do to mitigate their negative impacts upon the natural world.”

Although we are seeing a movement that is putting sustainability at the heart of our daily lives and businesses, there are still many challenges that the sector needs to overcome to ensure it remains to be prioritised.

“There is such a huge amount of momentum that it can be challenging to keep up.  For us at Future Leap, we made a net-zero commitment with a target date of December 2020,” says Katherine.

“We achieved against this target through amongst other things, moving from gas boilers to air source heat pumps, installing mechanical ventilation and installing energy-efficient lighting. There was a large, initial outlay of cash and we understand that this can be challenging to some businesses.”

Katherine Piper is the director of partnerships and sustainability at Future Leap.

“I feel there will always be more that we can do as a city. We need to continue our public engagement campaign, ensuring that everyone understands the need for change, given the climate emergency. We need to ensure that people entering the workforce are carbon literate and understand the importance of sustainable business practices and we need to help other cities and regions, learn from our efforts within Bristol and get on board with the climate emergency urgently.

One company that has led the way in sustainability – and recognised Bristol’s role in the sector is the ethical bank Triodos. Recognising Bristol’s progress as a green city is one of the reasons why the banking company set up its headquarters in Bristol back in 1995.

As well as plans to become net-zero by 2035, the bank also plans to focus its portfolio of loans and fund investments into sustainable economies.

Triodos UK chief executive, Bevis Watts, said: “Overall, we are in a very strong place in terms of sustainable business in the city, but we must do more and work in partnership to move in the right direction.”

Bevis Watts, photo courtesy of Triodos Bank

“Inclusivity is starting to be addressed in the green sector, but more work needs to be done. At Triodos, I’m proud of the work we are undertaking to become more representative of the customers and the communities we serve. We are very supportive of excellent programmes such as Black & Green Ambassadors.”

“In terms of tackling the climate emergency, banks have become more of a focus. They should play a vital role in shaping the society we live in. Every financial decision makes an impact after all and it is up to banks to determine whether that impact is positive or negative.”

“For example, with some banks, money can be invested in industries such as the arms trade, fossil fuels and tobacco, which may be against their customers environmental and societal values.”

For more on Bristol becoming net-zero and how businesses are supporting the journey, you can rewatch our online panel event discussing the issue here. 

Main photo: Bristol24/7

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