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The business partnership helping Bristol become ‘a leader in sustainability’
A climate action programme is improving the sustainability of companies working in the centre.
The event series, developed in collaboration with Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership, has seen members of Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Redcliffe & Temple BID take part in climate action breakfasts, ‘Intention to Action’ clinics and networking meet-ups.
The events have offered insights from success stories as well as practical ways businesses can enhance their sustainability and become more eco-friendly.
is needed now More than ever
Employees of BDC Structural Engineering, Estrella Ventures, Novotel Bristol Centre and Veolia are just some of the programme’s 350 participants since its launch last year, with businesses reporting significant benefits from involvement.
The exciting partnership of Bristol BIDS and the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership is helping drive forwards businesses’ approach to tackling climate change
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, a member of the initiative’s Climate Leaders group, has reduced its carbon footprint by 54% since it began its net zero strategy.
It has established a net zero working group with volunteer environmental representatives in each office, and host environmental training, workshops and volunteering opportunities that support staff to be more sustainable.
Another member, National Friendly, said the programme had been beneficial.
“Attending these events has helped focus our direction and provided insight into what has worked for other companies,” said Maddy Andrews, a risk management professional at the firm; “It’s also great to know there are local companies all working towards a common goal.”
Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership are pleased with the programme’s success so far and think there is more scope to improve local business sustainability.
“Through the Climate Action Programme we’re starting to see real results with businesses across Bristol, and their feedback has been extremely encouraging,” said Bex Shreeve, the Partnership’s engagement officer.
“We want to see more businesses seizing opportunities to reduce their environmental impacts, and we hope that through our programme we are making this easier than ever for them.”
The programme’s climate breakfasts, sustainability advice sharing sessions and networking is supporting the businesses involved to share success stories and make their practices more environment-friendly
Moving forward, the Partnership will be hosting three further events in collaboration with the BIDs, including a Senior Leadership Engagement Intention to Action Clinic, a Supplier Engagement Climate Action Breakfast and a Data and Reporting session, over the next six months.
Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager at Bristol’s BIDs, said: “We’re really pleased with what we’ve achieved in the last year together, it’s been fantastic to witness such a range of businesses engaging with the programme, people from different organisations and at different levels of seniority too, all learning and networking with peers.
“We know that the advice provided by these sessions is helping to progress this work and will help Bristol city centre become a leader in sustainability.”
Businesses can find out more about how to get involved by visiting the Bristol City Centre BID project page.
All images: Chris Cooper / ShotAway
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