News / Bristol Nightlife
The unexpected industry seeking to take more climate action in Bristol
While the transport and energy industries are the most vocal about taking steps towards net-zero and other climate targets, those same goals won’t be met if these are the only businesses heading the transition.
Last year, Bristol Green Capital (BGC) facilitated a space for night-time economy businesses to address the barriers and possibilities for taking climate action.
According to BGC, there are over 1.100 licensed night-time businesses in Bristol – this includes bars, clubs, venues, theatres, and restaurants operating between 6pm and 6am.
is needed now More than ever
Anna Blightman from The Assemblies Group shared some of the challenges and opportunities within the nightlife industry.
“The hospitality industry is responsible for 15 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. That’s a lot. Add on late-night transport (often taxis home as the buses are so unreliable), and the figures start to increase quickly,” she said.
Some of the most pressing issues include safe and low-emission transport possibilities, the use of renewable energies as well as waste management.
Despite the industry’s ambitions towards taking more significant steps, Blightman pointed out two key factors: the investment needed, and the lack of concrete know-how.
“There are loads of things we can look at to reduce emissions, but first, we need to calculate what the actual output is across the industry in order to create targets and actions to make improvements. Signing pledges is all well and good, but we need to be accountable for our scores,” Blightman explained.
“The biggest challenge is getting your head around the numbers. There is so much information, and it is hard to know where to start. The Bristol One City plan is MASSIVE and almost overwhelming in parts. But anything that can be done is a help. Small steps lead to big change,” she added.
The night-time landscape seems to be filled with obstacles, but there’s always hope. Blightman highlights the new joined-up approach from Bristol Nights and Bristol Green Capital Partnership, which is currently exploring how to provide guidance and tools to enable businesses to take more climate action.
If Bristol is to reach its Net Zero 2030 goals, no industry can be left behind.
Bristol Green Capital Partnership and Bristol Nights are working on creating more resources to support night-time businesses to take climate and nature action. Join the Partnership to stay in the loop about further events and resources.
This piece of independent journalism is supported by NatWest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership
Main photo: Martin Booth
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- The Bristol climate experts who went to COP27 on its outcomes
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