Sustainable Business Series 2022: West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge

SWM

This blog post has been produced for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce as part of the 2022 Sustainable Business Series.

The Sustainable Business Series seeks to help local firms understand the role that they play in progressing to net zero, as well as the opportunities and challenges that may arise from the net-zero transition. Through an expansive range of blogs, webinars, events and podcasts, the Sustainable Business Series offers useful information to businesses interested in adopting a sustainable business approach.

See the Sustainable Business Series webinar’s and events here.

The Pledge

SWM and the West Midlands Combined Authority are just over a year into running the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.

Some of these businesses had the opportunity to raise their profile recently, as part of our involvement in the national Net Zero awareness week. SWM used this opportunity to shout about the pledged businesses and the work that they have done. Overall, the national Net Zero awareness week reached 19 million businesses and 1 million consumers.

Why should my business care about Net Zero?

Reaching a Net Zero is essential to reduce the impacts of climate change. It is therefore essential that businesses also play their part in our quest to reach Net Zero. Not only is there environmental pressure for businesses to reach Net Zero, but it is also becoming increasingly important for business continuity. Pressure on business is building from different directions:

• B2B supply chains: one pledged business was told that if they did not have a carbon reduction plan by the end of 2022, they would be removed from their customer’s supply chain.
• Consumer demands: 73% of global consumers stated that they would or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact.
• Policy requirements: government procurement policy for contracts valued at £5 million per annum now need a Net Zero carbon reduction plan. 

This can be overwhelming for businesses to hear and even more so when combined with understanding what Net Zero is as a concept and how it can become part of their business.

But these are tough times, so what are the benefits to my business?

• It can reduce costs; one business saved £100,000 per annum from a switch off policy.
• The Pledge provides a platform to showcase the progress your business is making towards Net Zero.
• It can help build business continuity.

Okay, I am sold on the importance of Net Zero. But why should I sign up to the Pledge?

Net Zero is tricky to navigate, but by signing up to the Pledge you will free support, tools, e-learning resources and a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

Due to the popular demand of the Pledge’s support, it is now moving to Phase Two. We have produced a business toolkit and step-by step guide that has been tailored to businesses in the West Midlands (to be launched later in 2022). Make your West Midland Net Zero Business Pledge today.

And don’t just take our word for it:

‘Every business and every employee can make a difference, big or small, the Net Zero Pledge reminds us of that. Our pledge has made us leaner, cleaner but also has reduced our costs.’ NRG Marine, based in Coventry.

Make your West Midland Net Zero Business Pledge today by visiting the website and to find out more contact enquiries@swm.org.uk

There will be a free online event on 30 September that will allow you to learn all about what’s on offer. To find out more contact nathaniel.weaver@swm.org.uk.