Arup to help deliver carbon-neutral G7 summit
Chamber patron Arup has been appointed by the Government to help deliver a carbon-neutral G7 summit.
G7 leaders are gathering at Carbis Bay in Cornwall for the start of the summit today.
Arup is working with Crowberry Consulting to help achieve ISO 20121 certification and deliver a carbon-neutral event by developing a Carbon Management Plan, working with key suppliers to source sustainably and reduce waste.
Through the process of implementing ISO 20121, steps have been taken to ensure tangible commitments to sustainability and carbon neutrality run through every contract, tender and product associated with the event, ensuring an emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable projects that make a difference locally.
This work to ensure every aspect of the summit is as sustainable as possible has meant the BSI - the national standards body of the UK - has confirmed the G7 summit will have 20121 certification, the most robust management standard for event sustainability.
As well as commissioning Cornish companies to provide local and sustainable products - from recycled stationary to hand-carved tables to natural soap - for use by leaders and delegates during the G7, the Summit will also use sustainable energy sources, cleaner fuels like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) instead of diesel for any onsite generators. Event organisers are also working to ensure the Summit is free from single-use plastic wherever possible.
The summit 's sustainability credentials also extend to ensuring the event suppliers are delivering wider social value, such as a mentoring programme for people left unemployed by Covid-19, careers workshops and online tutorials in digital and virtual skills.
Tackling climate change and preserving the planet 's biodiversity are key priorities for the UK 's Presidency of the G7, with the Prime Minister seeking commitments from G7 members to support the transition to net zero, kick-start a green industrial revolution, and build climate change resilient economies around the world.
Natasha Connolly, sustainability associate director at Arup, said: “This is an opportunity for the UK to show the world that it can successfully deliver a sustainable international, high profile event ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, and our expertise in sustainable event management will help the Government to ensure the event itself reflects sustainability values. ”