President's column: EcoPledge - Just one change

So, as I said last week, I only have a few weeks of my presidency left!, writes Robert Elliot, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce.

Year one was very different to this year but many of the initiatives we have championed have continued and I sincerely hope Solihull Chamber, its Executive Committee and our new president, Tony Elvin, will keep up the good work.

Global challenges can often be lost as local level. Some however are too important to ignore or fail to act. At our annual general meeting last year, Solihull Chamber launched its EcoPledge.

The EcoPledge was adopted after the great work of Sutton Coldfield Chamber and encouraged people to make just one change to their behaviour that would benefit the environment and, in many cases, promote wellbeing at the same time.

These changes could well have a direct effect on the environment.

Equally they could save money and improve profitability.

With many of the activities completed and adopted during my Presidency we have worked collaboratively with local partners.

None more so than Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The council have a great team of people passionate for change and with the objective of making our Borough more sustainable.

We have highlighted some of these in newsletters and promoted across our social media channels. I have seen it my role as president to make people aware of opportunities and if we have changed people 's habits in some small way then that is great.

What has really struck me while promoting the EcoPledge is that within our membership, we have some real champions of sustainability. Businesses and organisations who have adopted new procedures and directly saved money.

Members who conduct surveys, provide grant funding, and educate change. Members who have made significant investments in their property and equipment to make change happen.

Next week, the West Midlands Combined Authority launch their Net Zero Business Ppedge. With our EcoPledge, Solihull Chamber have been involved all the way and are proud to be a launch partner.

Whether it 's today, next week, 2030, or with our grandchildren in mind - we all have a responsibility to make one change and keep the EcoPledge alive.