Better Business / Member news
Bristol businesses to receive increased support for climate action
Bristol businesses are set to benefit from enhanced support as they embark on their climate action journey, thanks to a collaboration between the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership and the Redcliffe & Temple and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
Building on the success of the past two years, the partnership is launching a new expert-led programme designed to help businesses take their first steps towards meaningful climate action.
Over the last two years, more than 100 businesses within the BIDs have engaged with the Climate Action Programme, with 60 receiving tailored one-on-one support.
Tom Swithinbank, senior project manager at Bristol’s BIDs, said: “Over the past two years, the Climate Action Programme has empowered businesses to take meaningful steps towards sustainability.
“As we look ahead to the proposed unification of the BIDs, uniting our efforts will enable us to make a greater impact in making support more accessible to businesses across the city. We encourage as many organisations as possible to take advantage of this opportunity and join us on the journey towards a greener Bristol.”
The programme has provided businesses with a range of valuable resources, including free events, case studies, and toolkits. These have been instrumental in helping local businesses reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to Bristol’s ambitious goal of becoming a net-zero city by 2030.
The latest phase of this collaboration introduces the Getting Started programme, a structured initiative aimed at organisations that are at the very beginning of their climate action journey.
Over the last two years, more than 100 businesses within the BIDs have engaged with the Climate Action Programme
Delivered in partnership with sustainability consultancy Eunomia, the programme includes three interactive workshops, with practical tasks in between each session. This approach is designed to equip businesses with both the knowledge and confidence they need to take meaningful and effective climate action.
The programme is a significant step towards helping Bristol’s business community make real progress in addressing climate change. By providing expert guidance and practical tools, the initiative ensures that businesses of all sizes have access to the resources needed to reduce their environmental impact.
This renewed collaboration highlights the growing commitment of Bristol businesses to tackle the climate crisis head-on, while supporting the city’s broader goal of achieving a sustainable and net-zero future. The hope is that more organisations will follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could inspire other cities to adopt similar programmes.
“Over the past two years, the Climate Action Programme has empowered businesses to take meaningful steps towards sustainability,” said Tom Swithinbank, senior project manager at Bristol’s BIDs
For businesses in Bristol, this partnership offers an invaluable opportunity to be part of the solution and contribute towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Claire Jacob, head of communications & partnerships at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, said: “We understand that initiating climate action can be daunting, especially for smaller organisations. Our ‘Getting Started’ programme is designed to demystify the process, providing participants with the essential tools and confidence to embark on their sustainability journey.
“By the end of the programme, organisations will have a clear carbon footprint baseline and a tailored climate action plan, empowering them to make impactful changes.”
The Climate Action Programme’s tailored approach has already demonstrated strong results. Businesses engaged with the initiative have praised the combination of practical advice and networking opportunities, with many now actively sharing best practices and implementing sustainability measures.
Mathew Swift, environment, health & safety manager at Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, said: “The Climate Action Programme has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability journey.
“The events and resources offer clear and practical guidance, and the opportunity to connect with other businesses facing similar challenges has been incredibly useful. It reassures us that we are not alone in striving towards our climate goals.”
The initiative fits with Bristol BIDs’ wider plan to come together as one city-wide BID, helping to boost the city’s investment in sustainability. If it goes ahead, the new unified BID will make it easier for businesses to get involved in climate action, green projects, and sustainable travel, supporting Bristol’s goal of reaching net-zero.
For more information, visit www.bristolclimatenature.org/get-involved
All photos: BID
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