If your business is genuinely trying to operate in a more sustainable way, and seeing results from this activity, why not share this and gain recognition.
WM Net Zero Pledge
What is Net Zero?
For a business to reach Net Zero, it means that firstly their emissions are reduced as much as possible, and then any remaining emissions are offset. It is recommended that 90-95% of carbon emissions are reduced before offsetting.
These are tough times, what are the benefits to my business?
- It can save costs; one pledged business implemented a ‘switch off’ policy and saved £100,000 per annum.
- You can position your business as a leader in the Net Zero Carbon economy; the Pledge provides a platform to showcase the progress your business is making towards Net Zero.
- It can help prepare your business for climate change impacts.
- It can help prepare your business for the implications of current and future legislation.
Why else should I care about Net Zero?
Reaching a Net Zero economy is essential to reduce the impacts of climate change on society. It is critical that businesses 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 increasingly important for business continuity. Pressure on business is building from different directions:
- B2B supply chains: one pledged business was told that if they didn’t 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 would probably change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact.
- Policy requirements: Government procurement policy for contracts valued at £5 million per annum now required a Net Zero carbon reduction plan.
On top of this, businesses are also under pressure from current and future employees to demonstrate a positive impact on the environment.
Okay, I’m sold! Why should I sign up to the Pledge?
Net Zero is tricky to navigate. By signing up to the Pledge you will have access to free support, tools, e-learning resources and a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
This includes a business toolkit that has been tailored to businesses in the West Midlands (to be launched soon). The toolkit features:
- Key definitions which can be used to help communicate jargon and help you as a business make Net Zero inclusive to your operations. This will help to demystify Net Zero and the circular economy, which is essential if your business is going to be a leader in the next industrial revolution.
- A step-by-step guide with both quick wins and long-term strategic actions that you can take to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs through energy efficiency, waste and transport.
- Free resources, a checklist to record any changes you make as evidence of your actions, questionnaires to help understand how close your business is to Net Zero, and e-learning resources to help you along the way.
- Links to additional external support organisations and networks in the West Midlands to provide further help within your area.
You can also attend drop-in sessions, exclusively for organisations that have signed up to the Pledge, to meet and discuss successes and challenges with your Net Zero transition. This will provide a collaborative space to network, find solutions to your Net Zero issues, and learn from others in industry.
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.
Great, so where can I sign up and find out more?
Make your West Midland Net Zero Business Pledge today by visiting the website.
For wider support on Net Zero or the Pledge contact Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) via enquiries@swm.org.uk or 07751 930625.
Background to West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge
The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge was launched by Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, in March 2021 and now has over 80 pledged organisations including many from the tourism sector such as Birmingham Airport, MADE Festival, Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, The Barn at Lees Farm, Yardbirds Chicken Ltd, Midlands Arts Centre and The Farm, Stratford.
SWM manage the Pledge on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), providing support to organisations and helping them raise the profile of their approach to Net Zero.
Awards
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence recognise the best of England’s tourism sector and have an ‘Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award’ which recognises tourism businesses from across the visitor economy who are truly committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment. The annual awards cycle begins with a series of local competitions, which feed up to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Businesses complete a single application and local winners are automatically put forward to the national judging panel. Winning businesses receive their award at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event.
More locally, the West Midlands Growth Company manage the West Midlands Tourism Awards which celebrate the successes of tourism businesses across the region and promote the strength of the business and leisure tourism offer, its venues, people, experiences and accommodation. There are 15 categories open for applications including the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award. Any businesses applying must lie within the areas of Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Coventry, Dudley, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Rugby, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Telford & Wrekin, Walsall, Warwick and Wolverhampton. Eligible winners from the West Midlands Tourism Awards will automatically feed into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023 for the chance to be recognised as a national winner.
Green Tourism
Once you can demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability, you could consider getting accredited and there are numerous options to consider, depending on the nature of your business.
B Corp Certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact. It is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. It is very well regarded although a very stringent process.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides certification for hotels and other accommodation and is internationally recognised.
The Green Tourism awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. Their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice, and are a great way of progressing on a green journey as well as acting as a hallmark of ‘green quality’, attracting custom from increasing numbers of eco-minded visitors. Their Green Meetings standard is specific to meetings and events venues.
Green Key is a leading international eco-label for tourism and hospitality facilities. Managed in England by Keep Britain Tidy and recognised by the World Tourism Organisation and UN Environment Programme, the award sets the standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism sector. Applications are welcomed from hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, small accommodation, attractions, restaurants and conference centres.
