Showing the Red Card to Carbon Emissions: Businesses Unite at CAFC to Tackle Net Zero Goals at the Greener Greenwich Summit 2024

Since the Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a commitment to the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, the local business community has been working hard to drive this ambitious agenda forward. To that end, on March 21st 2024, representatives of more than 160 of RBG’s best businesses converged at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic Football Club (CAFC) for the second Greener Greenwich Summit.

Building on the momentum of the first summit in October 2022, and with more than double the attendees, the event was hosted by the South East London Chamber of Commerce (SELCC) in conjunction with RBG.

CAFC’s Paul Elliott, CBE, set the intention for the day in his opening address, highlighting the need for community and collaboration to effectively tackle pressing climate challenges, a theme that was echoed in presentations and discussion throughout the day.

Keynote speakers from local business leaders and the Chamber’s strategic partners showcased recent projects and initiatives that are contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions across the borough. Presentations and discussions were structured around four main areas: Empowering Wider Change, Buildings, Transport, and Green & Digital Initiatives, with a focus on changing “Just 1 Thing” as an achievable goal. Speakers shared their innovative ideas across renewable energy use, waste management, recycling and reuse, sustainable transport, developing green skills, and the use of sophisticated technology and IT systems to make a difference.

The main output of the day was for delegates to discuss and collectively identify four projects that will support the achievement of the borough's net zero ambitions in the above four areas. There was much discussion on increasing the use of the Thames with an immediate call for the appointment of a River Commissioner. These projects will be developed over the coming years as part of an ongoing programme of activities and events led by SELCC and will be formally announced in a follow up report produced by SELCC and published on 7th May.

"We extend our gratitude to all attendees and partners for their invaluable contributions to making this summit a success, and we look forward to getting these projects off the ground. The time for talking is over. We are committed to fast action and working with our partners to help as many businesses as we can achieve their net zero goals " said host and president of SELCC, Helen McIntosh.

Feedback on the event to date has been very positive with attendees from both large and small organisations inspired and more equipped to drive sustainable change within their organisations.

The Greener Greenwich Summit 2024 avoided unnecessary paper printing using smart phone apps to facilitate discussions and capture information. Delegates enjoyed a vegan lunch and were encouraged to use sustainable transport methods on their journeys to and from the event.

If you like to receive a copy of the report or are interested in attending future SELCC events, please contact: office@selondonchamber.org