RAISING THE BAR

SOCIAL IMAPCT

Get involved & go green

The Chamber’s Environment Group has been bringing businesses together to help shape the local strategy against climate change. Providing a forum for business to make an impact in the race to achieve net-zero, the Group also represents businesses in key discussions with Government and local decision-making bodies.

Comprised of environmentally-conscious businesses stemming from a diverse variety of sectors, the Group is regularly joined by external representatives and experts, delivering insights that are used to both inform policy and shape action. The Environment Group splits its workflow into six key areas, spanning;

• Energy • Transport • Innovation & Technology • Environmental Resilience • Resource Management, waste and consumption • Journey to net-zero Commenting on the Group’s contributions, group chair Marc Davis, MD for Environment at global consultancy Tetra Tech stated: “The Chamber Environment working Group has taken decisive steps to bring businesses to the forefront of the campaign to make our economy greener. By engaging with local bodies, such as the Bradford Sustainable Development Partnership (BSDP), Leeds Climate Commission, York Climate Commission, and Circular Yorkshire, the Environment Group will ensure businesses have their place at the table.” On the impacts of the Groups work, Marc added:“From bringing construction firms to the discussion around housing retro-fits, to connecting transport policy experts with green city planners, the Group has made strides in networking the key industrial actors in our region. The Chamber Environment Group has always recognised that ensuring their coordination will be instrumental if we are to achieve WYCA’s hugely ambitious target of reaching net-zero by 2040. “We believe that environmental challenges and opportunities should be the thread which weaves through all of the Chamber’s policy activities, which is why the Environment Group has been cooperating with the Chamber Transport Group to tackle the issue of de-carbonising transport. By bringing together sector leaders, the two Groups have been able to drive the conversation forward in West Yorkshire, with WYCA considering the Group’s comments and findings in their Mass Transit and wider Connectivity Plans. “Going forward, the Group will be looking for interested parties among the membership to get involved. With the range of work being undertaken looking to only be getting more diverse, there is a great deal to contribute to, regardless of sectoral background.”