Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are encouraging businesses to commit to reducing their environmental impact and sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.
Arup, one of the largest employers in the area, have already shown their commitment to the scheme by signing up to the pledge, created by the WMCA in collaboration with Sustainability West Midlands. The aim is to encourage businesses of all sizes, to make a firm commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and help the region achieve its ambitious target of reaching net zero carbon by 2041.
There are a number of tangible benefits to companies, including reducing environmental impacts, saving costs, as well as positioning themselves as a leader in the net zero carbon economy by preparing the business for future climate change impacts.
Businesses who sign up will receive the official pledge logo to use in their publicity in addition to having access to business networks and guidance that can help turn the pledge commitments into reality.
Arup, a well-renowned multidisciplinary design and engineering firm and a major employer in Solihull, is one of the first businesses in the borough to sign up to the pledge. Recently the leader of Solihull Council discussed the importance of the pledge with Arup’s Office Leader - view their conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G6eVt6BWB0.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Lead for Environment, Energy & HS2, said:
“Businesses in all sectors have a crucial role to play in driving the change to minimise carbon emissions and ultimately achieve net zero carbon. Every business is capable of becoming an ambassador in our march to net zero, whether that be through encouraging behaviour change in its workforce or making carbon reductions in the operational side of the business.
“It was fascinating to learn more about Arup’s commitment to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and their admirable target of becoming net zero across their entire operations by 2030. Their effort includes everything from energy used in offices to goods and services the business purchases.
“On behalf of Solihull Council and the WMCA, I’m urging businesses across Solihull to sign the pledge and show their commitment to tackling the climate crisis we find ourselves in. With COP26 just around the corner, we have the opportunity to show how Solihull is a leading region in combating the immense climate change crisis that faces us. To do that, we need businesses to play their part”.
Mark Jones, Office Leader at Arup, Solihull, said:
“Globally Arup has committed to achieving net zero emissions across its entire operations by 2030. We are playing our part as one of the largest employers in West Midlands and we encourage more local businesses to make similar commitments. We look forward to working with others in our business community in a move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
“By putting sustainable development at the heart of all our work and signing up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business pledge, we are taking a step along the road to tackle climate change by reducing global warming.”
To find out more about the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and make your own pledge, visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-and-energy/west-midlands-net-zero-business-pledge/