Bristol businesses are being urged to join a new group which launched today to help make the city carbon neutral within 10 years by sharing experiences and best practice.
Fifteen leading organisations from across the city have already signed to become members of the Climate Leaders Group, ranging from the city council and two NHS trusts to ethical tea firm Pukka Herbs and architects’ practices Alec French and Stride Treglown. 
Set up by Bristol Green Capital Partnership, the group welcomes organisations that have committed to be carbon neutral in their own operations by 2030 and have a plan for how they will reduce their emissions.
As a group they will identify solutions to challenges and promote progress as well as sharing experience and best practice.
This will then accelerate their own, and the city’s, progress towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience, helping achieve the goals of Bristol’s One City Climate Strategy.
This strategy, published earlier this year by the One City Environment Board, provides a pathway for Bristol to become carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2030.
The group is chaired by Nina Skubala, initiative manager at Business West, the region’s largest business organisation which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Jessica Ferrow, co-founder of climate impact agency Twelve.
Both have a wealth of experience working with organisations on how to manage and reduce their environmental impact. 
Nina, pictured right, said: “I am excited to part of this cohort of brave businesses who recognise that urgent action is required to meet Net Zero and are willing to share their journey – the successes and challenges that will no doubt pave the way and inspire other businesses to follow suit.”
Jessica, pictured below, added: “Bristol has declared a climate emergency and is committed to be a carbon neutral and resilient city by 2030.
“Whilst this is exactly what science tells us needs to happen, it is a hugely ambitious aim, and puts Bristol 20 years ahead of the UK’s national net zero target.
“Becoming a carbon neutral city can’t and won’t happen by accident, but if every organisation in Bristol develops a net zero roadmap, then we’ll get there together.
“For me, this Climate Leaders group is an essential part of driving positive action and accelerating that urgent transition. I’m delighted to be a part of it.”
The Climate Leaders Group is part of a wider Climate Action Programme to be launched in full by Bristol Green Capital Partnership early next year, supported by sponsors NatWest and Bristol City Council. 
The programme will include a range of events and resources to enable organisations at all stages of their climate journey to reduce their carbon emissions.
The Partnership, which was founded in 2007 with just 12 organisations, last week passed the 1,000-member mark, demonstrating, it said, Bristol’s ambition to become greener, fairer and more resilient.
Thought to be the largest partnership of its kind in the world, the unique network brings together organisations of different sizes and sectors to tackle environmental challenges – from law firms and architects, to universities and hospitals, community groups and charities.
Its chief operating officer Lizzi Testani said of the Climate Leaders Group: “We’re thrilled to be bringing together this group of organisations that are committed to lead by example as part of Bristol’s efforts to address the climate emergency.
“The challenges we face can only be solved by learning from each other and working collectively, and we’re sure this group will enable and inspire others to do more. We look forward to more organisations joining this group of Climate Leaders.”
Initial members of the Climate Leaders Group include Alec French, Bristol Beacon (formerly Colston Hall), Bristol City Council, Business West, the Diocese of Bristol, green energy group Ecotricity, engineering and environmental consultancy Jacobs, North Bristol NHS Trust, Pukka Herbs, SS Great Britain, Stride Treglown, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, UWE Bristol and We The Curious.
