Bristol start-up PyTerra Xchange has designed a platform to offer businesses a simple way to meet their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments by putting much-needed investment into local climate change projects.
Many large firms are seeking to use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to offset their environmental impact over time but are unsure how to target small-scale sustainability projects in their area. 
PyTerra Xchange has been launched by architect and management consultant David Arscott to bridge the gap.
It is piloting a ‘sponsored finance’ investment vehicle that works by creating an investment fund, enhanced with sponsorship benefits, on behalf of corporates and later this year will produce a ‘local opportunities map’.
Focusing on Bristol as its pilot city, the map will act as a listing for all low carbon projects seeking investment.
Companies using PyTerra Xchange will also be able to incentivise their staff, customers and others by allocating them digital vouchers to place against local initiatives.
David Arscott said institutional investors and stakeholders increasingly wanted their corporate clients to show that they were making meaningful climate-related impacts.
At the same time, businesses with CSR policies with targets and commitments that could be satisfied by making a local impact often do not have the local connections or resources to identify where, and how, they could offer support.
A recent PwC report ‘Unlocking capital for Net Zero infrastructure’ found that if a traditional approach to infrastructure investment continues to be taken, more than half of the £41bn annual investment needed in the UK to create sufficient Net Zero infrastructure will not be delivered.
One of the first organisations taking part in this scheme is Bristol Energy Cooperative, which is actively seeking corporate sector engagement in low carbon energy schemes, such as new housing microgrids, grid servicing batteries and solar PV.
David Arscott said: “As a city, Bristol has a strong focus on sustainable activity and there is a rich ecosystem of innovation and emerging projects which need vital investment to become a reality.
“It also has a strong corporate community with historic support for community endeavour.
“With Bristol’s target of Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, we are inviting businesses that want to make an impact locally to engage with us now.”
PyTerra is also currently in partnership discussions with a major UK city to help meet its Carbon Zero targets.
