Net zero is not a passing trend – it is crucial for driving urgently needed climate action to limit global warming and to protect the planet for all of us  -and we can all play our part.

But what exactly is Net Zero – and why is it so important?

In short, Net Zero is a commitment to reducing the emissions we generate through human activity to help protect our wonderful planet. You can read more about it at Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener.

By encouraging sectors, industries, organisations and individuals to work together in cutting carbon emissions, the hope is that, over the coming decades, the UK can achieve its net zero ambitions and help reduce global warming and the effects of climate change. For more information visit:

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/what-is-net-zero-and-how-can-we-get-there/  

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/what-is-net-zero-an-introduction-for-small-businesses/  

What are BusinessLodge doing?

BusinessLodge is focusing initially on the following key areas to help us achieve this:

• Reducing our carbon emissions
• Reducing our generation of waste 

Managing Director Kate Holt has been on a training course – Low Carbon Skills: Journey to Net Zero -  to learn more about the impact that we can make as a business in our pledge to protect our environment. You can read more about Journey to Net Zero. 

We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues, clients, visitors and suppliers as we continue our journey and develop new ways of working and changing behaviour to ensure sustainability and the environment are at the heart of our community.

BusinessLodge have appointed Green Champions to help us get our message out -  they are tasked with driving greener conversations, celebrating achievements and inspiring colleagues and clients to reduce their carbon footprint both at work and at home.

Please help us by supporting our Green Champions - Esther and Paul in Bury and Lee and Kelly in Stoke. 

What we’ve already achieved...

We’re incredibly proud of the steps that we have already made to reduce our carbon emissions and reduce our generation of waste. These include:

• Almost zero to landfill in 2022  - and working to build on this in 2023
• LED lighting
• Electric Vehicle Fast Charging points installed in both locations
• Paper free business cards

How can you get involved and help

There are lots of things that our clients and suppliers can do to help us with our pledge – after all, everyone who passes through BusinessLodge can get involved.

July is plastic free month and everyone can support with this, getting involved in different ways:

• Say goodbye to plastic bags by using a cotton BusinessLodge bag and always carrying it with you.
• Use the refill stations around our buildings – there will be no more plastic cups and we are encouraging clients to use refillable water bottles
• Think about packaging – and where you can make change to reduce in your day to day lives
• Turn lights and equipment off when not in use
• Both at home and in work, computers, printers etc. turned off at the end of the day, turn the lights off when you are leaving a room, only turn on the microwave when you need to use it

• Think before you print – it will also make your workspace much tidier!
• Reduce food waste and general waste
• Recycle more at home (BusinessLodge waste is recycled at depot)

Share the message – BusinessLodge will be asking for your support on our journey on our social media platforms and around the centres. Like and share our posts – and get your families and friends onboard too!

If we all make small changes, this can have a huge impact on our environment – and we are so grateful for all the support we have received so far. If you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our centre green champions!