Cornwall is leading the charge in the fight against emissions by building an army of Net Zero champions.
The countywide drive is being spearhead by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce as part of Planet C month (September 1 – October 4). It will see 200 SMEs complete free carbon literacy training and gain essential climate knowledge.
Businesses will explore the impact and climate-related cost of their activities and become equipped with the ability and motivation to make meaningful change to their environmental impact.
The training is delivered by Green Works Consulting and is accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, which was recognised by the United Nations as one of 100 ‘Transformative Actions Projects’ worldwide that could materially change the way we deal with climate change.
Paul Atkinson, co-founder and director of Green Works, commented: “This is essential training as it will act as the starting point and knowledge base to empower businesses to take vital action on climate change that is urgently needed. We hope that Cornwall can lead the way.”
John Brown, founder of brand activism agency and headline Planet C sponsor, Don’t Cry Wolf, added: “With 88% of organisations in the county having fewer than ten people in them, small businesses are the backbone of this vibrant Cornish economy, so getting them committed to climate action is imperative. A big part of the journey is making sure leaders actually understand the nuances and details associated with the climate crisis. This is why we’re delighted that Green Works and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce are offering free carbon literacy training as part of Planet C.
“My message to any business leader is sign-up and get moving towards informed climate action.”
The specialist training is available to businesses through either two half-day online sessions or a full day in-person workshop.
The Carbon Literacy Training is just one element of Planet C month, with a packed line-up of conferences and workshops.
The Planet C Conference, taking place on September 28 at the Exeter University Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, headlines the month with talks from forward-thinking local businesses, including Frugi, Origin Coffee, Flexi Hex and Cornish Lithium.
On September 7, Mount Pleasant Eco Park explores how SMEs can drive positive social change by playing host to ‘Social Sustainability’, the future of the built environment takes the spotlight on September 14 at ESAM Carclaze and it’s over to the Eden Project for a sustainable focused Big Breakfast on September 27.
