Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has declared September ‘Planet C’ month in a bid to drive and empower local businesses to take action in the climate crisis.
From September 1 through to October 4, a packed schedule of conferences, workshops and training – hosted in partnership with Green Works and sponsored by Don’t Cry Wolf – will help Cornish businesses value the difference they can make in the global challenge and equip them with the skills to make a change.
The Planet C Conference headlines the action-focused month and takes place at the Exeter University Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus on September 28.
Specially designed to kickstart change and build momentum, the day will unravel what being net zero really means through talks, panel discussions and inspiring experiences from local businesses. There will also be a choice of interactive workshops, ranging from carbon footprinting and carbon offsetting to grants and funding, as well as the invitation to make a pledge for change and join Cornwall’s sustainable community.
As part of Planet C, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is also on a mission to train 200 Cornish business climate ambassadors to be carbon literate by the end of October. Through free training, delivered by Green Works and accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, participants will learn vital knowledge on climate change and how to champion carbon reduction and net zero strategies within their organisations.
Chamber CEO, Kim Conchie, explained: “We know that there is a massive gap between climate ambition and climate action among SMEs. Lack of skills, funding and time all play into the mix so Planet C has been designed in direct response and tackles the challenges head on.
“SMEs and the south west – which is the 5th largest region in terms of private sector businesses in the UK – have a huge role to play in reaching the UK’s net zero commitments. I am confident Cornish businesses can rise to the challenge. We are one of the biggest hubs for B Corps outside of London and nature and the environment is in our DNA.
“Planet C is a rally cry to Cornish businesses – I urge everyone to be part of it and take action now.”
Other Planet C events include:
- Social Sustainability: September 7, Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Driving action together, why a green agenda matters to everyone.
- Future of built environment: September 14, ESAM Carclaze
Opportunities for Cornwall in construction, covering sustainable materials and the circular economy, latest technology and more.
- Big Breakfast & Cornwall Sustainability Awards workshop: September 27, Eden Project
Eden Project’s Rob Chatwin, David Harland and John Brown explore how an understanding of how everything interconnects can transform our actions to make a difference. Followed by advice on writing awards applications.
- Supercharged Cornwall Event: October 3, Truro & Penwith College
Hosted by the Future Skills Institute at Truro and Penwith College, this event will explore Cornwall’s electric vehicle revolution, the future skills needed to support a successful transition to EV technology and will ask that all important question: ‘Will Cornwall be ready by 2030?’.
Planet C also coincides with GoodFest – a festival of creative conversations exploring how to inspire change through purposeful ideas and actions – on September 29 and 30.
For more information, to book a free place, or to host your own event, visit www.cornwallchamber.co.uk
