Insight 40 - Magazine - Page 42
University provides Net Zero
support to local businesses
T
he University of Bedfordshire has
announced its newest venture
with Luton Borough Council aimed
at supporting local businesses in their
journey towards achieving net-zero.
The Sustainability and Net Zero Business
Support Programme has received £25,000
from the UK government through the UK
Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - a central
pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up
agenda, providing £2.6 billion of funding
for local investment by March 2025.
This comprehensive programme
showcases the University of Bedfordshire’s
and Luton Council’s joint commitment
to sustainability and fostering a green
economy in the area and marks a strategic
investment in local businesses operating
within the Luton region, offering support
to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
(SMEs) in reducing their carbon footprint.
As part of this collaboration, the
University will provide guidance to
support organisations in implementing
Net Zero practices and developing robust
sustainability strategies. Businesses will
also benefit from workshops designed
to equip them with the knowledge and
tools necessary to embrace sustainability
- covering topics such as green
marketing strategies and lean thinking
methodologies.
From fully-funded 1-2-1 consultancy
sessions with industry experts to the
development of effective travel plans
aimed at reducing environmental impact,
businesses will receive tailored support
to address their unique needs, with the
goal of decreasing their carbon footprint
and offsetting any remaining emissions
through carbon removal.
Professor Andrew Church, Pro Vice
Chancellor for Research & Innovation at
the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We
are excited to work with Luton Council
in our shared commitment towards
addressing the climate crisis, as well as
fostering sustainable development and
growth within our community. This newest
partnership focuses on empowering
SMEs to transition towards Net Zero
and embrace eco-friendly practices.
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Together, we aim to cultivate a more
environmentally sustainable and robust
economy in Luton, ensuring a healthier
ecosystem for future generations."
This programme also aligns with the
Luton’s 2040 vision of being carbon neutral
by 2040 and the strategic Civic Agreement
between the University and the Council
signalling a commitment to working
together in support of local goals for the
transformation of the town and its people.
Priorities of the long-term partnership
also include supporting a strong and
empowered community built on fairness
and equality; and on becoming a childfriendly town.
Dr Andrew Grantham, Senior Lecturer,
Strategy and Sustainability at the
University of Bedfordshire said: “Net zero
is not only the next competitive advantage
for businesses, but increasingly it is a
necessary commitment by firms of all
sizes if they want to be approved suppliers
in both the public and private sectors.
Although challenging for most firms, it
is particularly hard for SMEs to find the
bIZ4BIZ INSIGHT MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2024
necessary resources and investment to
operationalise their plans. So, we are
excited to partner with Luton Council
on this UKSPF-funded programme to
offer a package of support that includes
workshops aimed at developing
understanding and help organisations get
on their way to Net Zero for the benefit of
their business and society more widely.”
Nathan March, Senior Business
Partnerships Manager within the
University of Bedfordshire’s Research &
Innovation Service, said: "The University of
Bedfordshire is leading the charge towards
Net Zero in Luton. Partnering with over 800
private sector organisations annually, we
aim to drive sustainable innovation and
economic growth within the region. We are
committed to the government’s drive to be
carbon neutral by 2050 and supporting our
region's business community by forming
strategic partnerships to support the
future of the region and deliver our shared
ambition for economic growth, prosperity
and a more green economy.”