LOCAL businesses are being urged to commit to reducing their environmental impact and sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.
The call, from Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), comes after Arup, one of the largest employers in the area, signed up to the pledge, created by the WMCA in collaboration with Sustainability West Midlands.
The aim is to encourage businesses of all sizes to make a firm commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and help the region achieve net zero carbon by 2041.
The carrot is that there are a number of benefits to companies, including reducing environmental impacts, saving costs, as well as positioning themselves as a leader in the net zero carbon economy by preparing the business for future climate change impacts.
Businesses which sign up will receive the official pledge logo to use in their publicity in addition to having access to business networks and guidance that can help turn the pledge commitments into reality.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and WMCA portfolio lead for environment, energy and HS2, said: “Businesses in all sectors have a crucial role to play in driving the change to minimise carbon emissions and ultimately achieve net zero carbon.
“Every business is capable of becoming an ambassador in our march to net zero, whether that be through encouraging behaviour change in its workforce or making carbon reductions in the operational side of the business.
“It was fascinating to learn more about Arup’s commitment to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and their admirable target of becoming net zero across their entire operations by 2030.
“On behalf of Solihull Council and the WMCA, I’m urging businesses across Solihull to sign the pledge and show their commitment to tackling the climate crisis we find ourselves in.”
For more on the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge, visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/
