Green Business Podcast Green Business Programme

In this episode we speak to Anna Bright, CEO of Sustainability West Midlands. 

Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. They are a not-for-profit company that works with our members in the private, public and third sectors. 

Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in water, waste and wastewater management. As Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands she has worked with businesses, universities, colleges, local authorities, the health sector and the West Midlands Combined Authority to help shape the way that they mitigate and adapt to climate change. Anna is on the board of the Midlands Net Zero Hub and the Midlands Engine Green Growth Board, and she is a Trustee for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

In this episode, we discuss: 





The concept of "net zero," highlighting its importance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of global warming.
Emissions offsetting 
The support available for businesses, including free advice on energy consumption, waste management, and circular economy practices.
West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge, an initiative which provides free support to businesses committed to sustainability.
The importance of having a clear vision, strategy, and plan for sustainability
The potential benefits for businesses that prioritise sustainability, including cost savings, improved reputation, and competitive advantages in procurement processes.

 Podcast host: 

Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
Guest speaker:

Anna Bright, CEO - Sustainability West Midlands 

Podcast producer: 

Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council


Useful links:




Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 
Sustainability West Midlands website
Carbon accounting webinar recording 
Podcast feedback form

In this episode, we speak to Robin Carruthers, Operation Manager at Central Mailing Services, a business based in Birmingham.

Robin Carruthers shares their sustainability journey, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2028. He highlights some of the projects and initiatives they have undertaken or planned, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, waste segregation, ISO standards, staff engagement and local partnerships.

Useful links:




Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 
Central Mailing Services website 
Podcast feedback form

In this episode, we speak to Peter Wells, Sustainability Manager at Datagraphic. 

Key Topics:






Carbon reduction plan: Datagraphic has an ambitious and validated plan to achieve net zero by 2050, with a 50.6% reduction by 2028, aligned with science-based targets and UN SDGs.

Solar PV installation: Datagraphic can run its entire operations on sunlight when the sun is shining, thanks to the large-scale solar PV installation across both sites, supported by Coventry Council grants.

Scope 3 emissions: Datagraphic faces challenges in engaging its supply chain to reduce their emissions, and plans to make carbon reduction a selection criterion for future partners. 

ISO certifications and B Corp assessment: Datagraphic has achieved several ISO standards for quality, environment and security, and is undergoing B Corp assessment to demonstrate its social and environmental impact and values.

Advice for other businesses: Datagraphic encourages other businesses to start their carbon reduction journey by measuring their footprint and seeking help from experts and peers. It also highlights the benefits of cost savings, staff engagement and tender opportunities.

Useful links:



Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
Register for our next webinar (Carbon Accounting 28 February)
Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 
Datagraphic website 
Datagraphic Carbon Reduction Plan
Datagraphic Social Impact 
Podcast feedback form

In this episode, we talk with Matthew Rhodes, Director of Camirus.  Matthew has been a leading voice for the decarbonisation efforts of the West Midlands in the last two decades.

Leading a portfolio of collaborative innovation projects centred around energy, industrial decarbonisation, and regional economic development, Matthew shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in assisting businesses in reducing their carbon footprint since the early 2000s. 

Listen in to discover more about:





Decarbonisation in the West Midlands
The competitive advantage of decarbonisation for businesses
Energy efficiency strategies
Grant funding opportunities and support available for businesses


 Podcast host: 




Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker:




 Matthew Rhodes, Director of Camirus.

Podcast producer: 

Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council

Useful links:





Register for an energy audit
Register for our next webinar
Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 
Podcast feedback form

In this episode we discuss how the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme can help businesses lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. 

The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme* aims to provide information and expert advice and support to businesses enabling them to make significant decarbonization and money saving changes to their business. This Programme is part of the wider West Midlands Business Support activity funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

*Area covered: Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, and the Black Country

Guest speakers:
 



Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
Martin Grant - DNZ Programme Manager, Aston Univeristy
Steve Stones - Energy Advisor, Pro Enviro
Sara Ballinger - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council



Useful links:





Register for an energy audit
Register for our next webinar
Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 
Podcast feedback form

In the first part of this episode we speak to Waco Yokoyama, Consultant and Circular Economy Specialist at Gemserv. Waco provides a concise explanation of the circular economy and highlights the main benefits for businesses, including cost reduction, increased sales, and decreased reliance on specific raw materials. She also discusses how the circular economy principles can be applied differently across sectors and emphasises the barriers to implementation and potential solutions.

In the second part we speak to Bret Willers, Head of Climate Change & Sustainability at Coventry City Council who shares insights on Coventry’s draft Climate Change Strategy that incorporates circular economy principles for Coventry residents and businesses.

Speakers: 



Waco Yokoyama - Consultant and Circular Economy Specialist at Gemserv
Bret Willers - Head of Climate Change at Coventry City Council


Host: Jonathan Howl, Green Business Programme Business Advisor

Producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator

Useful links:



Waco Yokoyama | LinkedIn
Gemserv | Expert Professional Services Company, Energy & Cyber.
Green Business Network
Coventry's Climate Change Strategy
Podcast feedback form