Metro Mayor Dan Norris has helped to launch a campaign encouraging people in the West of England to take steps towards a greener future.
The ‘Beacon of Hope’ campaign is an initiative by Action Net Zero, a sustainability delivery partner supporting residents, businesses, local authorities and communities to accelerate sustainable action and help tackle the climate crisis.
The campaign will reach out to local communities to offer practical advice, guidance and support on how to reduce their carbon footprint by making small, incremental changes.
From eating local, seasonal food to ditching single use plastics, Dan Norris is inviting locals to sign up to take at least one simple step to reduce emissions.
The campaign will have a particular focus on how we buy and use energy, kicking off with a roundtable discussion that will bring 10 subject matter experts together to discuss how to accelerate the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy across the West.
Over the next 12 months Action Net Zero will gather best practice on the top ways to reduce energy use and make the energy we use cleaner. The organisation aims to support 400 firms and their employees per year to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Pamela Barbato, Founder of Action Net Zero, said, “We know many people want to be greener, to play their part to address the climate crisis, but often don’t know how to. Our campaign focuses on supporting communities across the South West, individuals and businesses to act now to reduce their reliance on costly fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy solutions.
“By providing them with the information, guidance and the solution providers to allow them to act now, we are here to help people be energy smart, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.”
The Metro Mayor said that the campaign would help the West of England’s drive to reach net zero by 2030.
Dan Norris added, “Our commitment in the West of England to net-zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK Government’s target, requires far reaching change in every part of the West of England. Everyone will need to do their bit. This campaign is important in helping us meet the challenge before us, and so safeguard our region, our way of life and our precious planet.”
Pictured: Metro Mayor Dan Norris with Alistair Greener (moderator), Pam Barbato (Founder of Action Net Zero), Neil Mehta (Edwards), Stuart Urquart (TLT LLP), Perri Ashworth (TLT LLP), Lee Chadwick (Clarkson Evans Solar), Doug Sparrow (Clarkson Evans), Peter Capener (Bath and West Community Energy), Peter White (National Grid), Dave Edwards (FH Power Consultants) and Joanne Philpott (Weston College).
