Feedback from our workshops with the Partnership shows that all the organisations who participated came away with information and tools that have enabled them to further progress on their decarbonisation journey.
Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK must reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Local action is essential to meet this goal, with cities like Bristol leading the way since declaring a climate emergency in 2018.
The workshops, part of our Getting Started programme, which we collaborate on with the Partnership and is funded by the Bristol BIDs. The initiative sets out to equip SMEs with the tools and confidence to take meaningful action. From April to July 2025, we designed and delivered interactive sessions for coffee roasters to architects, to help them understand their climate impacts and what practical steps they can take towards net zero.
Each session combined expert insight with hands-on learning, covering:
- Jargon-busting and demystifying climate action – helping participants understand the fundamentals of climate science and key terms. (Session summary)
- Measuring and monitoring carbon footprints – introducing simple tools and methods to track emissions. (Session summary)
- Developing a climate action plan and setting targets – supporting organisations to translate ambition into action. (Session summary)
Attendees left the programme equipped with both the knowledge and confidence to embed sustainability into their decision-making.
Programme participant Zoe said:
“We have been able to make more informed decisions around sustainability & start conversations we couldn’t have before. The biggest progress has been feeling empowered with the tools and confidence to start these conversations with both clients and colleagues. I think the awareness I have been able to spread amongst colleagues and the way I am able to make more informed decisions goes a really long way. I am much better equipped to make more impactful progress as time goes on.”
Thea Welsford from Raised In CIC added:
“We really enjoyed being a part of the programme and have learnt a lot from it. I am looking forward to passing on our findings to our new Operations & Sustainability Manager when they are in post so they can take the baton and help us to get the ball rolling.”
Programme participant Suzanne said:
“It was all useful; the initial part was helpful in getting an overview of existing protocols, regulations and bodies that are all involved in capturing the data around carbon emissions. Understanding the bigger picture was really helpful.”
We will be working with the Partnership to offer the programme to Bristol businesses again in 2026.
Please contact our Head of Low Carbon Charlie Leaman Pearce if:
- You’re interested in joining the next programme,
- You’d like to run a similar programme in your area, or
- You’re a large organisation looking to deliver a programme for your suppliers.