Sustainable Business Services

Energy Security & Green Infrastructure Week 2024
2024-11-05 - 2024-11-07 | Online
About The Event

Britain needs to address future energy supplies to power our businesses, homes, and transport, but we must provide this energy in a greener and more affordable form that is compatible with our transition and legal commitment to net zero. Society and nature demands net zero, while the UK needs secure energy supplies and much needed economic growth; green infrastructure can deliver both. Get involved in the UK’s biggest green infrastructure conference. A focused, exclusive, online conference where you will hear from a wide range of experts sharing insight and commentary from business leaders, academics, policymakers and shapers, and solution providers.

2024 Agenda

Registration is now open! A limited run of complimentary tickets are now available, courtesy of our sponsor Cundall. Each day has a separate registration form.
The new government will have been in place for four months when this conference is set to take place. Led by Sir Keir Starmer and his Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, the new vision has brought greater emphasis, and action, around the energy economy’s transition to net zero.
Energy Security and Green Infrastructure Week – where leaders share insights and meet.

March For Clean Water
2024-11-03 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Albert Embankment London
March for Clean Water in London is a one-off event organised by River Action to petition the government for clean water throughout the UK.

Water is life.

Yet here, in Britain, it’s on life support.
We are marching to reclaim our right to clean, healthy and abundant water for all people across the UK.
March for Clean Water is a national gathering of all those concerned and outraged about the state of our waterways.
Together, we can resolve this public health emergency by demanding the new government enforce the current law and deliver new legislation that will end all pollution, and restore our rivers, waterways, seas and reservoirs to full health by 2030.

10 reasons to march

1March to rescue our rivers

2March to save our sea

3
March to ⁠end pollution
4
March against polluting for profit
5
March to fight the big fish

6March to save the little fish

7March for clean swim spots

8
March for plentiful water
9
March ⁠to stop ecocide
10
March for healthy ⁠waters everywhere

Freskival 2024
2024-10-24 - 2024-10-25 | Toast Brewing, 17 Triton St,, London, NW1 3BF
What is a “Fresk”?
A “Fresk” is an interactive systems-building workshop using cards. In short, it is the best way to get a holistic view of a topic from a sustainability lens. Climate Fresk is one of the most popular sustainability training tools in the world, reaching nearly 2 million people.
Climate Fresk is the originator of the term “Fresk”, but there are many other workshops who have been inspire and made “Fresk-style” workshops.
Choose from:

Climate Fresk
Biodiversity Collage
Circular Economy Collage
Digital Collage
Textiles Untangled
Agri’Food Collage
Conscious Evolution Collage
Designing our Low Carbon Lives
Planetary Boundaries Fresco

Construction Collage

What is Freskival 2024?
Climate Clarity partners with Business Declares to host FRESKIVAL 2024: an inaugural Immersive Sustainability Learning Festival for Business.
Take part in just one workshop or up to 4 workshops over 2 days.
A 2-day festival for professionals to try out Fresk-style sustainability workshops on different themes: Biodiversity, Construction, Textiles, Digital, Food, Circular Economy, and more. Sample a few, meet other interested people, and find a workshop that’s good fit for your organisation’s engagement and learning strategy.
The event will take place at Toast Brewery on 24th/25th October 2024.

North Green Skills Conference
2024-10-22 09:30 - 15:30 | St James Park, St. James' Park,, Newcastle upon Tyne
Join the Conference

Following the success of last year’s conference held in Manchester, National World Events are delighted to bring the North Green Skills conference to the North East.
The journey towards a net-zero economy relies on the jobs we do and the competencies we require. It’s crucial, now more than ever, for every sector to contribute to the retraining of the workforce to meet this escalating demand.
This upcoming conference will unite politicians, business leaders, academics and media representatives from various industries. Through lively discussions, debates and networking, participants will tackle the hurdles confronting the North of England and deliberate on the best strategies for achieving our collective objectives.
The significance of sustainability in the UK has never been greater. It is time for all sectors to come together to discuss the skills we need to get our economy back on track.

Net Zero Festival 2024
2024-10-22 - 2024-10-23 | Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, Islington, London, N1 0QH, London, N1 0QH, United Kingdom
Now in its fifth year, the Net Zero Festival remains free to attend and will feature over 150 expert speakers, scores of exhibitors, and a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, case studies, and workshops.
Building on the success of last year’s Festival, which saw over 1,500 delegates from across the green economy in attendance each day, this year’s event will once again bring together business leaders, clean tech providers, sustainable investors, green campaigners, and environmental policymakers to jointly explore how to turbocharge the net zero transition.
This is an invaluable opportunity to celebrate and showcase the best of the UK’s vibrant net zero economy in what is set to be a pivotal year for the country’s decarbonisation efforts.
22-23 October | Business Design Centre, London

Blue Earth Summit 2024
2024-10-16 - 2024-10-18 | Woolwich Works, London
Blue Earth Summit is a transformative 3-day impact event bringing together 7,000 passionate innovators, startups, investors, corporations, politicians, adventurers, academics, media, and campaigners. Our mission is to find and fund solutions that regenerate our natural world.
Festival for the Future
Conference, Exhibition, and One-on-One Meetings
A highly curated lineup of expert speakers, hundreds of business solutions, and thousands of one-on-one meetings. Reconnecting the working world.

Limited to 7,000 attendees
20,000 121 meetings
£100 million in deployable capital
300 expert speakers

Recycle Week - 2024
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-20 | Our Planet
Recycle Week 2024

We are excited to announce that this year’s Recycle Week theme is ‘Rescue Me’. The campaign will run from 14th-20th October 2024, focusing on rescuing recyclable items from the rubbish bin.
By recycling at least one extra item as part of our daily recycling routine will make a huge difference.
Opportunities to get involved
Recognition of our Recycle Now ‘swoosh logo’ is at an all-time high, with 80% of citizens recalling the logo. Joining Recycle Week celebrations will align your brand with this national high-profile event and demonstrate that it takes sustainability seriously.
Recycle Week through the years
Since 2004 Recycle Week has delivered the nation’s largest recycling behaviour change campaign. Through an ambitious mix of film, social media, on street initiatives, influencers, radio and PR, Recycle Week has encouraged citizens to recycle, using the power of its one voice.
Our research
Through WRAP’s Recycling Tracker, we know that 88% of UK households regularly recycle. This is a testament to the focus and investment from WRAP’s citizen-facing brand Recycle Now and its partners over the years.
However, the data in the Recycling Tracker highlights that 87% of UK households recycle 1 or more items which are not accepted in the kerbside recycling and 57% miss one or more items which could be recycled at the kerbside.
We have made great strides, but more is needed. In a world where resources are limited, Recycle Now’s vision is to get people recycling the right things more often.

World Habitat Day - 2024
2024-10-02 | Our Planet
2023 Theme:
Resilient urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery
This year’s World Habitat Day aims to convene various city stakeholders to discuss the ways in which cities can be primed for recovery following the global intersecting negative economic shocks of COVID-19 and conflicts by:

Broaching the different dimensions of economic slowdown that cities are currently experiencing and identifying actions that cities can take to boost economic recovery.
Sharing experiences among different cities on how they are positioning themselves to tackle inflationary pressures and other tight global financial conditions

2023 has been a particularly challenging year for Urban Economies. The global economy growth itself is declining to about 2.5% and, apart from the initial COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and the global financial crisis in 2009, this is the weakest growth experienced since 2001 [WEO by the IMF].
Given the size of the contribution of cities to the national economy, the future of many countries will be determined by the productivity of its urban areas. Cities are the engines creating the value that boosts economic recovery.

International Walk to School Month
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-31 | Our Planet
October is International Walk to School Month, when pupils around the globe celebrate the joys of walking and wheeling to school.
This year, we are going on an Autumn Street Safari! Take a few minutes on your walk to school to collect special items and celebrate autumn with some fun activities.
Will you dance around a mushroom? Juggle with pinecones? Make up a scary story? See how many activities you can cross off the list!
Download yours in English or Welsh via the links and enter our prize draw below!

Unblocktober
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-31 | Our Planet
Unblocktober is the world’s first month-long national campaign and awareness month to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas – driven completely by the British public.
Launched in 2019, the first Unblocktober saw more than 4,500 Britons across the country pledge to change their kitchen and bathroom habits at home and at work. This rose to more than 66,000 in 2022 – and this year we need even more of you to get involved!
Why Unblocktober?
We all know that as a society, we haven’t always treated the natural and built environment in the kindest way. There are many examples of this that will jump to mind, including deforestation, increasing carbon emissions, and so on.
But for many decades, we’ve also adopted habits at home that – without many of us knowing – have caused our surroundings, watercourses and rivers severe distress. Millions upon millions of us have been putting dangerous liquids and items into our drainage systems and sewers that lead to untold damage to the environment around us.
As a result, we need to act decisively and quickly to try to change those bad habits and reverse the impact of our actions on our environment. The effects of this ecological damage are already being felt, and will need a concerted effort to slow them down or reverse them.
That’s where Unblocktober comes in. And where you come in too…
How to get involved
All we want is for you, your family and your friends to commit to stop pouring or flushing the following items down your drains or into the toilet, for the whole month of October. By taking part in Unblocktober, you will be making a big difference, without having to make a big effort.

National Vegetarian Week - 2024
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-07 | Our Planet
Join Sustainable Business Services to Mix it Up and take part in National Vegetarian Week;
THIS OCTOBER, WE’LL BE ASKING THE GREAT BRITISH PUBLIC TO ‘MIX IT UP!’ FOR NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK 1ST – 7TH OCTOBER 2024.
The campaign which this year kicks off on World Vegetarian Day, aims to encourage even more people to try plant-based swaps in their favourite dishes, with a theme of ‘Mix It Up!’

Choosing more vegetarian food is one of the best things we can all do for the planet

World Vegetarian Day - 2024
2024-10-01 | Our Planet
World Vegetarian Day was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. October 1st is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Make a difference this October by informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism. You will be helping to create a better world because vegetarian diet have proven health benefits, save animals’ lives and help to preserve the Earth.
Vegetarian Diets

Reduce the risk of major killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer while cutting exposure to foodborne pathogens
Provide a viable answer to feeding the world’s hungry through more efficient use of grains and other crops
Save animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter
Conserve vital but limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other precious resources
Preserve irreplaceable ecosystems such as rainforests and other wildlife habitats
Decrease greenhouse gases that are accelerating global warming
Mitigate the ever-expanding environmental pollution of animal agriculture

World Car Free Day - 2024
2024-09-22 | Our Planet
22 September is World Car Free Day, when all around the world, towns and cities allow people to experience streets free of motor traffic as well as making travel easier for those who rely on private vehicles for health and mobility reasons.
It’s a great chance to re-imagine our streets around people. So what can we do to make a difference?

Ditch the car and walk or cycle
Use public transport to get around
Create a parklet
Walk your kids to school and engage with the school to encourage a focus day
Engage your business, make a fund day and focus on different ways staff come to work (pick the nearest working day)

Zero Emissions Day - 2024
2024-09-21 | Our Planet
September 21 is Zero Emissions Day, or ZeDay, created by Canadian artist and environmental enthusiast Ken Wallace in 2008. This day calls us to build a sustainable future by reducing GHG emissions.
ZeDay urges everyone to avoid burning fossil fuels for just one day, reminding us of our impact on climate change. Moreover, it promotes better understanding and prompt action towards the environment.
How to Get Involved and Support Zero Emissions Day

On Zero Emissions Day, refrain from using non-essential electrical appliances.
Take alternative transportation methods, such as biking or public transport. You could also suggest a “no-car day” at your workplace to reduce emissions and encourage discussions.
Raise awareness about environmental issues or share your experience of Zero Emissions Day on social media. Use the hashtag #ZeroEmissionsDay and inspire others to adopt more climate-friendly choices.
Besides, you can organize events such as clean-up days, tree-planting projects, or workshops on renewable energy.
Support companies whose core values revolve around sustainability. If you need suggestions, check out our Sustainable Business Community.
Take the opportunity to investigate carbon offset programs. Whereas only partially the solution, you can purchase carbon offsets against your emissions from travel and around the home. Read more in our guide to carbon offset programs.
Finally, you can influence policy changes that support the environment. For example, write a letter to your local representative regarding the importance of sustainable practices or the implementation of renewable sources.

Great British Beach Clean - 2024
2024-09-20 08:00 - 2024-09-29 17:00 | A Beach Near You
The Great British Beach Clean is a week-long citizen science event, where hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK.

What is the Great British Beach Clean?

With the help of our supporters, we’re working to clean up beaches all around the UK and Northern Ireland. Every year in September, we run our flagship Great British Beach Clean event to encourage people to get involved.
Litter data collected on beach cleans drives our conservation work, helps us to campaign for change, and also feeds into the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC).
Our data has been used to make a positive impact on our ocean – including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.
But there is still so much to do to stop the litter plaguing our beaches.

How to get involved

This year’s Great British Beach Clean is taking place between Friday 20th – Sunday 29th September 2024.
It’s easy to get involved. Simply find a beach clean near you or organise your own. We’ve got lots of guides and resources available to help you get set up.
Beach cleans are fun for all the family (including dogs!), and the data collected helps us to campaign for positive change for the ocean.

Sustainable Wellbeing Business Forum
2024-09-19 09:00 - 11:30 | The Hub, Quorum Business Park, NE12 8BU
The last few years have seen many changes to the way we work and interact with our colleagues. A global pandemic, a growing mental health crisis and a climate emergency are just a few issues driving that change.
As businesses move to react, trends show that stakeholders want more, they want to engage with companies that value them, their wellbeing, the planet, as well as their profits.
In response to these changes Venture Zero have created their Sustainable Wellbeing Forum.
Sustainable Wellbeing is “the connection between our individual health and wellbeing, our interactions with other members of society and with the natural environment”.
This is a bi-monthly forum where North East organisations will come together discuss business drivers within the context of current societal challenges and will consider how businesses can ensure their purpose is aligned with the need for sustainable development in order to support people, planet, and profit.
Each forum will have a different theme. They will provide you with knowledge and information regarding the interconnectivity that exists between health and wellbeing, the natural environment, and community. You will feel equipped to take action within your business, regarding the current drivers such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Social and Governance, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, BCorp and Social Value.
5 reasons why you should come

You’re a business who knows you need to do something in these areas, but you’re not sure what or where to start

You want to access support to drive change, wherever you are on the journey, with industry experts and peer to peer learning

You want to become part of community of like-minded businesses

You want to find knowledge and inspiration from forward thinking business leaders

You want to feel able and confident to take action within the business

Who is it aimed at?
Sustainable Wellbeing is relevant for everyone, no matter what the size of the business:

Senior Leaders
People Teams
Facilities Managers
Learning and Development
Finance Officers
Marketing Departments
Operations Managers
Risk and Compliance
Health and Safety
Anyone working in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability

What to expect from our events (typical itinerary)

9.00-9.30am – Networking Breakfast – come and share our delicious breakfast bagels and chat over coffee
9.30-9.40am – Introduction, Clare Blunt and Claire Thew, Venture Zero
9.45-10.30am – Hear from our amazing speakers
10.30-11.00am – Workshop Activity – time to discuss what you’ve learnt and share knowledge and expertise
11.00-11.30am – Round up & Networking

Who are Venture Zero
Venture Zero is the collaboration of Claire and Clare, who are experts in their respective fields of Environmental Sustainability and Mental Health and Wellbeing.
We are a purpose-led organisation and work cross-sector to engage businesses and communities on social and environmental issues. We believe that organisations should be aware of the synergy that exists between our mental health and wellbeing, the natural environment, the climate crisis and social inequality; and should feel equipped to know how to take action and make a difference in these areas.
We share the vision for socially and environmentally connected workplaces and provide opportunities for businesses to create more purposeful and sustainable communities in and outside their business.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
At Venture Zero we want our events to be accessible to everyone, therefore if cost is a barrier, we have a limited number of funded individual places. Please contact us at info@venturezero.co.uk for further details.
Please let us know if your require any other assistance to access our event.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
2024-09-16 | Our Planet
The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.
Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change
This year Ozone Day is held under the theme Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change. Today, we celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This year’s theme highlights and reiterates the positive impact of the Montreal Protocol on ozone layer recovery and reducing climate change. Especially emphasizing the Kigali Amendment, which through the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improved efficiency in the cooling sector, will provide additional climate mitigation benefits. The UNEP Ozone Secretariat has prepared a social media package in six languages, including cards, videos, and suggested messages, available on this Trello board.
Background
A number of commonly used chemicals have been found to be extremely damaging to the ozone layer. Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked to one or more halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine). Halocarbons containing bromine usually have much higher ozone-depleting potential (ODP) than those containing chlorine. The man-made chemicals that have provided most of the chlorine and bromine for ozone depletion are methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and families of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
The scientific confirmation of the depletion of the ozone layer prompted the international community to establish a mechanism for cooperation to take action to protect the ozone layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted and signed by 28 countries, on 22 March 1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Montreal Protocol
The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate objective of their elimination on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information. It is structured around several groups of ozone-depleting substances. The groups of chemicals are classified according to the chemical family and are listed in annexes to the Montreal Protocol text. The Protocol requires the control of nearly 100 chemicals, in several categories. For each group or annex of chemicals, the Treaty sets out a timetable for the phase-out of production and consumption of those substances, with the aim of eventually eliminating them completely.
The timetable set by the Protocol applies to consumption of ozone depleting substances. Consumption is defined as the quantities produced plus imported, less those quantities exported in any given year. There is also a deduction for verified destruction. Percentage reductions relate to the designated base-line year for the substance. The Protocol does not forbid the use of existing or recycled controlled substances beyond the phase-out dates.
There are a few exceptions for essential uses where no acceptable substitutes have been found, for example, in metered dose inhalers (MDI) commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems or halon fire-suppression systems used in submarines and aircraft.
In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114).
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol progressed well in developed and developing countries. All phase-out schedules were adhered to in most cases, some even ahead of schedule. Attention focused initially on chemicals with higher ozone-depletion potentials including CFCs and halons. The phase-out schedule for HCFCs was more relaxed due to their lower ozone-depletion potentials and because they have also been used as transitional substitutes for CFCs.
The HCFC phase-out schedule was introduced in 1992 for developed and developing countries, the latter with a freeze in 2015, and final phase-out by 2030 in developed countries and 2040 in developing countries. In 2007, Parties to the Montreal Protocol decided to accelerate the HCFC phase-out schedule for both developed and developing countries.
Universal ratification
On 16th September 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal ratification.
Kigali Amendment
The Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer reached agreement at their 28th Meeting of the Parties on 15 October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

ICSD 2024 : 12th International Conference on Sustainable Development Rome, Italy
2024-09-11 09:30 - 2024-09-12 17:00 | Roma Eventi, Congress Centre, Piazza della Pilotta, Rome, Italy
The Conference theme is:
“Creating a unified foundation for the Sustainable Development: research, practice and education”.

This theme emphasizes the strong foundation that is provided by using research to inform our everyday practices, policies, and analytical approaches.

The 2024 Conference will once again provide a forum for the sharing of ideas, presentation of research findings, and discussion of professional issues relevant to Sustainability Science.
This ambition will proceed in a multidisciplinary way across the various fields and perspectives, through which we can address the fundamental and related questions of Sustainable Development. This interdisciplinary forum is for scholars, teachers, and practitioners from any professional discipline who share an interest in—and concern for— sustainability in an holistic perspective, where environmental, cultural, economic and social concerns intersect.
We invite you to submit an abstract in the range of the following streams within the ICSD2024 program:
1. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY:
Financial Sustainability, SME, MicroFinance,
Emerging Countries, International Trade,

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:
Water and Soil conservation, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction,
Renewable Energies, Food and Enviromental Legislation

3. SOCIO-CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY:
Sustainable Urbanism, Education, Governance Sustainability,
Human Development, Psychology, Sociology
We are inviting proposals for paper presentations, posters/exhibits, or virtual presentation. Proposal ideas that extend beyond these thematic areas will also be considered. For more information about the ideas and themes underlying this community send an e-mail at: icsd@ecsdev.org Virtual participation is available for those who are unable to attend the conference in person. All conference registrants (online and online poster) can be published in the European Journal of Sustainable Development.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
2024-09-07 | Our Planet
Together for Clean Air
This year’s theme of “Together for Clean Air” focuses on the need for stronger partnerships, increased investment and shared responsibility to overcome air pollution. Given the transboundary nature of air pollution, all stakeholders have a responsibility to protect the earth’s atmosphere and ensure healthy air for everyone. Working together, across borders and boundaries, between sectors and beyond silos, will help reduce air pollution, leverage finance and investments towards air quality measures and solutions, and provide many benefits. This International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, we call upon everyone, from governments and corporations to civil society and individuals to come together to overcome air pollution. #TogetherForCleanAir
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
UN Member States recognize the need to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination by 2030, as well as to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management by 2030.
Clean air is important for the health and day-to-day lives of people, while air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally. Air pollution disproportionately affects women, children and older persons, and also has a negative impact on ecosystems.
Today, the international community acknowledges that improving air quality can enhance climate change mitigation and that climate change mitigation efforts can improve air quality.
Encouraged by the increasing interest of the international community in clean air, and emphasizing the need to make further efforts to improve air quality, including reducing air pollution, to protect human health, the General Assembly decided to designate 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.
Clean Air and Sustainable Development Goals
In the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, entitled “The future we want,” countries committed to promoting sustainable development policies that support healthy air quality in the context of sustainable cities and human settlements. Also, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which outlines a road map to achieving sustainable development, environmental protection and prosperity for all, recognizes that air pollution abatement is important to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Zero Waste Week 2024
2024-09-02 08:00 - 2024-09-06 17:00 | Our Planet
READY TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE?

#ZeroWasteWeek is an award-winning, grassroots annual awareness campaign that takes place online and on-the-ground.

It helps householders, businesses, organisations, schools, universities
and community groups reduce landfill waste so you can
save money, preserve resources and protect the environment.

How to Join in – 3 Simple Steps

1- Mark first full week in September in your calendar
2- Set your goal to do one thing to reduce landfill waste
3- Take action, have fun and celebrate your successes!

Zero Waste Week always takes place the week beginning the first Monday in September, so the dates change each year.
Check your calendar for the first Monday in September and that will be the first day of the campaign week

National Allotments Week 2024
2024-08-12 08:00 - 2024-08-18 17:00 | Our Planet
What is National Allotments Week?
Originated by The National Allotment Society over two decades ago National Allotments Week has encouraged allotment holders to throw open their gates and show off their sites. We will be sharing some fabulous content from our friends, expert partners and ambassadors on subjects such as encouraging pollinators and wildlife, ecofriendly pest control, companion planting, soil health and much more! As always, we encourage allotment sites up and down the country to hold events andw engage with the local community – to highlight the wider social, health and environmental benefits of UK allotments. Join us in celebrating the diversity of life that makes our green spaces flourish!

The Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity, the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, is essential for the health and resilience of our environment. Allotments are not just spaces for growing fruits and vegetables; they are sanctuaries for wildlife, pollinators, and plants. A biodiverse allotment supports natural pest control, improves soil health, and ensures pollination, leading to more robust and productive gardens.

How Allotments Foster Biodiversity

Allotments contribute to biodiversity in numerous ways:
– Habitat Creation: Allotments provide a range of habitats, from compost heaps and ponds to wildflower borders and hedgerows, supporting various species of insects, birds, and small mammals.
– Pollinator Support: By planting a mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, allotment holders create a rich forage for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
– Soil Health: Practices such as no dig, crop rotation, composting, and organic gardening improve soil structure and fertility, promoting a diverse range of microorganisms and insects.

Events and Activities
Throughout National Allotments Week 2024, we have an exciting lineup of events and activities designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate Biodiversity.
How to get involved?
1. Throw open your gates – Show off your site to promote the value of allotments it could also be a great fundraising opportunity!
2. Love your local media – Local media love community stories and will probably jump at the chance to promote your open day or good news
3. Shout on social – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X and TikTok are great places to shout about your open day and allotment site success.
4. Tell us about it – Tell NAS about your event so we can shout about the great things happening on allotments across the UK!

Cycle to Work Day
2024-08-01 | Our Planet
In the United Kingdom, Cycle to Work Day, on August 1 this year, is sort of a big deal. As summer gives way to fall each year, citizens leave their car keys on the hook and grab a helmet instead so that they can mix up their morning commutes.
The childhood bliss of pedaling to victory doesn’t have to be lost to the past with this celebration on the calendar.
It’s good for you, the environment, and that old bike collecting dust in the garage. Hit the roads!
How to Celebrate Cycle to Work Day?

Ride your bicycle to work
The hint is in the name here. The best way to celebrate Cycle to Work Day in all its sweaty glory is to purchase, borrow, or unearth an old bicycle and use it as your transportation for the day. Remember to bring a helmet and follow all traffic signals, including stop signs.

Teach a loved one to cycle
Not everyone knows how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle, believe it or not. If you’re a remote worker or simply don’t have to commute, you’d be just as well off teaching someone how to ride a bicycle who doesn’t already have that skill. This way, one more person will feel confident to celebrate the holiday when it comes around again.

Cycle to any other usual errand
Why not expand Cycle to Work Day past office hours and run your errand on a bike as well? This is a great opportunity to support businesses that are bicycle-friendly, i.e. who keep parking racks near their entrances to keep bikers’ equipment safe. Do your grocery shopping, grab your prescriptions — even visit a friend via bike this holiday.

GreenTech Gathering
2024-07-18 17:30 - 20:30 | Sedulo, The Ambler Club,, St. Paul's House, 23 Park Square S, Leeds, LS1 2ND
West Yorkshire has the fastest growing digital sector, with aims to make Leeds the UK’s First Net Zero City. To set the pace of our region’s sustainability journey and progress towards carbon neutrality, the GreenTech Gathering is a relaxed and informal networking opportunity that brings together like-minded individuals and organisations in Yorkshire’s GreenTech community to connect in person, share knowledge and collaborate.
Featuring a 20-minute industry speaker and a 15-minute community spotlight, you’ll be able to hear from industry pioneers and thought leaders tackling some of the biggest questions we all have about the industry.
Connect 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽
Meet experts, hear from industry leaders and collaborate across entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Share 🧠
Gain access to knowledge, insight and ideas from a community committed to developing technologies that lower emissions and improve our environment.
Innovate🔬
Leverage innovation to deliver impactful action and set the pace in defining the future of Green Technology.
What To Expect? 💭

Networking with industry experts, change makers and leaders.
Learn more about the latest industry innovations.
Free drinks and nibbles.

Guest Speaker🎤
Danielle Heward, Founder & Director @ Optimo
Optimo’s mission is to create a better world by optimising the operations of every organisation working for environmental and social change. If their overall output increases, we believe their impact will be greater too. Danielle will be talking on the topic of “From Why to How” where they share Optimo’s B-Corp journey and some practical advice on what businesses can do to think leaner and greener at the same time.
Community Spotlight 🎤
Dr Zoe Detko, Founder @ Ardea Eco-innovation
Ardea Eco-Innovation helps organisations to develop and implement emissions reduction and sustainability strategies, with the goal of Net Zero. Their services include carbon accounting, training, conducting data analysis for environmental claims validation, and identifying novel market applications. Dr Detko will be talking on the topic of “Finding the Benefits in Inconvenience”. You already know that reducing emissions will benefit your business in many different ways. But it’s at the point of inconvenience that we start to make a real difference. So how can we reveal the untapped potential waiting within the inconvenience?

Carbon footprint reporting: key terms, frameworks and business growth
2024-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
L&L: Carbon footprint reporting: key terms, frameworks and business growth
Join the North East Camber of Commerce Lunch and Learn Collection
As business starts to move towards a net zero future, we will explore carbon data, reports and management plans.
We’re seeing more and more interest and demand for carbon data, reports and management plans, as business starts to move towards a net zero future.
In this lunch and learn, we will hear from James Staniforth, Sustainable Business Services Ltd about some of the different reporting requirements and frameworks available. We will support attendees with an understanding of how to be prepared and being ahead of the curve in this regard.
Join this Lunch and Learn to help you understand the journey to net zero.
KEY INFORMATION
Dress code: We don’t stipulate a dress code at our events, but we’d recommend you dress like you’re going to meet new clients. The most important this is that you’re comfortable.
Behaviour & Conduct: Our events create an inclusive space for individuals and organisations to meet where we expect all our attendees to behave with courtesy and respect, to both each other and Chamber colleagues.
Our events are open to Chamber members only. If you’re not a member and would like to attend, or discuss the benefits of membership, please email: your@neechamber.co.uk.
This is a member only series, any queries Knowledge Manager, tim.marsden@necc.co.uk

Northern Sustainability Summit 2024
2024-07-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX
The Northern Sustainability Summit, headline sponsored by Electricity North West, is back for 2024! It will bring together people from all sectors, from those leading on sustainability to those who are in the early stages of their journey.
If you missed last year’s Northern Sustainability Summit, you can watch the highlights video below. It attracted 30 exhibitors, 48 speakers and over 600 registrations.
This year we will focus on making sustainability work for businesses. Expect sessions looking at attracting eco-conscious consumers, accessing finance, reporting and offsetting, the role of infrastructure and the green industrial revolution.

The leading sustainability event in the North, for the curious and the experts to come togther.

Net Zero Week 2024
2024-07-08 08:00 - 2024-07-14 17:00 | Online
Net Zero Week is ultimately about people and actions. People with a global perspective, national policy makers, business owners, energy and sustainability professionals, asset owners, technologists, investors, regional leaders, academics… and so many more. It is people who matter, who make changes, who invest, who make plans, who inspire, who solve big problems, who collaborate. Net Zero Week brings all interested parties together.
Net Zero Week™ is part of this much needed momentum.
A week of focus, events, interviews and webinars
KEYNOTE | Net Zero Solutions: Integrating Circular Economy and Building Decarbonisation for Inclusive Transition
KEYNOTE | Fireside chat with Mike Nugent, Hitachi ZeroCarbon
KEYNOTE | Fireside chat with Sam Hall, Conservative Environment Network
INSIDER | Decarbonising your business and beyond: How to excel in meeting supplier sustainability expectations
are just a few of the events available online or in person

Siemens Beyond 1% Summit 2024
2024-07-03 08:00 - 2024-07-04 17:00 | Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Beyond 1% Summit 2024, a Siemens conference, is scheduled for July 3-4 in Sydney, Australia.
The national summit is designed to explore “how digitalization and technology can accelerate sustainability, grow the economy and drive business success,” Siemens said.

Join us in Sydney for a national summit to explore how digitalization and technology can accelerate sustainability, grow the economy and drive business success.

The rapid deployment of digitalization and new technology into our energy, industrial, and infrastructure sectors is critical to support climate goals, and to make businesses more competitive. It is also essential to allow Australia to take a leading role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions: beyond the 1% of emissions we are responsible for today.
With real-world examples and the best talent from business, government and academia, this Summit will go beyond the buzzwords to explore the technologies and tools that will help drive sustainable outcomes, deliver business success and strengthen our economy. There is no other event like this.
Featuring a line-up of global and local industry experts, the Summit will:

Demystify net zero and Australia’s commitments, and explain the impacts and opportunities for your business;
Explore the key technologies needed to accelerate and drive sustainability;
Showcase and celebrate real examples of success from Australia and overseas;
Highlight the avenues for businesses in Australia to access government support – from innovation to commercialization to global success;
Provide extensive opportunities for collaboration and networking.

The Big Zero Show
2024-07-02 - 2024-07-03 | Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6GE
The Big Zero Show 2024
Over two days, this year’s Big Zero Show will showcase innovation, technology and inspirational speakers to help business, big or small cut their emissions.
In addition, day two will address the skills shortage and help both new starters and those thinking of a career change, explore the opportunities of the low carbon economy.
We are delighted to have Coventry City Council and Energy UK as our Principal Partners for our biggest event yet!

Day 1 – Net Zero five years on… Are we on track?

Net zero is a way to cut your costs and help the planet, so what’s stopping you? Often, it’s just the right help and advice. That’s what we will provide for you at our event. Workshops, expert speakers, case studies and exhibitions. Plus, networking with 1500 peers and potential customers.
Register for free now.

Day 2 – ‘Net Zero: Your Future Workplace

Announcing our 2024 Net Zero Skills Day—an essential event for anyone eyeing a career in the low-carbon world.
Whether you’re a graduate seeking purpose or an experienced worker looking to reskill, we’ve got inspiring talks, sector showcases and networking opportunities to help you find your place in this evolving industry.
Register here

CleanTech Venture Day 2024
2024-07-02 | KPMG Canary Wharf, 15 Canada Square, London, E14 5GL
CleanTech Venture Day 2024 is scheduled for July 2 at KPMG’s office in Canary Wharf, London, England.

Since 2006 CLEANTECH VENTURE DAY has been providing a curated programme of cutting edge technology, investment opportunities and thought leadership from across the global cleantech and climate tech ecosystem.
Cleantech Venture Day’s upcoming event will be a forum for innovators, investors, large enterprises and economic development partners to see next-generation climate tech solutions and investment opportunities.
Innovators that have pitched at previous Cleantech Venture Day events have gone on to raise more than $650m in secured investments.
Alongside this, networking, tech scouting and thought leadership from industry and academic experts makes the Cleantech Venture Day the must-attend event for cleantech and climate tech industry leaders, innovators and influencers.
INVESTING IN INNOVATION
Cleantech Venture Day will take place in London on 2nd July, bringing together innovative cleantech companies with experienced fund managers, business angels and corporate investors. If you’re looking for world-class deals in cleantech and climate tech, this event is for you.
WORLD-CLASS AGENDA
Organised by Cambridge Cleantech, Oxfordshire Greentech and Climate Tech Supercluster.
With

An investors-only breakfast session exploring the collaboration between policymakers and investors to accelerate innovation
16 companies pitching (5 min-pitch, 5 min-Q&A)
Experts talks
Plenty of networking time
Networking Reception
Stands

UNIQUE VENUE:
The event will be held in one prestigious venue:
KPMG : The pitches and expert talks will take place at KPMG, Canary Wharf, London.
F or more details, including past events, agenda, dealflow, speakers, etc. , please check our website: https://www.climatetechinnovation.com/cleantech-venture-day

Plastic Free July
2024-07-01 08:00 - 2024-07-31 17:00 | Our Planet
Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste.

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?
Plastic Free July provides resources and ideas to help you (and millions of others around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste everyday at home, work, school, and even at your local café.
The movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. You making a small change will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!). Best of all, being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever.
Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?
Follow the link to learn more and take part!
