Sustainability Conference 2022

Businesses have a significant role to play in ensuring Hertfordshire achieves its net-zero goals in line with the UK’s 2050 target.

Speakers at a county sustainability conference said responsibility for cutting emissions lay with all organisations and that they needed a clear plan to make it happen.

‘‘You may be tempted to think that Climate Change is an issue for large companies and governments and that SMEs have no part to play. But think again.’’

Fiona Edwards, JPA Workspaces

Almost 200 business representatives attended the Herts Chamber of Commerce’s first sustainability conference, chaired by Richard Potter, Director of Digital Strategy at Microsoft, where guest speakers included ITV’s Laura Tobin, a qualified meteorologist and environmentalist, and Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark.

The event, which supported the aims of the Chamber’s Herts Go Green and Grow initiative, brought together businesses looking for guidance on reducing their carbon output as the UK’s 2050 net-zero target draws closer.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO, said: “Listening to the excellent speakers at the event outlined the size of the task facing us, and also emphasised to everyone that it is challenge that we are facing together. No one is alone and there is plenty of support available.

“All the steps we collectively take will improve society and help us play our part in protecting the planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Steve spoke in depth about the practical steps businesses can take to achieve net zero, acknowledging the pressure that SMEs in particular are under to demonstrate how they are cutting carbon emissions at a time when the energy crisis is affecting us all.

Weather presenter Laura used the platform to reveal everyday steps that anyone can take in a bid to protect the planet, showing that responsibility sits on everyone’s shoulders.

Lynne Ceeney, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Hertfordshire County Council, attended the conference at Rothamsted Enterprises, Harpenden, to talk about how the council is working to become a more environmentally sustainable organisation.

Breakout sessions topics included carbon calculation, nature’s recovery, cloud technology and futureproofing urban environments.