Lead Organisation
Sustainability West Midlands
Project Managers: Morgan Roberts, Project Officer & Anna Bright, Chief Executive
Overview
The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge was launched by Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, in March 2021 and now has over 100 pledged organisations including many SWM members such as National Express West Midlands and Mott MacDonald.
SWM manage the Pledge on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), providing support to organisations and helping them raise the profile of their approach to net zero. This excellently demonstrates SWM’s capabilities at both coordinating a long-term initiative and at engaging with stakeholders across the whole region on a range of sustainability themes including net zero.
Development of the pledge
Commissioned by the WMCA, SWM worked on the development of the pledge for six months before its launch in March 2021, working collaboratively with SWM members including Severn Trent, Wylde Connections, Coventry Council, Solihull Council and the University of Birmingham. Make UK, the FSB, the Chambers and BT also contributed to the development of the pledge.
At the launch of the pledge in March 2021, on its development, Severn Trent Water CEO Liv Garfield, said:
“We’re proud to support the WMCA’s ambitious net zero business pledge, which builds on the environmental commitments we’ve already made. These plans include reaching net zero carbon emissions, using 100% renewable energy and having a fleet of vehicles that are entirely electric by 2030. We look forward to playing our part in this green recovery alongside other like-minded businesses across the region.”
Running the pledge
Phase two was launched in September 2022 with an event inviting businesses to learn more about how the pledge could support them to understand the net zero business landscape, up-to-date information on requirements with regards to reporting and the benefits of going beyond compliance. With speakers from pledgers Shoosmiths and Wylde Connections, and SWM’s own Nat Weaver, project manager at the time.
Since then, SWM have continued to deliver the pledge on behalf of the WMCA. Using our extensive communications channels, our network within the west midlands, and our expertise in stakeholder engagement, we have promoted the initiative to recruit over 120 businesses (as of Feb 2024). SWM also provides expertise on net zero and the surrounding related areas of sustainability from circular economy to climate change adaptation to pledged businesses through group sessions and 1-2-1 support.
Outcomes to date have included:
- Delivery of online and in person sessions for business support including six sessions in 2023-24.
- Launch of the Net Zero Business Pledge Website, making it even easier for businesses to learn about, sign up for, and keep up-to-date with the pledge.
- Launch of the Net Zero Toolkit, providing businesses with tools and resources to support them on their net zero journey.
The peer-to-peer learning made possible by Sustainability West Midlands and the expertise and connections they provide have meant businesses benefit from excellent support and advice to accelerate their journey to net zero, whether they are at beginners or are already well on their way to decarbonisation.
“Every business and every employee can make a difference, big or small, the Net Zero Pledge reminds us of that. Our pledge has made us leaner, cleaner but also has reduced our costs.” – NRG Marine, based in Coventry
The WMCA have continued to be pleased with SWM’s work in the project management and delivery of this project:
“The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge allows businesses in the region to demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate change and making the region a better place to live. Sustainability West Midlands coordinate the delivery of the pledge with purpose and diligence, celebrating best practice from pledged businesses and encouraging more of the region’s businesses to pledge. SWM’s experience in supporting businesses through their eight focus areas has really contributed to the success and development of the pledge over the last couple of years.” – WMCA
Visit the Pledge website to find out more about the initiative.
