Amy Robinson of Low Carbon South West outlined the West of England Carrbon Challenge and the benefits to companies of committing to carbon reduction and energy savings.

1. Supporting the development of
Low Carbon & environmental
technologies & services in the South
West of England

2. We are:
A community interest company and sector
partnership between businesses, academia,
investors, local authorities and national agencies
• Over 3000 network members
• Over 100 paid members
• Devoted to building the Low Carbon economy in
the South West

3. What we do:
• Deliver member services that strengthen the low
carbon sector in the South West
• Facilitate networking and trade between our
members and the wider community at local, national
and international levels
• Provide training and resources for businesses and
organisations committed to innovation and
excellence within the sustainability sector
• Help to create demand for environmental goods and
services in businesses

4. What we do cont.
• Drive up skills; Supporting Universities, Further
Education colleges and apprenticeship schemes.
• Simplify and strengthen business support solutions
• Increase business led innovation and enterprise
• Promote SW as a centre of excellence for
sustainability and renewable energy production
• Promote SW for low carbon inward investment and
outward trade

6. Why LCSW is involved with WECC

7. What is WECC?
• A network of businesses, NGOs and public
sector organisations committed to a reducing
their carbon emissions.
• Share knowledge and best practice with
others
• To become a member you must sign a
declaration to show your intent

8. Some of our WECC members

10. The Commitment
In a nutshell:
a) measure and record direct energy use through
utilities; and
b) take steps within your organisation to reduce
your energy use and environmental impact.

11. UWE Case study
• 30,000 students and 3,500 staff
• New extension - BREEAM Excellent standard with
innovations for sustainability throughout: straw bale
walls which are exposed in places; solar panelled
roof with display screen in the cafe; energy efficient
motion and daylight sensor lighting; and water
saving taps in the toilets
• Double-glazed windows, solar panels, roof
insulation, wind capture ventilation low energy
lighting throughout
• The building will be open for business by September
2014 and UWE is planning mid- and post-
construction tours for those interested,
demonstrating its passion for sharing knowledge and
excellence
• Evaluation builds the business case for further
investment in sustainable development - UWE have
benefited not only from the energy and cost savings
but from the positive feedback received from staff,
students and partners on commitment to
sustainability

12. A Recent Event on Climate Change
Adaptation
• How can businesses and organisations
prepare for the impacts of extreme
weather?
• What should they consider?
• What tools are available to prepare?
• learn how to write a strategy for
climate resilience
• network with other sustainable
businesses
• discuss carbon reduction, resilience
and sustainability with like-minded
professionals
At Buro Happold HQ in Bath

13. A Recent Tour of a WECC member
building
• Fully booked
tour
• Sharing best
practice
• Opportunity
to showcase
to other
members
At Burges
Salmon in
Bristol

14. Upcoming events include:
Buildings and Behaviour
• Top tips for new build or a
refurbishment
• Driving behaviour change in
your business
• Green Law update
• network with other
sustainable businesses
• discuss carbon reduction,
resilience and sustainability
with like-minded professionals
At @t Bristol on 2nd April 2014

15. How to join
Simply sign and return a commitment
agreement. Find it all online:
www.westofenglandcarbonchallenge.org
Or speak to us!
wecc@lowcarbonsouthwest.co.uk
Twitter: @WECC_Co2

16. Thank you