Businesses Encouraged to go Green

Businesses are being invited to find out more about reducing their carbon footprint in a special workshop on climate change.

The session will be held during South Tyneside Business Week and will provide practical advice on reducing emissions.

It will feature experts speaking on topics including renewable heating systems and incorporating energy efficiencies into buildings.

The workshop is being hosted by Groundwork South Tyneside and North Tyneside in partnership with South Tyneside Council on Wednesday 12 February.

Cllr Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety with responsibility for climate change, said: "If we are to work towards the borough becoming carbon neutral then we need businesses to come with us on our journey.

"There will be more and more requirements for local authorities to embed sustainability into their policies and procurement processes and this is a great opportunity to engage with businesses and raise awareness.

"There are limited spaces, so we'd advise booking early to avoid disappointment."

Last year South Tyneside Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to take all necessary steps to make the council carbon neutral by 2030.

It committed to producing a climate change strategy, supported by a five-year action plan, by March 31, 2020. It also pledged to become a champion for a carbon neutral future for the Borough.

The workshop will be held from 3-5pm on 12 February at the Eco Centre, Windmill Way, Hebburn.

Andrew Watts, of Groundwork, added: "We are really pleased to be hosting this workshop. We have been working to improve the environment in South Tyneside for the past 28 years.

"Working with the council, together we have created groundbreaking projects that support the climate emergency, including the Eco Centre, which was Europe's most environmentally friendly building when constructed in 1996 and continues to be an exemplar for sustainability."

Cllr Atkinson added: "Climate change affects us all and we all have to do our bit. Collectively, we can work to make a real change across the borough and beyond."

Speaking on the day will be:

• Kelly Crews, South Tyneside Council - Background and importance of taking action.
• Jason Oakes, Oakes Energy - Advice and tips on renewable heating systems
• Alex Savodis, Narec Distributed Energy - Advice and tips on energy efficiencies in buildings
• Sharon Lashley, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - Advice on staff and customer behavioural change

For further information and to book a place, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/29247359357