Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk's biggest business network and the voice of business in the region, has achieved bronze level accreditation from the Carbon Charter after being supported in this endeavour by Suffolk Country Council's Groundwork East team.

The Charter provides public recognition for businesses who are working to monitor and reduce their carbon emissions, with Gold, Silver and Bronze awards available.

Bronze status is awarded to businesses who have a working energy/carbon reduction policy, signed off by senior management, with clear reduction targets and planned actions in place to measure and monitor progress. 

Emma Alderton, projects and skills manager at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, leading on the Chamber's Road to Net Zero project said: "Suffolk Chamber has been supporting and bringing resources to Suffolk businesses for several months now and so we felt it only right that we lead by example.

"I'm proud to lead the team of Green Champion colleagues that volunteered to focus on this important work, and it's great that the Carbon Charter has recognised Suffolk Chamber as a game-changer in tackling climate change in Suffolk by continuing to work with businesses on this important issue." 

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce was successful in bidding for Community Renewal Funding as part of a Road to Net Zero partnership and support programme, which has supported businesses through informational resources and events, as well as managing advisers at the New Anglia Growth Hub who have been delivering specialist advice, helping businesses identify the changes they can make.

 The Chamber has so far supported over 400 business professionals across the county through a series of in-person and online events, with topics including: Net zero jargon busting, reducing your carbon footprint and reaching your sustainability goals.

One key conference held in the summer at Trinity Park in Ipswich hosted over 200 businesses with a panel discussion lead by six net zero experts and at another recent event, guests were joined by the inspiring explorer and conservationist, Pen Hadow.

Businesses have also been able to access additional resources and guidance to help them on their net zero journey through the Chamber's dedicated online hub which has reached over 3,000 views since its launch earlier in the year.

Upon awarding Suffolk Chamber's accreditation, the panel said they were "impressed with the commitment the Suffolk Chamber has shown through a Net Zero Hub area on their website and running of net zero events."

Partners in the Road to Net Zero project include New Anglia LEP, the New Anglia Growth Hub, Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, UEA and the University of Suffolk, Groundwork East, Eastern New Energy and Greater South East Energy Hub.

For further information and guidance, visit Suffolk Chamber's Net Zero Hub here: www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/netzero

Suffolk Chamber's Road to Net Zero group is included with this release. L to R: Tim Robinson, Toby Warren, Emma Alderton, Julia Hale (on screen), Muhammod Miah, Cristina Alexandrov, Jamie Bird and Jess Winlow. Please credit Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.