In this episode we discuss how the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme can help businesses lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. 

The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme* aims to provide information and expert advice and support to businesses enabling them to make significant decarbonization and money saving changes to their business. This Programme is part of the wider West Midlands Business Support activity funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

*Area covered: Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, and the Black Country

Guest speakers:
 

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 

In the first part of this episode we speak to Waco Yokoyama, Consultant and Circular Economy Specialist at Gemserv. Waco provides a concise explanation of the circular economy and highlights the main benefits for businesses, including cost reduction, increased sales, and decreased reliance on specific raw materials. She also discusses how the circular economy principles can be applied differently across sectors and emphasises the barriers to implementation and potential solutions.

In the second part we speak to Bret Willers, Head of Climate Change & Sustainability at Coventry City Council who shares insights on Coventry’s draft Climate Change Strategy that incorporates circular economy principles for Coventry residents and businesses.

Speakers: 

Host: Jonathan Howl, Green Business Programme Business Advisor

Producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator

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In this episode of the Green Business Podcast, Jonathan Howl interviews Adam Bastock, the Founder of Small99, a platform that guides small businesses to net zero through practical tips. 

The following topics are covered in this episode:

Host: Jonathan Howl, Green Business Programme Business Advisor 

Guest: Adam Bastock, Founder of Small99

Producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator

Useful links:

In this episode, we discuss what carbon accounting is, how businesses can start their net zero journey and overcome the challenges they might face along the way.

In the first part of this episode we talk to Lara Longhurst who is the Chief Operations Officer at Hippo Digital. Lara shares with us their journey towards achieving net zero and talks about the support they have received from Coventry University through their Carbon Accounting Programme. 

In the second part, we talk to Prof. Carl Perrin, Director of the Centre for Clean Growth and Future Mobility, and Dr Lorena C. Moreira, Engineer and Senior Researcher at the Centre for Manufacturing and Materials, Coventry University .

Prof. Perrin and Dr Moreira explain what Carbon Accounting is and how businesses can take advantage of the programme they offer.

Guests:

Host and Producer: Maria Covlea

Email for further contact and enquiry about CU support: Dr Lorena Moreira [email protected]

Useful links:

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan Howl, Business Advisor for the Green Business Programme, who offers a summary of our team’s achievements over the last 12 months*.

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*The stats provided by Jonathan Howl in this episode are based on figures from November 2022. This episode was recorded in December 2022.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme supports businesses with fewer than 250 employees based in Coventry and Warwickshire who want to save money on energy, waste and water bills and maximise low carbon opportunities.

Speaker: 

• Jonathan Howl, Business Advisor, Green Business Programme

Host: John Bates
Producer: Maria Covlea

Useful links:

In this episode, we talk to Middlemarch Environmental, a UK-wide wildlife trust consultancy, about what local businesses can do to protect the nature in Coventry and Warwickshire. 

Our guest James Calow, Senior Ecologist at Middlemarch Environmental, talks about easy action you can take, as a business or individual, to protect the biodiversity of our region.

James also talks about the support he has received from the Green Business Programme, and how this has enabled his organisation to become more energy efficient and save money.

Speaker: James Calow, Senior Ecologist at Middlemarch Environmental
Host: John Bates
Producer: Maria Covlea

Useful links:
 

In this episode, we speak to Margot James, Suzanne Ward and Cllr Jim O’Boyle about Coventry's Climate Change Board, its members, purpose and objectives. In the second part, Cllr O’Boyle speaks about the challenges Coventry faces regarding climate change and the support needed to achieve Net Zero.

Speakers:

Host: John Bates
Producer: Maria Covlea 

Useful links:

In this episode we speak to Martin Gambling, Managing Director of GRM Consulting, a small business based in Leamington. 

Martin shares with us their journey towards achieving Net Zero as a small business, hoping to offer some inspiration and solutions to other SMEs who might be struggling at the moment.

This episode is hosted by John Bates and produced by Maria Covlea.

For any feedback or comments please contact me on [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please note the Green Business Programme will close for new applications in the first quarter of 2023. You can register interest by completing this form. The programme will continue to offer free energy audits, which are worth £840, but we can't guarantee you will be offered a grant as funding is currently running low. We are operating on a first come first served basis.

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In this episode we speak to David Pipe, Senior Officer at Coventry City Council, part of the Transport Innovation Team.

David explains what plans the council has got in place to make transport in Coventry greener and more accessible for everyone.

This episode is hosted by John Bates and produced by Maria Covlea.

For any feedback or comments please contact me on [email protected]

Useful links: 

Electric Fleet First Programme 

In the first part of this episode we speak to Bean Beanland, Director for Growth & External Affairs at the Heat Pump Federation, about how heat pumps work, how they can benefit SMEs, and most importantly the role they play in the fight against climate change.

In the second part we speak to Chris Dooling, Managing Director at VWG Mechanical and Kyle Grocott, Managing Director at Phoenix Renewables, part of Phoenix Gas Works. VWG Mechanical and Phoenix Renewables have been commissioned (following procurement process) to install heat pumps at the following council-owned buildings: Limbrick Wood, Mosaic Family Hub, Central Library and Cannon Park School. This work will results in a reduction of 139 tonnes of CO2 per year. Chris and Kyle will explain us what challenges they've faced during the installation process.

Guest speakers:

This episode is hosted by John Bates and produced by Maria Covlea.

For any feedback or comments please contact me on [email protected]

Useful links: