Topic: Climate resilience

Sustainable tourism for the West Midlands

Posted on by Ethan Bailey

Fully funded Green Tourism and Green Meetings membership now available for eligible West Midlands businesses.

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) has joined forces with Green Tourism, a globally respected sustainability accreditation body, to offer tourism and hospitality businesses across the region an exclusive opportunity to achieve certification at no cost for the first year.

This incentive is designed to help local businesses strengthen their sustainability and align with environmental best practice.

Support your sustainability journey

Whether you run a hotel, visitor attraction, events venue or cultural site, the programme offers access to either Green Tourism or Green Meetings certification. Both accreditations are internationally recognised and awarded at bronze, silver or gold level.

Key benefits include:

  • Fully funded certification in Year 1 (saving up to £682.50)
  • 50% discount in Year 2 and 25% in Year 3
  • Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
  • Improve environmental performance
  • Access expert advice and marketing support
  • Use of Green Tourism’s online Greenheck platform for easy, flexible submission and tracking

Krishna Pastaki, Business Development Manager at Edgbaston Park Hotel, said:

“The Green Meetings award is about working together to take care of our environment and to support sustainable meetings and events. It highlights to corporate buyers that we are investing in sustainability and adopting key practices within our organisation to support the three core pillars of people, places, and planet.”

Why now?

With demand for sustainable travel at an all-time high, certification provides a powerful trust signal to customers and partners. The Belfry Hotel & Resort, now a Silver Green Tourism award-holder, said:

“We’re delighted to have been recognised for our efforts and commitment to improving our environmental impact and we look forward to taking our green journey even further as we work towards our Gold certification.”

Who can apply?

This fully funded opportunity is open to new Green Tourism or Green Meetings members located in one of the West Midlands’ Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) areas, including:

  • Visit Sandwell
  • Visit Birmingham
  • Discovery Dudley
  • Shakespeare’s England
  • Visit Solihull
  • Walsall Council
  • Visit Coventry
  • Visit Shropshire
  • Enjoy Wolverhampton

Apply before 30 June 2025 to receive Year 1 certification completely free.

Apply here Visit our Net zero page

Helping Sandwell go green with Solar Together

Posted on by Ethan Bailey

Sandwell Council is encouraging local small businesses, community groups and households to consider solar energy to cut electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint through an innovative scheme called Solar Together West Midlands.

The scheme helps businesses and residents access high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage through a group-buying model, making solar energy more affordable and accessible.

What is Solar Together?

Solar Together is a group-buying scheme supported by Sandwell Council in partnership with iChoosr Ltd, independent experts in group purchasing. It brings people together to buy solar panels in bulk, helping to secure competitive pricing, quality installation and a smoother process for participants.

If you are interested you can register for the scheme online for free and without obligation by Wednesday 11 June 2025.

How does the scheme work?

  1. Register online: Sign up before 11 June at www.solartogether.co.uk/sandwell. You’ll be asked for some simple details about your property and roof.
  2. Auction: A reverse auction is held, where pre-approved solar installers compete to offer the most competitive package.
  3. Receive your offer: From 27 May, you’ll receive a personal recommendation, including system specifications and costs tailored to your roof.
  4. Make your choice: There is no obligation to continue, but if you choose to proceed, you’ll be guided through the next steps.
  5. Installation: Your installer will arrange a site visit and confirm the installation date. Most installations will be completed by the end of January 2026.

Save on bills and cut carbon

Installing solar panels means generating your own clean energy, which reduces your reliance on traditional energy sources and can lead to significant savings on electricity bills. For even more benefit, households can also install battery storage to use their solar energy even when the sun isn’t out.

This scheme supports Sandwell Council’s wider commitment to tackling climate change and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2041.

Grant funding support

Promotion of the Solar Together scheme has been supported by grant funding from the Midlands Net Zero Hub, as part of efforts to make low-carbon solutions more accessible across the region. Over 2,900 West Midlands households have already signed up to find out more about making the switch to solar. Join them and start your journey toward cleaner energy.

To register or for further information, visit www.solartogether.co.uk/sandwell. For any questions about the scheme, contact the Solar Together helpdesk at west-midlands@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 014 8851.

Visit our Net zero page
Visit our Net zero page

Aston University: sustainability workshop

As part of their Decarbonisation Net Zero series, Aston University is hosting a cross-sector sustainability workshop aimed at SMEs in the West Midlands region.

This event takes place on Wednesday September 18. At this event you will have the opportunity to hear success stories, network with industry experts and engage in insightful discussions. You will learn about the latest trends in reducing your carbon footprint while boosting profitability.

Agenda:

  • 16:00 – 16:30: Registration and refreshments
  • 16:30 – 16:50: Opening remarks and introduction to the DNZ Programme
  • 16:50 – 17:30: success stories
  • 17:30 – 17:45: next steps – knowledge transfer partnerships
  • 17:45 – 18:15: closing and networking

Why attend

  • Discover grant opportunities.
  • Explore ongoing collaboration opportunities with KTP programme.
  • Grow your network with industry experts.
  • Secure an appointment for free energy assessment on the spot.

For more information on this topic, read our Net zero page.

Sign up
Sign up

DIATOMIC India Accelerator: business applications now open

Posted on by Kate Christie

West Midlands-based companies developing clean technologies can now apply to take part in a six-month export-led programme.

Known as the DIATOMIC India Accelerator, the programme is led by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with the West Midlands Growth Company and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The programme is designed to prepare up to eight SMEs with innovative solutions to pressing climate issues, to access the rapidly growing Indian market.

Requirements

Applicants must have their main operational base in the West Midlands. 

They must also have products or solutions that are of at least a Technology Readiness Level six – which means they have been demonstrated in a relevant environment.

Funding

A total funding pot of £80,000 is on offer. Companies can apply for funding to carry out trials. 

Successful participants will also benefit from business support, the chance to trial their technology, and the chance to explore new collaborations with Indian stakeholders.

Visit Delhi

Winning companies will be invited to send one senior team member on two market visits to Delhi, the National Capital Region and Haryana in November 2024 and February 2025. 

Travel expenses will be covered, including flights and accommodation. 

The visit in February will coincide with India Energy Week.

Challenges

Three challenges have been set for the DIATOMIC India Accelerator:

  • Future of Energy
  • Future of Mobility
  • Sustainable Urban Areas.

Find details of the three challenges for DIATOMIC India and eligibility criteria on the Connected Places Catapult website.

Companies welcomed onto the programme will receive tailored market readiness coaching. As well as business support, pitch coaching and introductions to key commercial stakeholders.

Who should apply?

The programme is aimed at growing bilateral innovation collaborations. Trade and investment opportunities between India and the West Midlands – two markets recognised as having strong links in the past.

India offers great potential for the introduction of sustainable innovations to solve several pressing national challenges. These include tackling poor air quality, addressing a scarcity of water and deforestation. 

The country has also introduced digital innovations through academic institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology and the Delhi Urban Mobility Lab.

Applications are now open – apply via the Connected Places Catapult website.

Learn more and register here

Sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge

Posted on by Kate Christie

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is asking Sandwell businesses to sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.

WMCA is encouraging businesses to help achieve a net zero economy in the West Midlands by 2041 by signing up to its West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.

Net Zero Business Pledge

By making a Net Zero Business Pledge your business will demonstrate its commitment to reducing carbon emissions while on its own net zero journey.

Organisations in Sandwell making a pledge will also join a network of like-minded businesses to share and learn with across the West Midlands. 

They will gain access to advice and up-to-date guidance around translating their pledge into action from experts such as Sustainability West Midlands – the organisation that delivers the programme.

Sustainability West Midlands

Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. Established in 2002, it is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works with 175+ members in the private, public and third sectors across the UK. 

It drives change through giving advice to businesses, local government, and the health and education sectors.

How do I sign up for the pledge?

The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge is free to sign up to, with no technical requirements or commitment to a specific net zero target date needed. Organisations of all sectors and sizes are eligible.

To make a pledge there are three simple steps.

  • Step one: Register

Register and create an account on the WMCA Net Zero Business Pledge website to create your profile. Once your profile has been confirmed, you will be able to access the pledge form.

  • Step two: Write your pledge

Fill out your pledge form with your carbon reduction and net zero plans, actions and motivations behind making your pledge. 

  • Step three: Pledger profile activation

Once you’ve submitted your pledge form online, your pledge will be reviewed for approval. This approval process will make your pledger profile live and searchable on the pledger directory. 

Once your pledge is approved you can also:

  • Download the pledge logo and publish it on your website and marketing material
  • Get involved in opportunities to showcase your net zero activities
  • Gain access to business networks and guidance to support your pledge commitment
  • Receive updates about regional efforts to become net zero by 2041.
Make your West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge here

More ways to adapt to climate change

For more information on ways to adapt to the impacts of climate change and how to become net zero in Sandwell visit our net zero page.

Find out how to achieve net zero
Find out how to achieve net zero

Our first Net Zero Navigators event was a success

Posted on by Marie

To support Sandwell businesses with their journey towards sustainability, we held our first ‘Net Zero Navigators’ workshop last week.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Net Zero Navigators are our special breakfast events to help Sandwell businesses start their journey towards net zero.

Our first event took place on Tuesday 16 April at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub  – our new co-working environment in Oldbury.

During the early morning session, our attendees were able to network and also explore topics that included:

  • Embracing sustainability within operational decision making
  • The work of not-for-profits in providing solar energy
  • The significant benefit of receiving a free energy audit
  • How to access funding for energy-efficiency improvement projects.

We were delighted to welcome expert speakers to deliver the workshop. Christian Byron from the Aston Centre for Growth at Aston University; Kevin Oubridge from Big Solar Co-op and Harry Long from the Black Country Industrial Cluster. Thank you to them all. 

Ben Sharpe from our Business Growth Team said: “Sustainability is a complex matter that businesses often find challenging to tackle, so we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with many Sandwell businesses and assist them on taking an important step on the journey to net zero”.

We’ll bring you news of the next session soon – watch this space!

Go to our net zero page
Go to our net zero page

Clean Futures Catalyst launch at STEAMhouse

The Clean Futures Catalyst launch is on Wednesday 28 February in Birmingham. The programme aims to put the West Midlands at the forefront of cleantech transportation innovation and manufacturing.

This half-day event at STEAMhouse in Birmingham will feature speakers from:

  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Great British Railways Transition Team
  • West Midlands Combined Authority
  • Transport for West Midlands.

Experts in transport research and development and electrification skills from Coventry University will also be there.

You can network with funders and development organisations, and engage in a panel Q&A session.

The West Midlands has a rich heritage in transport, development and manufacturing. As our region transitions away from fossil fuels towards cleantech, it is important we sustain economic growth. The Clean Futures Catalyst will help businesses in the transport sector to transition to net zero – whilst increasing their capacity for growth.

The event is an opportunity to meet with industry experts and similar businesses who operate in the transport supply chains.

Register now to find out how the Clean Futures Catalyst can help your business.

Go to our net zero page
Go to our net zero page

Net zero workshop in Walsall

Posted on by Alex Taylor

Head to Walsall Football Club on Tuesday 6 February for a free workshop on how your business can work towards net zero.

The net zero workshop is for Black Country SMEs. It will provide advice and guidance for businesses on energy costs, decarbonisation and energy efficiency. You can also find out about a £35m grant fund for investments that reduce energy use.

Opportunities through carbon emission savings

The Black Country Industrial Cluster hosting the event This is a not-for-profit collaboration of over 3,500 energy-intensive manufacturing businesses across the West Midlands. It aims to reduce industrial carbon emissions in the region by 1.3 mega tonnes over the next ten years. This free net zero workshop is part of that strategy.

Matthew Rhodes [pictured] is director of the Black Country Industrial Cluster. He said: “We will discuss the opportunities the transition to net zero presents for Black Country businesses. We aim to continue to bring inward investment to the region, share best practice with our members, advocate at a local and national level, and provide businesses with access to specialist energy engineering knowledge and support.”

For further information on climate resilience for your business, visit our net zero page.

Go to our event listing

‘Enabling net zero’ webinar from the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge

On Thursday 7 December, the IDC will host a webinar about a new report from UKRI and Innovate UK – ‘Enabling net zero: a plan for UK industrial cluster decarbonisation’.

The report highlights the UK’s potential to harness the power of its industrial clusters. It explores how to drive the next phase of emissions reductions, while contributing to a stronger economy and energy security.

The webinar will give an overview of the report, and discuss the key findings, outcomes and recommendations. There will also be a live Q&A with IDC experts.

You can download a copy of the report from the event web page.

Get more information and book your place

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme launch webinar

The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme is launching with a webinar on Wednesday 15 November. Attend the online event to hear how the programme can give your business information, expert advice, energy audits, support and grants.

The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme is to help businesses in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and the Black Country cut down on their carbon emissions and energy costs. The West Midlands Combined Authority is delivering it with support from Aston University, the Black Country Industrial Cluster and Coventry City Council.

It is part of wider West Midlands business support activity, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Join the team to learn how this government-funded initiative can make a real difference for your business, helping it to become more eco-friendly and financially sustainable.

Learn about:

  • The support available to businesses
  • Grant support
  • Energy audits and how having one could benefit your business
  • Eligiblity criteria
  • How to apply for the programme.

Learn more about the Decarbonation Net Zero Programme.

Sign up for the launch webinar at Eventbrite

Also: find out how, through the programme, you can get free energy-efficient assessments and possible funding for your Sandwell business.

Go to our climate resilience page
Go to our climate resilience page

Free energy efficiency assessment and funding for your Sandwell SME

Posted on by Kate Christie

Get a free energy efficiency assessment for your SME. Eligible businesses can then apply for a grant to implement measures to reduce energy demand. 

We’re sharing details of a new government-funded scheme that is providing free energy efficiency assessments to SMEs across the Black Country. 

As part of the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, the scheme aims to help small businesses transition to net zero by improving competitiveness and energy efficiency and enhancing business resilience. It is being delivered in affiliation with the Business Energy Advice Service.

Grant funding 

After a free energy efficiency assessment, your eligible business will be able to apply for between £1,000 and £100,000 of 50 per cent net zero grant funding. The funding is available to enable businesses to implement recommended measures to reduce their energy demand and provide energy savings. 

These measures could include investment in new machinery and equipment, improved manufacturing processes, or LED lighting and insulation. 

Energy intensive engineering

Manufacturing experts will also be delivering specialist assessments for energy intensive engineering firms located across the West Midlands.

Register now for your energy efficiency assessment and subsequent funding

Many SMEs faced challenges last winter with rising energy bills, so don’t miss this opportunity to access support and funding.

Register via the Business Growth West Midlands website

To learn more about the Decarbonisation Net Zero programme, you may wish to attend this launch webinar on Wednesday 15 November.

You can also get more ideas for energy savings and efficiency on our climate resilience page:

Climate resilience
Climate resilience

Go green, save money: new UK Business Climate Hub

Posted on by Marie

The government’s new UK Business Climate Hub gives you practical advice for reducing your business carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.

Through the hub, you can get advice on everything from paying less for electric vehicles and sourcing products from green suppliers, to installing solar panels and making money by selling green energy back to the grid.

The website includes a free carbon calculator and other tools to help your business measure, track and report on emissions.

Research shows that 90 per cent of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but don’t know how or where to start. Also, 85 per cent of customers are more likely to buy from businesses with a reputation for sustainability. So going greener makes good commercial sense.

Graham Stuart is Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. He said: “More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.”

‘A valuable tool for business leaders’

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group chief executive and co-chair of the Net Zero Council, said: “None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key. I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour.”

The Broadway Initiative is managing the UK Business Climate Hub. The collaboration developed it in partnership with associations such as the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors. They had support from the British Business Bank, HSBC, NatWest, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid and National Grid. The hub is the UK partner of the international SME Climate Hub.

Find out more at the UK Business Climate Hub website.

Visit our climate resilience page
Visit our climate resilience page

Decarbonising Steel conference: shaping a cleaner, greener industry

Supply Chain Sustainability School is hosting a virtual conference on Thursday 21 September on ‘decarbonising steel’.

Explore how the steel industry can reduce carbon emissions through technology and innovation.

The two-hour virtual conference will present the critical sustainability issues facing the steel industry and its use across the built environment. It will cover topics that include the market potential and also the challenges of scaling ‘transition’ production technologies.

What is the Supply Chain Sustainability School?

Launched in 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a free learning environment. It works to upskill people in the built environment sector.

Membership is free and gives you access to learning resources and CPD-accredited content.

What can I expect from the Decarbonising Steel conference?

Steel is the world’s most widely used material. Traditionally, it is a carbon ‘megaproducer’ due to the energy used in its production. Steel’s wide-scale use in construction is a key factor behind the industry’s big carbon impact. New buildings and major infrastructure projects across the globe account for more than 50 per cent of steel demand.

The conference will feature experts from the steel sector talking about their experiences of re-using steel with a ‘circular’ approach: recycling steel and other methodologies to increase the environmental credentials of steel products used in today’s major construction projects.

The virtual conference will take place on Thursday 21 September, 10am – 12pm via Zoom.

By joining the event, you will:

  • Discover how major producers are maximising steel’s contribution to a more sustainable built environment
  • Learn about alternative/transition technologies in steel production, and how they can reduce carbon emissions
  • Hear from market-leading companies, initiatives and projects on their experiences of using circular and recycled steel in a variety of construction applications
  • Find out how your organisation can support the recognition, sourcing and production of responsible steel.

Who is this conference for?

This event is for you if you’re working in the built environment and interested in decarbonisation and how new approaches to steel production are contributing to net-zero targets. Because places are limited, you should sign up soon.

For further information email loraine@supplychainschool.co.uk.

Get more ideas for sustainability on our climate resilience page.
Get more ideas for sustainability on our climate resilience page.

Be the solution: join the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator

Posted on by Marie

Aston University and partners have pioneered an innovative technology that can convert organic materials into commercially valuable bioproducts. Will your Sandwell business join the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator and benefit from helping them take it to market?

The breakthrough from Aston University and local industrial leaders uses an innovative pyrolysis technology. (Pyrolysis is the breaking down of organic materials by subjecting them to very high temperatures and without oxygen. It yields energy-rich liquids and gases, and a solid substance known as biochar.)

Their new process can convert organic materials such as sawdust, fallen trees, agricultural straw, and dried chicken litter into these commercially valuable bioproducts, including biochar, gases and liquids.

Low-carbon solutions offer growth opportunities

Now, the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute and the Centre for the Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability at Aston University are looking for partners to commercialise biochar and related bioproducts. They’re inviting West Midlands companies to join a new business accelerator programme designed to develop new low-carbon products such as:

  • Low-carbon fuel for boilers and engines
  • Soil conditioners and products for improved plant, tree and animal health
  • Biochar for carbon capture and credits
  • Biochar for water treatment and odour control
  • Biochar for building and composite material
  • Bioliquids for low carbon weedkiller, fungicide and plant growth enhancer.

Join the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator

Led by Aston University, the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator is a business growth programme offering you a pathway to:

  • Technological advancements that set your business apart
  • Skill and knowledge enrichment to navigate the evolving landscape
  • Strategic networking and supply chain collaborations
  • Access to diverse funding sources for growth
  • Expanding into new market opportunities.

To find out more about this opportunity, visit Aston University’s Biochar CleanTech Accelerator page.

See also the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme. This and the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator are part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator – a £100m growth-focused partnership between our region and central government.  

See more low-carbon business growth opportunities
See more low-carbon business growth opportunities

Green Advantage: join the skills bootcamp in business sustainability

Posted on by Administrator

Green Advantage is a five-session course for managers who want to explore environmental challenges on their business.

Give yourself an informed approach to environmental issues and start your journey to sustainability. Through Green Advantage, you can have five interactive workshops, peer networking and one-to-one business coaching over twelve weeks. The course is designed to fit around full-time work.

The Department for Education via the West Midlands Combined Authority has funded Green Advantage, as part of the government’s Skills Bootcamps. Aston University is delivering it. The next cohort will start their sessions in September 2023.

Develop a road map to sustainability for your business

During the course, you will develop a bespoke sustainability roadmap for your enterprise. Maybe you will take practical actions to lower emissions and save energy. Or perhaps you will decide to overhaul your business model and values completely.

The cost of the Green Advantage course varies, according to your business size. SMEs must contribute £296.95 per learner, while for large businesses it’s £890 per learner. It is free for self-employed people. The next cohort starts in September 2023.

For more information visit the Aston University Centre for Growth page.

Get more ideas for achieving net zero
Get more ideas for achieving net zero

Drive the green transport revolution with Clean Futures Accelerator

Posted on by Administrator

Sign up for the Clean Futures Accelerator and get up to £50k to help develop green transport ideas.

Clean Futures Accelerator is a six-month programme which will give twenty selected SMEs up to £50K each to trial their ideas for making transport more sustainable. The deadline for applications is Sunday 10 September 2023.

Transport is responsible for 24 per cent of the UK’s emissions, and the sector represents a huge opportunity to decarbonise. As a region with a strong history in vehicle manufacturing, the West Midlands is well-placed to drive the green transport revolution.

The accelerator is part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. It is based around five challenges in the rail and automotive manufacturing sectors and their related supply chains.

These are:

1. Greener electric vehicle components

2. Circular economy of transport

3. Road freight alternatives

4. Greener transport infrastructure

5. Future fuels.

Successful Clean Futures applicants will receive bespoke technical and commercial support, alongside networking and showcasing events. The programme offers access to a range of facilities and support, from the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems at Coventry University.

Eligibility for Clean Futures Accelerator

The Clean Futures Accelerator is open to SMEs in existing supply chains, as well as those looking to move into new sectors. It also welcomes bids from consortiums of partners with one lead applicant. Ideally, applicants would have a base in the West Midlands. You must be willing to match fund your grant with in-kind support, such as labour or materials.

For more information, and to apply, visit the Clean Futures website.

Get more ideas for green growth on our climate resilience page
Get more ideas for green growth on our climate resilience page