Tom Bedford, Net Zero & Smart Energy Training Manager at Keele University, discusses the impact of climate change on businesses in Staffordshire and steps that can be taken to mitigate them.
“We are only a couple of months into 2024 and already we can see the telltale signs of climate change across Staffordshire.
We have seen multiple named storms cause impacts across our county, with Storm Henk resulting in the highest ever recorded water levels in Burton-on-Trent, as just one example of the effects being felt.
This impacts everyone, particularly businesses. On average, an SME which is impacted by flooding loses 50 days of trade costing them £80,000. So, our climate is changing and is impacting us all, meaning that we all need to prepare.
“But what can I do?” “Isn’t it all the fault of larger countries on the other side of the world?”
These are phrases I hear all too often in my day job at Keele University.
If we are to avert the worst impacts of climate change, we all need to take action. From reducing energy use to making our operations greener, we can all make a difference.
If we – as a region and a community of responsible organisations – are to align with the science, we need to cut our emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. That means we all need to take bold and ambitious steps to reduce our impact today.
I know that can be daunting and most people don’t know where to start but, with a little bit of information, reducing our emissions can not only reduce our impact on the environment but also improve the lives of employees, reduce running costs and support the local community.
That’s where Keele University’s part-funded skills bootcamps come in.
Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, these programmes enable you to understand your role in bringing sustainability to life within your business, by learning new policies, discovering ways of reducing your carbon footprint, and witnessing inspirational action taking place in organisations like yours.
If you’d like to find out more about the range of bootcamps available and the impact that they could have you and your business, Keele is hosting a free open day on Wednesday 20 March. Places are limited and can be booked today by completing the online registration form.”
