As part of the continuing collaboration, the Partnership has launched the Getting Started programme, a structured initiative designed for organisations at the very beginning of their climate action journey. Delivered in collaboration with sustainability consultancy Eunomia, the programme consists of three interactive workshops with practical tasks in between, giving participants the knowledge and confidence to take effective climate action. The Getting Started programme is limited to just 10 organisations per year. Interested businesses should express their interest by 5pm on Wednesday 2nd April at https://events.humanitix.com/getting-started-programme.
Sustainability
A positive drive for change: ‘Bristol businesses supported to ‘Get Started’ with climate action’
Collaboration aiding businesses to take action against climate change
26/03/2025
BID Lead
Tom Swithinbank
Bristol businesses are set to benefit from increased support on their climate action journey thanks to a renewed collaboration between Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership and the Redcliffe & Temple and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Building on two years of success, the partnership is launching an expert-led programme designed to help organisations take their first steps towards meaningful climate action.
In the past two years, over 100 BID businesses have been involved with the Climate Action Programme with 60 receiving one-on-one tailored support. Businesses have benefited from free events, case studies and toolkits, helping them cut carbon emissions and contribute to Bristol’s goal of becoming a net-zero city by 2030.
Claire Jacob, Head of Communications & Partnerships at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, said:
“We understand that initiating climate action can be daunting, especially for smaller organisations. Our 'Getting Started' programme is designed to demystify the process, providing participants with the essential tools and confidence to embark on their sustainability journey. By the end of the programme, organisations will have a clear carbon footprint baseline and a tailored climate action plan, empowering them to make impactful changes.”
The Climate Action Programme’s tailored approach has already demonstrated strong results. Businesses engaged with the initiative have praised the combination of practical advice and networking opportunities, with many now actively sharing best practices and implementing sustainability measures.
Mathew Swift, Environment, Health & Safety Manager at Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, said:
"The Climate Action Programme has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability journey. The events and resources offer clear and practical guidance and the opportunity to connect with other businesses facing similar challenges has been incredibly useful. It reassures us that we are not alone in striving towards our climate goals".
The initiative aligns with Bristol BIDs’ wider vision to unite into a single city-wide BID, boosting the city’s overall investment in sustainability. If approved, the unified BID will expand access to climate action initiatives, green projects and sustainable travel support, making it easier for businesses to contribute to Bristol’s net-zero ambitions.
Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager at Bristol’s BIDs, said:
“Over the past two years, the Climate Action Programme has empowered businesses to take meaningful steps towards sustainability. As we look ahead to the proposed unification of the BIDs, uniting our efforts will enable us to make a greater impact in making support more accessible to businesses across the city. We encourage as many organisations as possible to take advantage of this opportunity and join us on the journey towards a greener Bristol.”
Businesses can get involved in the Climate Action Programme by joining Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership and becoming part of this growing community of organisations taking climate and nature action. To find out more about how to get involved, visit the project page.
