BUSINESS NEWS
SouthGate Bath secures international award for sustainable practice
SouthGate Bath has been recognised with a Green World Award for its waste management transformation , which has seen the quantity of waste successfully being recycled at the centre increase by 40 per cent since November 2022 .
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The project combined a range of initiatives including implementing new waste streams to expand recycling capabilities , enhancing signage to ensure a clear colour coded waste segregation system was in place , as well as engaging employees and tenants .
The improved system has resulted in more than 70 per cent of the centre ’ s waste now being recycled or reused since the project was completed in November 2022 .
This has created significant environmental benefits , including reduced landfill waste ,
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minimised resource consumption , and decreased carbon emissions . The project also contributed to enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings for the centre .
Guy Henderson , Centre Director at SouthGate Bath , said , “ We ’ re continually working to make a positive difference for our customers , communities and the environment .
“ Achieving the Green World Award is great recognition for all of the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to improve the centres waste management system .
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“ Employee and tenant engagement played a pivotal role in the successful rollout of the new system with our team hosting training and workshops to educate on the importance of waste re-use and recycling .”
The Green Apple Awards are run by The Green Organisation – an international , independent , non-profit , non-political environment group that began in 1994 to recognise , reward and promote environmental best practice around the world .
The commitment to waste reduction is one
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of a number of ways the centre is making responsible choices that have a positive impact , including the installation of energyefficient LED lighting which has cut usage by over 25 % over the last seven years .
SouthGate Bath also has six electric charging stations and 50 cycle spaces to support sustainable travel to the centre and has a host of water refill stations to encourage shoppers to stay hydrated while using less plastic .
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Major businesses convene for ‘ Big Green Conversation ’ in Bath
Collaborations are evolving from an inaugural roundtable event , hosted by the University of Bath in partnership with Action Net Zero and Transform ESG , to create employer-led initiatives to drive behaviour change and innovation in the pursuit of achieving Net Zero targets .
The event was hosted by University Vice Chancellor Professor Ian White and attended by large regional organisations such as Wessex Water , Buro Happold , Edwards and BMT , alongside West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris and academics and influencers from across the region .
The main goal of the “ big green conversation ” was to bring together industry experts with influential individuals and organisations to find a collaborative way of accelerating change towards net-zero targets .
By harnessing the expertise and knowledge of the University of Bath , the aim was to develop initiatives to drive sustainable change , especially in the areas of transport , rural connectivity , decarbonising the built environment , and the challenges that many employers face in the region .
Stephen Rangecroft , Director of External Engagement for the University of Bath , said , “ We were very pleased to be able to help facilitate this conversation and exchange of ideas . Engaging with our regional employers , local authorities and other stakeholders to discuss societal challenges is of huge importance to the University .”
Pam Barbato , Founder of Action Net Zero , says she is delighted with how the event played out on the day and in the following weeks .
“ It really was wonderful to see just how much progress can be made on such an important issue when you bring the right people together with a clear goal in mind ,” she said .
“ It ’ s vital for our region to address these issues and make more progress as quickly as we can . Bringing expertise and knowledgeable players together under one roof to work collaboratively for positive change was the move forward we needed . I ’ m delighted with the outcomes and excited about the real possibilities it has opened up .”
One of the opportunities discussed by the roundtable was the value of a closer alignment and more collaboration between the University of Bath , industry and government .
The key outcome from the day was the development of a set of pilot projects which focus on impact and community engagement in these areas :
• The development of a Regional Green Network to deliver collaborative programmes .
• Accelerating regional sustainable change by aligning University expertise and programmes with large employers across Bath and North East Somerset .
The goal of the Regional Green Network is to encourage collaboration between the University of Bath , the West of England Combined Authority and Bath & North East Somerset Council to promote productive relationships between academia , business and local authorities .
Dan Norris , West of England Metro Mayor , said , “ Our desire in the West of England to end this region ’ s contribution to the climate crisis by reaching net zero by
2030 requires far reaching change in every area . Everyone will need to do their bit , and we will need more investment and powers from Government .
“ This was a useful event which laid the foundations for collaboration on tackling these most vital and pressing of issues to drive real change . None of this is easy , and there will be tough choices to make , compromises and trade-offs , but it is so important we meet the challenge before us head on to safeguard our region , and our precious planet .”
For more information about Action Net Zero and Transform ESG or the developing partnership activity with the University of Bath contact Pamela Barbato .
pam @ actionnetzero . org
4 www . tbebathandsomerset . co . uk