< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net NET ZERO Political setbacks Political setbacks © stock.adobe.com/ khunkornStudiowww.blmforum.net Business Link 31 NET ZERO Here in our region, the effects of climate change can be felt in the record breaking summer we just had, and the uneven rainfall that came all at once and which gave us constant weeks with little at all. While some are content to call this good weather and encourage others to stop whining, it’s not good news for the economy or the country, damaging crops and causing financial damage to whole industries. That’s why continuing to reduce carbon emissions is so important. Carbon literacy can be attained through in house training, building a course for this, or delivered by experienced trainers externally. Working with accreditation bodies like The Carbon Literacy Project, one can then submit evidence to have learners certified as carbon literate. With a record of what you have done and how many carbon literacy graduates you have, this can form the foundation of an application to become an accredited Carbon Literate Organisation. A next step for creating a plan to reach Net Zero is for businesses to get a calculation of their carbon footprint. This will highlight the activities behind the most emissions and therefore where attention should be immediately focused. The information can be utilised to set realistic targets for year-on-year improvement, and costs of carbon emissions can also be identified, which will assist as it becomes more expensive to produce emissions due to various taxes, clean air zones, climate change levies, et al. A clear way to reduce emissions on the path to Net Zero is addressing the energy a business uses. Companies should look at how their energy is procured, taking note of energy and gas use and what use makes up a costly waste stream rather than an energy stream. Understanding how to procure, measure, consume and manage energy effectively is key. Switching to renewable forms of energy makes up one aspect of this, whether by requesting a green tariff or changing to a specialist supplier, while businesses can look to generate their own sustainable energy (for which grants can be obtained), by installing solar panels or perhaps The push for Net Zero has found many setbacks of late stemming from political discourse and misinformation, with particular parties with a lot of influence across the globe pushing to have the very concept of climate change reduced to a hoax. 33 Á32 Business Link www.blmforum.net NET ZERO © stock.adobe.com/ Parradeewww.blmforum.net Business Link 33 NET ZERO even a wind turbine, if a business is located in a more remote area, simultaneously cutting their carbon footprint and energy bills. This also offers the potential to gain income by selling energy back to the National Grid as well as increasing consumer and investor confidence in a brand and becoming more attractive to buyers themselves seeking to become greener by working with more sustainable firms. Meanwhile an energy audit can be used to measure the environmental performance of a building to plot a course to Net Zero. Further energy saving measures will also be beneficial, including those with little or no financial cost or simply requiring behavioural changes. From improving insulation to setting thermostats lower (adjusting this based on where workers are present) and programming them to go down or switch off after hours, to switching to LED bulbs and installing automatic lighting systems, investing in smart thermostats, draught proofing doors and windows to prevent heating and cooling loss, and checking machinery and equipment are running efficiently, there are a variety of options to consider. Minimising waste from products and packaging and efficient waste management are additionally critical to hit Net Zero to, for example, prevent waste reaching landfill sites where it will cause harmful emissions as it breaks down. One can also decrease waste disposal costs and landfill tax in this process. This may involve limiting the amount of waste generated, storing waste safely and securely and encouraging heightened reuse and recycling. Reducing the impact of transport within businesses should be considered too, whether that involves switching to electric or alternative fuel vehicles, planning routes and using vehicles more efficiently, choosing rail or water over road freight, or encouraging walking, cycling and public transport for commuters as well as more video conferences over in-person meetings. There are many benefits of achieving Net Zero, from helping businesses to grow and gain new opportunities, to attracting investment all while healing the planet. On the road to Net Zero, by cutting emissions, firms are also presented with a chance to lower running costs, thus saving money, qualify for tax benefits, gain a positive reputation and new business amongst now more conscientious customers as well as an advantage over competitors as early adopters. Further, building sustainability generally leads to happier, more productive and enthusiastic teams, and enhanced CSR. As the transition to a Net Zero UK evolves, businesses will play an essential role. © stock.adobe.com/Beton Studio34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY T he prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2024, shining a light on the property and construction industry and bringing together professionals from the sector to connect! Taking place on Thursday 3rd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham, the awards showcase the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. Organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, they also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony enables attendees to toast finalists and winners, and presents a prime opportunity to network and celebrate with the leaders of property and construction firms over complementary drinks and nibbles. Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business of the Year, and of course Overall Winner. The Overall Winner at the event, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize - a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000. Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, shared: “We’ve been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a Celebrate and connect with the property and construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024! The East Midlands Bricks Awards will return to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry and provide an ideal occasion for networking. 36 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY36 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. This year, we’re particularly excited to sponsor the Overall Winner category, further demonstrating our commitment to showcasing the very best talent in the region’s property and construction industry.” The annual event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker. Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23). Paul said: “The East Midlands development and property community faces an exciting time ahead with a new government in place and the advent of a new East Midlands Combined County Authority under the leadership of the first Mayor of the East Midlands. As we step into this new political and economic phase, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to look back on our past successes, to reflect on where we are as a region, to consider what needs fixing, and – looking forward – to emphasise our region’s strengths as a strong investment location.” Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east- midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets- 902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator). Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks- awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Contractor of the Year Developer of the Year Sustainable Development of the Year Deal of the Year SPONSORS Responsible Business of the Year Architects of the Year Excellence in Design Overall Winner Most Active Agent Drinks sponsor 38 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Limited runs, expensive models and new releases – sometimes it’s about looking at dream cars. Special Special www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series In keeping with the brand philosophy, the Mercedes-Maybach SL offers a holistic sensory experience. The contours of the brand-specific, chrome-finished radiator grille are illuminated, as is the finely integrated MAYBACH lettering. The distinctive bonnet bears an upright Mercedes star and a chromed fin running front to rear along its centre. To further enhance the exclusivity, the obsidian black bonnet is available upon request with the Maybach pattern incorporated in graphite grey uni. Inside, sustainably tanned, crystal white nappa leather creates an exceptionally exquisite ambience. It features on the door panels, the centre console and on the brand’s signature comfort seats. The seat upholstery has a new floral design. The space behind the seats is also finished in white leather. The galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim provide a striking contrast. The fully digital instrument display and the electrically adjustable centre display incorporate the Maybach-specific start- up animations and display styles. Further brand hallmarks are the steering wheel, the stainless-steel pedals and the stainless-steel door sill trims. Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Next >