The annual flagship Carbon Charter summer event took place on 6th July 2022, bringing together 100+ Carbon Charter members in one venue - a perfect way to mark Net Zero Week 2022. Having been previously hosted by Woolley in Freckenham, this year saw new Carbon Charter members, Anglian Car Charging, welcoming attendees to their beautiful grounds in the Norfolk village of Broome.
There was an impressive speaker line up, including Carbon Charter Project lead, Ned Harrison, who gave an overview of the Suffolk County Council’s green aims and achievements, as well as potential support and funding in the pipeline for local businesses to access. This year’s event also celebrated the successful conclusion of Business Energy Efficiency (BEE) Anglia – which has supported over 1,000 businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk – including Skyview – in significantly cutting their carbon emissions.
Event host, Richard Seppings of Anglia Car Charging, made some really interesting observations, suggesting that it may in fact be the “socially unacceptable” element of making irresponsible climate choices that ultimately drives carbon reduction forward, rather than any pre-set Government deadlines.
Luca Feser was invited to share his ambitious challenge to row across the Pacific Ocean, from California to Hawaii with delegates, in order to raise donations for The Ocean Cleanup Charity. Luca and two friends (aka TeamHODL) are taking on this impressive 4,800 km (2,800 mile) feat, known as the world's toughest row, to bring awareness to the devastating impact ocean plastic pollution has on the environment.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Michael Strand, detailed the Trust’s inspiring “rewilding” project with much enthusiasm, providing inspiration for Suffolk businesses to continue to push innovative carbon-reducing ideas and initiatives forward.
#TeamWilder
Michael Strand gave attendees a history of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s impressive 60 years looking after 50+ nature reserves in a bid to “make Suffolk wilder”.
He explained how research shows that if just one person in every four takes up a cause, it can be enough to change the minds and behaviour of the majority – a firm goal of the Trust – with the aim of bringing Suffolk individuals and businesses together for nature’s recovery, with the emphasise on “letting nature lead”. This growing collective of likeminded people, now known as Team Wilder, continues to inspire businesses, schools and community groups across the County.
Presentations of Carbon Charter awards followed the keynote speeches – recognising the commendable County-wide efforts of well-deserving climate-responsible businesses.
A delicious assortment of eco-friendly, vegan and vegetarian nibbles and refreshments were provided by Bury St Edmunds-based Allison’s Eatery, and there were plenty of networking opportunities for likeminded business owners to catch up on the latest carbon reduction news and actions, and to look around the array electric vehicles on display.
To end a truly inspiring day, and in keeping with Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s “rewilding” theme, the event hosts invited guests to take a tour of their impressive grounds and take in the Norfolk countryside and substantial wildlife that they have successfully cultivated. Explaining how they had fought the urge to do anything with the land other than “letting nature take the lead” – a theme that ran through much of the day’s discussions – they have been fascinated with the results of letting the land and wildlife develop completely organically with minimal human intervention or disruption.
Learn more about #TeamWilder www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/team-wilder
