Trade Association Update: May

Decarbonisation Download

In April we hosted a session with sustainability and net zero leads from our member Trade Associations to discuss engaging with the CBI’s Decarbonisation team.

Some key takeaways from the session:

• Important that trade association members input into upcoming consultations and workplans
• For some sectors there is no simple solution to decarbonise, sectoral issues are understood however practical operations will stay the same.
• Challenges to inform the SME community and provide the resources they need. There are too many hoops to jump through when resource and time are already quite poor.

What’s next?

We are working on two decarbonisation toolkits for Trade Associations to use with their members ahead of the Achieving Net Zero conference – to help communicate your story and seize opportunities.

• How to maximise growth in your business whilst transitioning to net zero.
• Things your business can do to become more energy efficient and scale up renewables.
• What are green exports opportunities, the market trends for green growth and opportunities in green exports.
• Communicating your decarbonisation story internally (to board, management).
• Securing funding to make your business more sustainable.
• Aligning with TCFD.

We will be holding these sessions with member associations twice a year with the next session in July. We are looking to create a network between our member associations who are leading the work on decarbonisation, and who can remain connected throughout the year.

If you would like to join this network please reach out to Henry or Talisha.

Read the latest Decarbonisation Director Update.

CBI Conference Series: Achieving Net Zero - 7-8 June, The Science Museum

Following COP26, the context for decarbonisation has changed dramatically. Amidst a global energy crisis and geopolitical turmoil, businesses must still lead the UK's transition to net zero.

Join us at this free event to gain insights on how the UK's net zero strategy must adapt in the current global economic context, hear practical advice from decarbonisation experts, and contribute to the network of company leaders, policy makers and change makers who will make it happen.

Dave Dalton, Chief Executive of British Glass Manufacturers Association will speaking on the ‘Too hard to decarb? Net Zero for heavy industry’ panel.

Tickets are still available on a complimentary basis for your staff and any members interested in attending.

Speak to Henry for any additional information.

Race To Zero

The Race To Zero campaign aims is to get the ‘real economy’ actors including businesses, cities, regions, and investors to join 120 countries in the Climate Ambition Alliance to create the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The CBI is an official ‘accelerator’ for the campaign and plays an active role in encouraging its membership to sign-up through both campaigns and support channels.

By joining the Race To Zero, your Trade Association and your members can show science-based targets that are rigorously benchmarked. Also on offer is a community of more than 5,000 businesses spanning regions and sectors. Many are UK based firms, including 60 are FTSE100 firms and more than 2,000 small businesses. The community shares best practice and support for putting net zero plans into action.

For further information on how you or your members can sign up to the campaign reach out to Maria.