Chamber event explores challenges and opportunities around a more sustainable future
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The Chamber held an event which explored how businesses can practically finance a more sustainable future.
The Financing a Net Zero Transition event covered how and why it’s important to invest in green technologies; the practicalities of implementing sustainable business models and ESG strategies; and the huge potential the region’s past can provide for its future.
Jess Cook, programme manager for Net Zero North East England at the North East Combined Authority (NECA), said: “Our legacy provides the footprint for our future. The region sits on mine water blocks, meaning we could heat our homes using the geothermal processes in the coalfields below us.
“Our port infrastructure, vast coastline and maritime heritage is ideal for offshore wind developments, with the first power recently generated from Dogger Bank.
“Devolution offers us the opportunity to work collaboratively, ensuring that net zero is considered as a cross-cutting theme.”
Michael Hindhaugh, relationship director at Lloyds Banking Group, highlighted that 28% of SMEs view access to finance as their main barrier to becoming more environmentally sustainable.
He said: “We’re not just here to lend money, we want to support businesses on their net zero journey. They’re the businesses of the future, they’re the ones we want to support.”
Michael added: “One of our core values is sustainability. We’ve made big commitments across Lloyds Banking Group, with a target to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.
“Across the Commercial Bank we have committed to lend new funds for sustainable purposes of £30billion by the end of 2026.”
Michael shared information on Lloyds’ recently-launched Buildings Transition Loan, which offers discounted lending for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) acquiring or refinancing energy-efficient properties.
Michael said: “For SMEs this is still an education piece, it’s about making people aware of the opportunities available to them. Simply doing nothing around net zero is not an option, take advantage of what’s out there.”
The Port of Blyth has taken significant steps towards a formal decarbonisation strategy, including a commitment to net zero by 2040, investment in the first heavy-lift electric crane, solar panels and electric charging points around the site.
Martin Lawlor OBE is chief executive of Port of Blyth. He said: “We need to establish better data. We’re installing data loggers which gives us a focus for energy efficient saving and low carbon technology.
“We’re establishing an internal communication strategy to ensure we take staff with us on this journey, and we’ve established a decarbonisation steering group.”
Eventually the Port hopes to see all plant and equipment decarbonised, the use of ground water heat from legacy mine workings for energy production and in-port green power generation (solar and wind) for direct use or export to the grid.
Martin said: “We’re working to establish a green superport with Port of Tyne and Port of Sunderland. Collaboration is absolutely key, you can’t go on this journey on your own.”
The government is working with the NECA and the region’s ports and airports to address barriers to growth, including on policy areas such as grid infrastructure capacity and developing an industry-leading skills pipeline.
The NECA is committed to forming the North East Strategic Energy Board, which will coordinate energy supply and demand and promote growth in the offshore wind sector. It, and its constituent local authorities, also offers various business support including grant funding, energy efficiency audits and green skills bootcamps.
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber, said: “Few disagree that transitioning to a net zero economy is the right thing to do. While the most significant changes need to come from government, businesses will also have to play their part to help reach net zero.
“Collaboration is key, as well as further education pieces to inform businesses about the support they can receive to help them on their decarbonisation journey.”
The Financing a Net Zero Transition event took place on 26 September at Durham Cricket’s Seat Unique Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street. The event was sponsored by the NECA, and Net Zero North East England, with NCG as overarching Chamber Associate Knowledge and Learning sponsor.
Photo caption: (l-r) Jess Cook, programme manager for Net Zero North East England at NECA; Martin Lawlor OBE, chief executive of Port of Blyth; Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber; Michael Hindhaugh, relationship director at Lloyds Banking Group.