Net zero campaign by firms

BUSINESS leaders have launched a major campaign to help North Wales reach net zero status.

The driving force behind the crusade is the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council who say an environmentallyresponsible approach also makes sound commercial sense.

Among their aims is to jointly lobby governments, local authorities and key figures in industry urging them to further invest in the development of carbon-neutral technologies.

Around 30 local enterprises contributed to the inaugural Net Zero North Wales meeting at the Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction with some attending in person and others virtually.

They included some of the region’s Net Zero leaders – companies with a track record of working to reduce their carbon footprint while improving productivity at the same time.

The campaign will focus on several key areas for businesses and not for profit organisations, including the development of low carbon and renewable energy supplies.

This will include looking at hydrogen as a potential fuel source, improving electric vehicle recharging infrastructure, on-site or local energy generation, energy efficiency and retrofit schemes for properties.

They will also look for ways to help the transport sector become less carbon reliant, and for the fostering of a ‘circular economy’ to reduce waste and advance recycling schemes.

Business Council chief executive Ashley Rogers said by working together North Wales companies and not for profit organisations presented a stronger voice as they pursue crucial goals to keep the local and global environment safe for future generations.

Many local businesses had already received recognition for work they have put in towards becoming carbon neutral, such as through the use of solar technologies at their premises, use of electric vehicles and introduction of recycling protocols.

Among those at the inaugural meeting was Anglesey Sea Zoo owner Frankie Hobro who has been outspoken about the need to attain Net Zero status since she took over the zoo more than a decade ago.