Navigating the way to Net Zero and the role businesses need to play in its success was at the centre of an event hosted by Thrings Solicitors in Bristol.
Net Zero is a term most are familiar with but understanding what it entails remains an intimidating and mysterious concept for many, particularly in industries faced by rising costs.
To help promote the positive implications that an environmental approach can have across various sectors, Thrings’ Clean Energy and Environment team hosted a breakfast event on Tuesday, 24th January, focused on the journey to Net Zero in the South West.
More than fifty people, from across the planning, energy, local government and charitable worlds, heard from Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, and Paddy Bradley MBE, CEO of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), on the importance of achieving Net Zero in the South West.
The event comes just over a week after the Government released its independent review on Net Zero which concluded that Net Zero is creating an era of opportunity and change, which the UK is well placed to benefit from with the increasing demand for net-zero goods and services. It includes in its recommendations the need for significant additional government action to ensure the UK achieves its net zero target, and outlines and the benefits of both public and private investment in net zero strategies and projects, to unlock the ambition of places and communities.
The Clean Energy and Environment team demonstrates Thrings’ commitment to tackling some of the climate-related challenges faced by clients, by bringing together the relevant expertise and experience from across the firm. This includes providing specialist advice and legal solutions for a wide range of commercial development, agricultural and energy projects, and real estate finance deals.
Natalia Sokolov, Partner at Thrings and Lead of the Clean Energy and Environment Team, said: “This is an important time for clean energy, and having so many organisations from across the region join us to share their views on achieving Net Zero shows a clear appetite to improve practices and become more environmentally-sound.
“Technology is constantly evolving and while the likes of wind and solar are fairly well established, we are seeing rapid growth in the electric vehicle market and an increase in ethical lending practices. Businesses stand to benefit from staying a step ahead.”
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Achieving our carbon neutrality goals requires a collaborative effort from across Bristol. Last week we signed our City Leap deal that secures an initial £424 million for clean energy, and will create 1,000 new jobs and cut 140,000 tonnes of emissions over the first five years. It’s fantastic to see locally-based firms like Thrings providing services that can help others from across a range of sectors play their part in our city’s net zero journey.”
Paddy Bradley MBE, CEO of the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP (SWLEP), said: “I was very pleased to contribute to the Net Zero discussion at this event and the implications it has for the South West.
“We are facing high inflation and a cost of living crisis which are already having major impacts on the lives of residents and the viability of businesses in the region. However, if we do not commit
thinking, effort and resources to tackling the climate emergency and reach Net Zero, we may look back on 2023 as the biggest opportunity we missed.”
The Thrings Clean Energy and Environment Team includes specialists from across the firm and its disciplines, and advises commercial developers, farmers and landowners on the legal aspects of clean energy, environment and biodiversity. Find out more and contact us here.