Net Zero
The UK government has committed to meet net zero targets by 2050. In the Forest of Dean we aim to go further and achieve net zero by 2030.
33.5% of the Forest of Dean’s carbon dioxide emissions come from industry and commercial sources(1). To achieve net zero we need to reduce these emissions to as close as zero as possible, then capture and store the rest of the carbon dioxide produced.
Achieving net zero will limit the increase in global temperatures and reduce the impacts of climate change including natural disasters, food and water insecurity and economic disruption.
In 2023, the Forest of Dean had 4,400 active businesses (Beauhurst – Local Growth Index), the bulk of these are micro-businesses that employ an average of 6 people. We recognise that our private sector and social enterprises may need additional support to help them make a start or continue along their net zero journey.
What are the business benefits to a net zero strategy?
Some benefits of adopting a net zero business strategy include:
- operational cost savings through the implementation of energy-efficiency measures, waste reduction or improving process/product/service efficiency;
- improved organisational reputation;
- gaining and retaining customers and investment;
- supporting the supply chain with the impacts of regulatory compliance;
- accessing new markets through innovative design approaches;
- attracting, developing and retaining talent;
- long-term flexibility to market change;
- build resilience to the impacts of climate change by enhancing energy, material and/or resource security;
- opportunities for joint procurement and resource sharing with like-minded businesses;
- help to become B Corporation certified (a business showing high standards of social and environmental performance);
- better access to funding and grants for sustainability projects.
Supporting you on your journey
Don’t know where to start? We are here to provide guidance and support as you progress through your decarbonisation journey.
We will provide you with information of funding and grant opportunities as well as strategies to reduce emissions, that can potentially lead to cost savings from reducing energy use and waste, future proofing and brand development.
In addition to this, we can provide access to free tools to calculate carbon footprint, fully funded carbon audits and more!
The Climate Charter
The aim of the climate charter is to remove barriers to businesses taking action on climate change and create a community of local businesses working collectively towards becoming net zero.
Together we can achieve net zero and develop the skills and resources to support a thriving circular economy in the Forest of Dean.
Becoming a member of the Forest Business Climate Charter is free!
Our agreement
Businesses that are members of the climate charter sign the following agreement:
“We recognise the climate emergency and commit to taking action to tackle climate change. We will do our part within our organisation and work collaboratively with others in the Forest of Dean to support the efforts of achieving net zero by 2030.”
This is not legally binding, but a pledge to acknowledge the seriousness of the climate situation and adopt a strategy to make changes.
Members
You can see a list of our current members here. Our members have committed to the agreement and started their net zero journey by recording their baseline emissions.
We encourage you to take your first step and join the community of other businesses that are making changes to benefit their business, our Forest and our planet.
If you plan to make positive changes to reduce carbon emissions, reduce waste, enhance energy efficiency, transition towards renewable energy sources and/or provide products or services to help others become net zero then become a member here.
Contact us
We are here to help to each other. Please get in touch if you have any questions, or have implemented carbon reducing measures that we can showcase.
Email: climate.action@fdean.gov.uk
The Climate Charter has been developed by Forest of Dean District Council and Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) as part of Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP).