- Over 400 businesses have signed up to the programme which helps SMEs to reduce their energy consumption
- Aston University recently hosted the first of six workshops on navigating grants and net zero implementation
- The programme is aligned with the government’s legally binding climate target to achieve net zero by 2050.
Over 400 businesses have signed up to Aston University’s West Midlands Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme which supports SMEs to decarbonise and save money.
The programme provides information, expert advice and conducts energy audits and is aligned with the government’s legally binding climate target to achieve net zero by 2050.
Aston University experts led by Prasanta Dey, professor of operations and information management, are working with Black Country Industrial Cluster (BCIC) and Coventry City Council on the project.
Through personalised one-to-one advice, webinars, workshops and peer networks, the programme aims to empower businesses in the West Midlands to embrace sustainable practices and thrive in a low-carbon economy.
As the lead partner in delivering the programme, Aston University hosted the first of a series of six workshops on 31 January 2024 at Aston Business School.
The workshop, ‘Navigating Grants and Net Zero Implementation for SMEs’,saw over 80 businesses registered. Renowned industry experts, including Robin Carruthers (Central Mailing Services), Tony Sartorius (Alucast Limited) and Dr Suresh Patel (Birmingham City Council) shared invaluable insights and strategies for sustainable practices and grants available. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, paving the way for constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Professor Prasanta Dey said:
“I am delighted to see the programme reach this very important milestone in its journey towards sustainability.
“With over 400 businesses registered across the West Midlands region, the programme is making remarkable strides in supporting enterprises on their path to reducing energy consumption and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
“Looking ahead I am excited to continue engagement with SMEs through our upcoming workshops scheduled for March. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for businesses to deepen their understanding of sustainability practices, connect with industry leaders and contribute to the collective effort in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
“Together, we can create a greener, more resilient future for our communities and planet.”
You can register for the programme here.
Businesses interested in accessing decarbonisation support or participating in workshops are encouraged to email the team.
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
