‘Planet C' puts up a fight against the climate crisis - Cornwall Chamber of Commerce urges Cornish businesses to “take action now”

By Cornwall Chamber of Commerce - 03rd August 2022

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has declared September ‘Planet C’ month in a bid to drive and empower local businesses to take action in the climate crisis.

From 1st September to 4th October, a packed schedule of conferences, workshops and training - hosted in partnership with Green Works and sponsored by Don’t Cry Wolf - will help Cornish businesses value the difference they can make in the global challenge and equip them with the skills to make a change.

The Planet C Conference headlines the action-focused month and takes place at the Exeter University Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus on 28th September. Specially designed to kickstart change and build momentum, the day will unravel what being net zero really means through talks, panel discussions and inspiring experiences from local businesses. There will also be a choice of interactive workshops, ranging from carbon footprinting and carbon offsetting to grants and funding, as well as the invitation to make a pledge for change and join Cornwall’s sustainable community.

As part of Planet C, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is also on a mission to train 200 Cornish business climate ambassadors to be carbon literate by the end of October. Through FREE training, delivered by Green Works and accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, participants will learn vital knowledge on climate change and how to champion carbon reduction and net zero strategies within their organisations.

Kim Conchie, CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: "We know that there is a massive gap between climate ambition and climate action among SMEs. Lack of skills, funding and time all play into the mix so Planet C has been designed in direct response and tackles the challenges head on.

“SMEs and the South West - which is the 5th largest region in terms of private sector businesses in the UK - have a huge role to play in reaching the UK’s net zero commitments. I am confident Cornish businesses can rise to the challenge. We are one of the biggest hubs for B Corps outside of London and nature and the environment is in our DNA.

“Planet C is a rally cry to Cornish businesses – I urge everyone to be part of it and take action now.”

Planet C events include:

  • Social Sustainability: 7th September, Mount Pleasant Eco Park BOOK NOW

Driving action together, why a green agenda matters to everyone.

  • Future of built environment: 14th September, ESAM Carclaze BOOK NOW

Opportunities for Cornwall in construction, covering sustainable materials and the circular economy, latest technology and more.

  • Cornwall Sustainability Awards workshop: 27th September, Eden Project BOOK NOW 
  • Planet C Conference, Exeter University, Penryn Campus 28th September

Eden Project’s Rob Chatwin, David Harland and John Brown explore how an understanding of how everything interconnects can transform our actions to make a difference. Followed by advice on writing awards applications.

  • Supercharged Cornwall Event: 3rd October, Skills Hub Penryn BOOK NOW

Hosted by the Future Skills Institute at Truro and Penwith College, in association with Hawkins Motor Group. This brand-new event from the Future Skills Institute at Truro and Penwith College will explore Cornwall’s electric vehicle revolution, the future skills needed to support a successful transition to EV technology and will ask that all important question: ‘Will Cornwall be ready by 2030?’.

Planet C also coincides with GoodFest - a festival of creative conversations exploring how to inspire change through purposeful ideas and actions - on 29th and 30th September. Throughout the month-long the campaign there will also be coordinated beach cleans across Cornwall, as well as the chance for businesses and individuals to get involved by hosting their own climate action event. Topics could cover anything from transport and marketing to people and community.

For more information, to book a FREE place, or to host your own event, visit www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

SMEs and the South West - which is the 5th largest region in terms of private sector businesses in the UK - have a huge role to play in reaching the UK’s net zero commitments.

Kim Conchie, CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.
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