Environmental concerns are increasingly high on our members’ agenda and we are keen to work with businesses to help Cardiff transition to a greener economy.
We have worked with Cynnal Cymru to develop a Cardiff specific version of the Carbon Literacy accreditation. This course encourages participants to take practical steps both personally and in groups to address their carbon footprint. The course also develops ideas for FOR Cardiff to potentially work up into larger projects. The FOR Cardiff team have all participated in this training.
Since the beginning of our first term, the importance and awareness of environmental issues have grown exponentially. Companies now have ambitious internal and legally required targets, regardless of the size of the employer or sector.
During the BID 2 consultation, the enthusiasm for support and guidance around greening of the city and businesses was significant. Businesses want to see how they can collaborate or share best practice with one another, and we will create this forum. Businesses also wanted training and lobbying of landlords, for how they can implement changes to achieve their objectives, such as becoming carbon neutral or signing up to no single use plastic.
Transport and travel in and out of the city by residents, workers and visitors is an area which is led on by local authorities and government. However, FOR Cardiff will continue to promote the healthy travel charter, and find discounts and initiatives for member businesses and employees using public transport, bikes, and cars.
We will work with experts within this field to not only see how we can support our members better, but also see what projects we can implement and create a 5-year plan. We will be considering ideas such as living walls, community owned and renewable energy, increasing green spaces, improving water refill facilities, and working with partners to support on better waste collection and reducing waste initiatives. Any plans we implement and support will be backed up with extensive research, to ensure our projects are long term and bring tangible benefits.
Please direct any questions about this project to Nia Wood-Gaiger nia@forcardiff.com.