Carbon conscious businesses gathered at the Ipswich Docks to celebrate the many green achievements that have led to them receiving the Suffolk Carbon Charter.
The event celebrated the fantastic achievements of the 40 businesses that have been accredited since it was launched 18 months ago.
The Suffolk Carbon Charter is a unique and innovative scheme which recognises small and medium businesses (with 250 employees or fewer) that are making real efforts to monitor and reduce their carbon emissions.
These businesses have been recognised for their extraordinary efforts to protect the environment. Chartered companies include everything from small home-businesses, to large industrial firms; from B&Bs to solicitors, farms to car-refitters. The one thing they all share in common is a commitment to reducing their environmental impact; the charter is designed to recognise the excellence and innovation of Suffolk's smaller firms.
Chartered businesses were able to network on board the Sailing Barge Victor on the Ipswich Docks as they toasted their success with fair-trade wine provided by the Co-op East of England.
The three Charter Accreditation levels - Gold, Silver and Bronze, recognise the different stages in a business' environmental management. These range from adopting robust carbon monitoring and reduction measures (Bronze) through achieving significant reductions (Silver) to being an exemplar green business, using their own successes to inspire others (Gold).
County Councillor Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Greenest County said; “It was great to see everyone coming together to review the fantastic work that has gone in to the Suffolk Carbon Charter over the past year and a half.
“Individuals and companies are taking a close look at their habits in order to reduce their energy use and potential customers are looking for a reliable measure that can reassure them they're not damaging the planet with their purchases.
“The Suffolk Carbon Charter allows Suffolk's small businesses to communicate their environmental commitment with a clearly recognisable brand and we are very pleased to able to offer this people across the county.
“We are able to help businesses learn from each other and benefit from developing greener habits, making significant energy and financial savings.”
More information can be found at www.greensuffolk.org/charter