Episodes

  • 23: Reduce Your Business Energy Bills: Expert Tips for Significant Savings!

    23: Reduce Your Business Energy Bills: Expert Tips for Significant Savings!
    Aug 13 2024
    In this episode, we talk with Nersi Salehi, Managing Director of Pro Enviro Limited, about maximising energy efficiency and sustainability. Pro Enviro is a leading firm of energy engineers and scientists dedicated to helping businesses cut their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

    Nersi, an industry expert, shares his extensive knowledge on energy audits and their benefits. He provides essential tips on how businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills and move towards a more sustainable future.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • The basics of energy audits and how they can identify substantial savings opportunities.
    • Typical recommendations from energy audits and the measurable efficiency gains they can achieve.
    • Details on the Decarbonisation Net Zero programme’s grant funding, supporting projects from insulation improvements to solar PV installations.
    • Why engaging with energy audits and sustainability programmes is essential for staying competitive and preparing for the future.
    Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

    Guest speaker: Nersi Salehi, Managing Director, Pro Enviro Limited

    Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council

    Useful links:

    • Sign up for our biggest event of the year: West Midlands Business Net Zero Conference
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Podcast feedback form
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    35 mins
  • 22: Sky's the Limit: Revolutionising Business with Drone Technology

    22: Sky's the Limit: Revolutionising Business with Drone Technology
    Jul 19 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Elliot Parnham, Founder and Managing Director of Skyfarer, a pioneering company utilising autonomous flight technology to deliver vital medical supplies with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Elliot, an ambitious engineer with an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, shares his insights on how drones are transforming business operations across various sectors. From last-mile delivery to infrastructure inspection, discover the sustainability benefits and challenges of integrating drones into modern business practices.

    Join us for an enlightening conversation on the future of drone technology and its potential to revolutionise industries while reducing carbon footprints.

    Listen and learn more about:

    • Elliot's journey from aerospace engineering to founding Skyfarer.
    • How drones are revolutionising logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
    • The environmental impact of using drones for efficient and eco-friendly business operations.
    • The regulatory, technological, and operational hurdles businesses face when adopting drone technology.
    • Latest advancements and future potential of drones in enhancing business sustainability.
    Podcast host:
    • Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
    Guest speaker:
    • Elliot Parnham – Founder and Managing Director of Skyfarer
    Podcast producer:
    • Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council
    Useful links:
    • Listen to Coventry's Urban Air Port: A zero carbon airport for drones and flying taxis
    • Skyfarer website
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Podcast feedback form
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    23 mins
  • 21: Can we extract water from air?

    21: Can we extract water from air?
    Jul 10 2024
    Can Brian Sheng’s company, Aquaria, revolutionise water supply by extracting it from thin air? Join us to explore how Aquaria is tackling one of the most overlooked climate challenges: clean water scarcity.

    Founded by Brian Sheng, Aquaria is pioneering atmospheric water generators that create drinking water from the air. In this episode, we explore the potential of this technology to address the global water crisis and what it will take to make clean water accessible to all.

    • Brian Sheng’s inspiration for tackling water scarcity through technological innovation.
    • The critical issue of global water usage trends and water scarcity.
    • Long-term projections for global water shortages and their implications for businesses.
    • The role of atmospheric water generators in addressing water shortages.
    • Promising water-saving technologies and practices that businesses should be aware of.
    Podcast host:
    • Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
    Guest speaker:
    • Brian Sheng, CEO - Aquaria
    Podcast producer:
    • Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council
    Useful links:
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Aquaria website
    • Podcast feedback form
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    18 mins
  • 20: Green health horizons: Pathways to net zero

    20: Green health horizons: Pathways to net zero
    Jul 10 2024
    In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of achieving net zero in healthcare, featuring insightful conversations with experts in the field. This episode is part of our Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme’s third workshop.

    Podcast Overview: This episode explores the innovative strategies and partnerships that are driving the healthcare sector towards sustainability. Our guests share their experiences and insights on a range of topics, including:

    • Sustainability Initiatives: Discover the specific projects and strategies implemented to reduce carbon emissions and promote a greener future.
    • Tackling Challenges with Innovation: Explore the hurdles in advancing sustainability and the innovative solutions developed, focusing on education and community engagement.
    • Measuring Impact: Understand the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in reducing carbon footprints.
    • Power of Collaboration: Highlight the vital role of cross-sector collaboration, featuring partnerships with institutions like Aston University and local councils.
    • Embracing Cutting-Edge Technologies: See how technologies like solar panels and digital systems reduce carbon footprints and operational costs while engaging staff and communities.
    • Future of Sustainable Healthcare: Gain insights into emerging trends and long-term goals in sustainable healthcare.
    • Practical Advice for Aspiring Organisations: Get advice for healthcare organisations on starting or enhancing their sustainability journey.

    Host:

    Pawan Budhwar- Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor- International and Professor at Aston University

    Guest Speakers:

    • Dominika Walker- Community Engagement Lead at Tomato Energy, driving innovative projects to promote sustainability and community involvement in the energy sector.
    • Dhiren Katwa- Community Manager at Tomato Energy, focusing on the deployment of renewable energy solutions and enhancing community engagement in sustainability efforts.
    • Sue Manickam- Director and Manager at Acer Healthcare, a pioneer in integrating eco-friendly practices in the healthcare industry to achieve net zero emissions.
    Podcast Producer:

    • Ashmita Chitlangia, Marketing Manager (Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme), Aston University
    • Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, Aston University

    Useful links:
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Podcast feedback form
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    34 mins
  • 19: Can mining be green in the UK?

    19: Can mining be green in the UK?
    Jul 10 2024
    Discover more about mining, metals, the green transformation of our modern world, and what it will take to achieve it.

    Join us as we explore these questions and more with Lucy Crane, the ESG & Sustainability Manager at Cornish Lithium. Lucy's extensive background in geology and grassroots exploration, combined with her role in promoting sustainable mining practices, makes her an invaluable resource for understanding the balance between mining and environmental responsibility.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Lucy's inspiring journey into geology and mining.
    • Her role at Cornish Lithium and the innovative approaches they are using to make mining more sustainable.
    • The critical role metals play in our everyday lives and the industries they support.
    • Best practices for small and medium businesses to adopt sustainable metal usage.
    • The importance of responsible sourcing and improving supply chains.
    • Emerging trends in the mining industry and their impact on businesses.
    Lucy also shares her insights on the future of sustainable mining and its role in the green economy, offering valuable advice for business owners and managers looking to be more mindful of their environmental impact.

    Lucy Crane - ESG & Sustainability Manager Lucy Crane is a geologist with a background in grassroots exploration. She holds an MSc in Mining Geology from Camborne School of Mines and a Master's degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Oxford. Before joining Cornish Lithium, she worked as an exploration geologist for Altus Strategies, planning and implementing exploration strategies for base and precious metals projects up to drill stage in Africa. Now, she applies these skills to Cornish Lithium’s exploration programme, fostering collaboration with industry and academic partners to accelerate the exploration programme and test new concepts. Lucy is also actively involved in promoting the mining industry to young professionals and students, sitting on the committee of both Young Mining Professionals and Women in Mining (UK).

    Podcast host:
    • Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
    Guest speaker:
    • Lucy Crane - ESG & Sustainability Manager, Cornish Lithium
    Podcast producer:
    • Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council
    Useful links:
    • Watch Lucy’s Ted Talk
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Podcast feedback form
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    38 mins
  • 18: Sustainable Sips and Green Bites

    18: Sustainable Sips and Green Bites
    Jun 12 2024
    In this episode, we explore the pressing issue of food waste within the food and beverage industry.*

    Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover practical solutions and strategies to tackle food waste, enhance sustainability, and contribute to a greener future.

    Tune in to learn how businesses and individuals alike can play a part in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability in the food and beverage sector.

    In this episode, we discussed:

    • Understanding Food Waste: Breaking down the prevalent misconceptions and primary causes of food waste in the food and beverage industry, from production to consumption.
    • Economic Impacts: Exploring how better waste management and sustainable practices can lead to significant cost savings and economic benefits.
    • Innovative Practices: Highlighting successful examples and innovative approaches, such as using surplus bread in beverage production and reusing eggshells in manufacturing tiles.
    • Sustainability in Production: Discussing Crazy Gin's journey in optimising their production process to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
    • Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Emphasising the importance of cross-industry collaboration and transparency to advance sustainable practices and move towards net zero.
    Host:

    • Dr. Geoff Parkes, Associate Professor at Aston Business School
    Guest Speakers:

    • Bruce Nagra and Paramjit Nagra, Co-founders of Crazy Gin, a brand that blends British and Indian heritage, operating their distillery in Wolverhampton [www.crazyco.uk/].
    • Oliver Lloyd, Managing Director of Modus Food Waste and Recycling, with over a decade of experience in waste management, spanning various sectors including e-waste and food waste [www.moduswaste.co.uk/].
    Podcast Producer:

    • Ashmita Chitlangia, Marketing Manager, Aston University
    *This episode is part of our Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme and is produced by Aston University.
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    34 mins
  • 17: Sustainability Simplified: A Guide for West Midlands and Warwickshire Businesses

    17: Sustainability Simplified: A Guide for West Midlands and Warwickshire Businesses
    Apr 22 2024
    In this episode we speak to Anna Bright, CEO of Sustainability West Midlands.

    Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. They are a not-for-profit company that works with our members in the private, public and third sectors.

    Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in water, waste and wastewater management. As Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands she has worked with businesses, universities, colleges, local authorities, the health sector and the West Midlands Combined Authority to help shape the way that they mitigate and adapt to climate change. Anna is on the board of the Midlands Net Zero Hub and the Midlands Engine Green Growth Board, and she is a Trustee for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The concept of "net zero," highlighting its importance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of global warming.
    • Emissions offsetting
    • The support available for businesses, including free advice on energy consumption, waste management, and circular economy practices.
    • West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge, an initiative which provides free support to businesses committed to sustainability.
    • The importance of having a clear vision, strategy, and plan for sustainability
    • The potential benefits for businesses that prioritise sustainability, including cost savings, improved reputation, and competitive advantages in procurement processes.
    Podcast host:
    • Jonathan Howl (Host) - Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council
    Guest speaker:
    • Anna Bright, CEO - Sustainability West Midlands
    Podcast producer:
    • Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council

    Useful links:
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Sustainability West Midlands website
    • Carbon accounting webinar recording
    • Podcast feedback form
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    29 mins
  • 16: Birmingham's Sustainability Trailblazers: Central Mailing Services

    16: Birmingham's Sustainability Trailblazers: Central Mailing Services
    Mar 13 2024
    In this episode, we speak to Robin Carruthers, Operation Manager at Central Mailing Services, a business based in Birmingham.

    Robin Carruthers shares their sustainability journey, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2028. He highlights some of the projects and initiatives they have undertaken or planned, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, waste segregation, ISO standards, staff engagement and local partnerships.

    Useful links:
    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Central Mailing Services website
    • Podcast feedback form
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    21 mins