Milton Keynes City Council has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and carbon negative by 2050. Our efforts to install LED street lighting, boost the energy efficiency of council homes, and generate renewable energy through a solar farm means that we’re on course to get there.
However, we also need help from local businesses to make Milton Keynes a leading sustainable city. That’s why we’ve recently launched the Target Zero climate action scheme. This scheme recognises small to medium size busi- nesses (SMEs) who share our carbon reduction targets and want to hit carbon neutrality by 2030, putting them ahead of UK targets set by government for businesses to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
To be accepted for Target Zero, businesses must have a clear strategy which demonstrates how they will achieve their climate action ambitions. The strategy must then be formally assessed and accepted by the City Council’s sustainability team before businesses can use the Target Zero certification mark.
Having Target Zero certification helps SMEs visibly demonstrate their climate action commitments, and ultimately makes them more attractive to customers, suppliers and partners. It also means that Target Zero companies can share ideas and work collaboratively to achieve their sustainability goals, while receiving the support of other like-minded companies.
Recently, we celebrated the first five businesses who achieved formal Target Zero recognition. These companies ranged from a cookery school to IT support, which shows that being sustainable within business isn’t limited to any particular industry.
If your business is dedicated to being more sustainable, then I would encourage you to get Target Zero recognition. Businesses must meet certain criteria, including having corporately agreed upon the net zero 2030 target and have an action plan to prove how to get there.
You can find out more information, and apply, by visiting www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/target-zero
Leader, Milton Keynes City Council
