Milton Keynes Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2019 – 2050, launched back in 2019, is the long-term vision to create a world-leading sustainable city which embraces innovation, creates high- quality jobs and recognises it has a vital role in tackling the global challenges of climate change.
Local businesses have a major role to play in helping protect and enhance the environment.
Target Zero
Milton Keynes City Council recognises and supports local businesses committed to the ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. This initiative underscores the council’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the community and encouraging corporate responsibility in the fight against climate change.
Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability can receive provisional accreditation under the Target Zero programme by meet- ing the following criteria:
- Have a corporately agreed upon a net zero 2030 target
- Pledge to create an action plan to reach the net zero 2030 target within 12 months of receiving provisional accreditation
- Pledge to set up a baseline and measure your businesses scope 1 and 2 emissions annually within 12 months of receiving provisional accreditation
Businesses can find out more by contacting carbon@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Funding for businesses and community organisations
- Carbon Offset Fund: this can provide up to 50% match funding to support works for not for profit and community run companies that provide long- term carbon emissions reductions in Milton Keynes. Email carbon@ milton-keynes.gov.uk for more information
- Workplace Charging Scheme: this is a voucher-based scheme that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge-points, for eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations. This grant provides support towards the costs of the purchase, installation and infrastructure of electric vehicle chargepoints at eligible places of work.
- Ready for Net Zero – Cranfield University: 24 fully funded scholarships are available to green businesses to cover the full course fees for Cranfield’s highly regarded Ready for Net Zero Growth programme and a follow on carbon audit 12 months after completion of the programme to assess their progress against their plan. The next programme runs from October 2, 2024 to February 5, 2025 and takes place online.
Open Societal Challenges
The Open University works with people from all walks of life, organisa- tions, charities and policymakers on research that transforms lives and businesses are being encouraged to get involved with their Open Societal Challenges. Some of the challenges aim to combat the climate crisis while protecting people’s rights and improving living conditions now and in the future; others propose new models for living well.
