The Rt Hon Claire Perry, MP for Devizes and Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, was the opening speaker at the North Wiltshire Sustainable Business Conference. T H WHITE was a key sponsor of the event, held at Chippenham Town Hall on 19 October.

Addressing a packed hall, Ms Perry set out the Government’s thinking and targets for addressing climate change and building long-term sustainability in which business will need to play a crucial part.

The just-published IPCC report on climate change stresses that we only have a maximum of 12 years to make fundamental changes before climate change will be irrevocably out of control. An impressive line-up of speakers then showed how a sustainable approach to energy use by business makes sound economic sense.

Paul Allen, representing Zero Carbon Britain and the Centre for Alternative Technology underlined the importance of rapid action and he presented a Zero Carbon manifesto to Claire Perry. Then, citing interesting examples of business leaders who are already implementing sustainable policies, Dr Dominic Tantram – a founding partner of Terrafiniti – explained why a sustainable approach should be regarded as a source of business value rather than a simply a cost of business. Colin Curtis said that if the UN’s goals for sustainable development are met it could halt climate change by 2030, while Dr James Beard from Mott MacDonald spoke of the important CSR implications of sustainable business. Paddy Bradley, director of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, explained how local businesses could grow in the low carbon economy. Delegates were able to see technologies on offer from T H WHITE including solar energy, EV charging and battery storage. it is hoped to repeat and develop the conference next year.

Alex Lockton, divisional manager of T H WHITE Energy, Fire & Security, amplifying a point made by Claire Perry.