A project that will offer a snapshot of what Liverpool city centre businesses need to do to reach net zero emissions is launched by Liverpool BID Company. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool BID Company is to offer its 860-plus levy-paying members in the city centre a valuable insight into their net zero credentials.

It has announced a new partnership with consultancy Arete Zero Carbon. It will ask BID members what they need to help them reach net zero carbon to identify where targeted support and investment may be needed.

The BID itself is on the pathway to reaching net zero by 2030. This year the organisation is assessing any procurement, including the lifecycle of goods and reducing waste.

It is examining ways it can support its staff travel to be more sustainable and working towards 2025 as a target for exploring the use of alternative fuels within energy and utilities.

By 2030, any remaining carbon emissions will be offset through a verified and local carbon project.

The City of Liverpool, through the 2030 Net Zero Liverpool Action Plan, sets out the actions that the city needs to take to become net zero by 2030. Businesses across the city and beyond need to consider how they can become net zero.

The first step of the project will see a survey of businesses in sectors including accommodation, hospitality, retail and leisure, culture, professional services and public sector. This will help gain an understanding of the awareness of net zero.

This data will then be reviewed to define the parameters of targeted support to help businesses reach their goals.

Liverpool BID Company will then seek pilot funding to support a significant number of businesses in Liverpool. The surveys began in July and will be completed by September.

Chief executive Bill Addy said: “At Liverpool BID we took the initiative to work to become a net zero carbon business, as we believe that we have to show the way if we are to support businesses in the city to take the same path.

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“Working with Arete Zero Carbon we have successfully calculated our supply chain carbon impact and have developed a pathway to net zero.

“For many businesses it can feel like yet another thing on their to-do list, despite how vital and critical they know it to be. 

“Therefore our goal is to first map knowledge and understanding, so that the support we offer is targeted directly to the needs of business across a range of sectors.”