Working together to do even more to reduce Suffolk's emissions

A group of major Suffolk businesses who are at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions, have teamed up with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East to do even more to reduce industrial and business carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.

The Suffolk High Energy Users' Network has received funding from the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group to enable the businesses work with the University of Suffolk to identify innovative new solutions to reduce emissions and energy costs. The funding will also be used to help smaller Suffolk businesses that supply larger businesses, reduce their emissions and energy costs.

Professor Darryl Newport of the University of Suffolk's Sustainability Institute said "A number of research projects in Suffolk are looking at the potential of hydrogen and other alternative power sources for business use. This project will help to link businesses with research projects that can benefit them. Also, by better understanding the challenges that these businesses face on the road to net zero, we can identify new areas for research".

June Davenport, Operations Manager of Groundwork East commented "Reducing emissions in a business's supply chain as well as the business itself is a very important part of the road to net zero. Groundwork East has a successful track record of helping smaller Suffolk businesses reduce emissions and energy costs. This project will help us reach even more Suffolk businesses and give them the net zero advice they need."

Philip McNaughton, Head of Decarbonisation at British Sugar, one of the businesses who have joined the project, said "British Sugar is investing millions in decarbonising our operations at Bury St Edmunds, with a large energy reduction project currently underway on site. The Suffolk High Energy Users' Network allows us to work more closely with other businesses that are also investing heavily in decarbonisation and share best practice. The involvement of the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East will help us further develop our decarbonisation plans for our Bury St Edmunds factory."

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce commented "Suffolk Chamber is very aware of the tremendous work that larger Suffolk businesses are doing to reduce carbon emissions and we want to help them to do even more. By bringing them together with the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East, Suffolk Chamber is creating new opportunities for emission and cost reductions. This project will help to make the businesses more resilient and benefit everyone who lives in Suffolk."

The Suffolk High Energy Users' Network is open to larger businesses in Suffolk that would like to do even more to reduce emissions and energy costs. Smaller Suffolk businesses can also be advised by Groundwork East, even if they are not part of the supply chain of a larger business.