Businesses and third sector organisations across South Wales have the opportunity to boost innovation, build resilience and make valuable connections with help from University circular economy experts.
The Clean Growth programme, run by Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) – a joint project between Swansea University and Cardiff Metropolitan University – will give participants the tools they need to develop their circular economy understanding so they can use resources in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible.
The fully funded six-month programme aims to show participants how to work towards net zero goals, enhance service levels, reduce operational costs and meet their responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Previous cohorts have worked on a range of sustainability challenges facing their organisations, from life cycle planning and waste management to emissions reductions and resource optimisation.
Thanks to the Clean Growth Programme, South Wales Police is now on track to save £30,000 in electricity bills. Environmental Manager Tristan Davies said: “This was a great opportunity to collaborate and discuss ideas with others, and by doing so we were able to identify a need to improve the way we charge our electric vehicle fleet and explore ways to incorporate recycled batteries into that. It’s an exciting project and it started because of the CEIC programme.”
Kate Williams, from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, added: “I have been able to build a really effective community of practice around me. The colleagues on the course have been brilliant and have come from really diverse backgrounds in terms of the organisations they work for, but our values and objectives are very similar. The programme has helped me develop effective networks and workflows which are pathways I wouldn’t have taken without the support the CEIC.”
CEIC director Dr Gary Walpole said: “The programme offers a real opportunity for businesses and third-sector organisations from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot to work together to develop plans that will reduce their carbon footprints and build risk resilience.”
“With official net zero targets formalising environmental links between organisations at all stages of the value chain, there has never been a better time for organisations to future proof their operations.”
The programme sees participants take part in monthly workshops and a two-day residential stay, where they will be supported in developing clean growth and innovation plans. Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme begins again in September and there are still some spaces available.
Businesses and third-sector organisations of all sizes and industries are invited to find out more about the programme and apply to take part by Tuesday, September 10.
