Sustainable South action group led by ‘dynamic duo’ Dan & Kamile explores green initiatives

Business South has launched a new action group, Sustainable South, to share best practice and help put green initiatives into motion.

The group will build upon the work of the Green Halo partnership, which brought together local authorities, academics and representatives for New Forest National Park.

Together, they’ll focus on five key priorities…

• Working with nature to build a zero-carbon economy.
• Improving physical and mental health and wellbeing and tackling health inequalities through greater access to natural environments.
• Protecting, restoring and improving both blue and green environments in the region.
• Creating high-quality, inclusive and sustainable places for people and nature with a low-carbon approach.
• Tackling skills gaps and economic inequalities by building a workforce equipped for a green, zero-carbon economy.

Group co-chairs Kamile Nesteckyte and Dan Walster from AtkinsRéalis have assured that the group will focus on action and not just serve as a talking shop for those concerned with the environment.

Kamile said: “The first meeting saw leading businesses and voices across the Central South looking at how we can work in a unified approach and begin implementing some really positive initiatives and tracking impacts.”

Dan added: “It was positive to see so many businesses wanting to be involved and make a difference.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Business South Group CEO, said: “We feel sure that with such a dynamic duo at the helm, the Sustainable South Action Group will be in safe hands.

“Sustainability is a key issue for the Central South.

“Sharing best practice and working in partnership with others is the way forward if we really want to make a positive impact.”

Initiatives already being discussed include carbon literacy sessions for businesses, walking meetings out in nature and support for events such as Heartbeat charity’s ‘heart and stroll’.

• businesssouth.org