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Sustainability Resources

Getting started on your sustainability journey, or looking for more ways that you can improve?

There are plenty of ways to enhance your business, whether it's applying for grants to make your venue more energy efficient, accessing training for your team, or applying for awards and accreditations to spread the word about the great work you're already doing.

Communicating Your Amazing Work 

Green Claims Code 

Businesses need to be honest with their customers about their green credentials, but it may not always be clear how to do this. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has developed the Green Claims Code, which sets out 6 key points to check your environmental claims are genuinely green. 

Green Claims Directive 

By 27 September 2026, EU member states will implement the "Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition" (ECGT) Directive, mandating that all environmental claims be backed by expert verification. This directive bans generic claims like "eco-friendly" and prohibits carbon neutrality claims based on offsets, aiming to end greenwashing. 

Carbon Trust - The ECGT Directive explained

Learn what the EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive means for companies, when and which companies may be impacted, and how the Carbon Trust label schemes align with current regulation.

Visit West Sustainability Champions 

  •  Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive 

  •  Helen Applin, Head of Business Events 

  •  Tom Swithinbank, Redcliffe and Temple BID Project Manager 

Read our Sustainability Policy

 

Getting started...

Case studies

Our members can learn a great deal from each other, so we're showcasing some best-in-class examples from local businesses.

Sustainability

Sustainability Case Study: Pieminister

  • 2 min read

Bristol's much-loved pie purveyors, Pieminister, are all about Pies, Planet and People. We asked them to tell us more about their ethos and the steps they've taken to become a more sustainable organisation. Pieminister is a B Corp (score: 101.2), a Living Wage Employer, and is a member of…

Mooless Moo vegan pie and peas at Pieminister Bristol - credit Pieminister

Development & Funding Grants

Making substantive changes to your business operations may incur costs but offer significant long-term benefits. There is a range of opportunities for funding, whether through grants or loans, that are specifically designed for this purpose.

Accreditations & Awards

To simplify and effectively communicate your business's commitment to its environmental impact, we recommend independent accreditation from a certified provider. As we approach the application of the Green Claims Directive in September 2026, details listed on this page will continue to be updated.

Green Key

This certificate represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict…

Palm Court at Bristol Marriott Royal

B Corp

Companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance…

Child looking at coaches at The Wave - credit The Wave

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system and can be certified to.

Royal Fort Gardens garden - flowers

Local Resources

A tree made out of solar panels outside the We The Curious science centre on Millennium Square on Bristol's Harbourside - credit Janet Gibson

Green Business Support

Guides and resources below to help you navigate your green journey.

Buttercliff Farm near Bristol - credit Faydit Photography

Bristol Food Network

Supports, informs and connects individuals, community projects and businesses who share a vision to transform Bristol into a sustainable food city.

Couple walking in Millennium Square on Bristol's Harbourside - credit Visit West

Bristol Free Active Travel

Helping you to reduce your car journeys with free cycling trials, eScooter credit and bus taster tickets.

Additional resources for your sustainability journey

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