Green Business Podcast

Today’s podcast focuses on green skills and how Coventry is helping people gain the knowledge they need to support a more sustainable economy. Green skills cover everything from understanding energy efficiency and recycling to using low‑carbon technologies and making greener choices at work. Join host Jonathan Howl as he speaks with Glen Smailes from Coventry City Council to explore Coventry’s Gre...

Take a listen to Jonathan Howl from the Business Energy Advice Service as he meets with Tim Fawcett from Coventry City Council and Julie Walden from E.ON to discuss Coventry's 15 year Strategic Energy Partnership and what it means for the city. More information:  Strategic Energy Partnership E.ON's plans for the Strategic Energy Partnership in Coventry Business Energy Advice Service Email: strateg...

In this podcast, we hear from Jonathan Howl, Business Development Advisor for the Business Energy Advice Service and Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council. Together, they discuss how a greener economy benefits Coventry businesses and residents, the schemes that Coventry City Council has implemented to support the green economy, an...

In this episode, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, is joined by sustainability expert Sarah Wilkes to reflect on two years of supporting businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprints. Together, they break down the process of a free energy audit—what to expect, how it works, and how it feeds into tailore...

In this episode, host Jonathan Howl from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme sits down with Adam Bastock, Founder of Small 99, to discuss practical, budget-friendly ways small businesses can reduce their carbon footprint—without major investments. From overcoming sustainability challenges to accessing free support and funding , Adam shares insights on: The biggest barriers small businesses face...

Welcome back to The Green Business Podcast! In this episode, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, discusses the critical topic of carbon accounting with a special focus on Scope 3 emissions. Jonathan is joined by David Wilshin from Auditel, who is a specialist in carbon reduction strategies. Together, they explore: The key differences between Scope 1, 2, a...

In this episode of The Green Business Podcast, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, explores the benefits of B Corp certification with guest Annie Olivier, Head of Growth at B Lab UK. Together, they explore the practicalities of becoming a certified B Corp, from understanding its rigorous standards to unlocking its potential to drive positive social and en...

In this episode of The Green Business Podcast, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, dives into a compelling case study with Alex Patrick-Smith, the Managing Director of Hinton, Perry, and David Hill. This historic manufacturing business, operating since 1805, shares its journey of embracing energy efficiency and sustainability while maintaining its legacy...

In this episode of The Green Business Podcast , host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, explores an inspiring success story that combines sustainability with innovation in an unexpected sector: nightlife. Our guest, Chris McTurk of 147 Nightclub in Coventry, shares how his business achieved an impressive 92.5% energy self-sufficiency through solar PV installa...

In this episode, The Green Business Podcast explores how the circular economy can help businesses cut costs and boost profits. Host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, is joined by James Woodcock, Senior Project Manager at International Synergies, to discuss innovative ways to transform waste into valuable resources. Key discussion points include: What is indu...

In this episode, we talk with Nersi Salehi, Managing Director of Pro Enviro Limited, about maximising energy efficiency and sustainability. Pro Enviro is a leading firm of energy engineers and scientists dedicated to helping businesses cut their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Nersi, an industry expert, shares his extensive knowledge on energy audits and their benefits. He provides essent...

In this episode, we sit down with Elliot Parnham, Founder and Managing Director of Skyfarer, a pioneering company utilising autonomous flight technology to deliver vital medical supplies with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Elliot, an ambitious engineer with an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, shares his insights on how drones are transforming business opera...

Can Brian Sheng’s company, Aquaria, revolutionise water supply by extracting it from thin air? Join us to explore how Aquaria is tackling one of the most overlooked climate challenges: clean water scarcity.  Founded by Brian Sheng, Aquaria is pioneering atmospheric water generators that create drinking water from the air. In this episode, we explore the potential of this technology to address the...

In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of achieving net zero in healthcare, featuring insightful conversations with experts in the field. This episode is part of our Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme ’s third workshop. Podcast Overview: This episode explores the innovative strategies and partnerships that are driving the healthcare sector towards sustainability. Our guests share their e...

Discover more about mining, metals, the green transformation of our modern world, and what it will take to achieve it.   Join us as we explore these questions and more with Lucy Crane, the ESG & Sustainability Manager at Cornish Lithium. Lucy's extensive background in geology and grassroots exploration, combined with her role in promoting sustainable mining practices, makes her an invaluable r...

In this episode, we explore the pressing issue of food waste within the food and beverage industry.* Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover practical solutions and strategies to tackle food waste, enhance sustainability, and contribute to a greener future. Tune in to learn how businesses and individuals alike can play a part in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability in the...

In this episode we speak to Anna Bright, CEO of Sustainability West Midlands.  Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. They are a not-for-profit company that works with our members in the private, public and third sectors.  Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in wat...

In this episode, we speak to Robin Carruthers, Operation Manager at Central Mailing Services, a business based in Birmingham. Robin Carruthers shares their sustainability journey, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2028. He highlights some of the projects and initiatives they have undertaken or planned, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, waste segregation, ISO standards, staff engagement...

In this episode, we speak to Peter Wells, Sustainability Manager at Datagraphic .  Key Topics: Carbon reduction plan: Datagraphic has an ambitious and validated plan to achieve net zero by 2050, with a 50.6% reduction by 2028, aligned with science-based targets and UN SDGs. Solar PV installation: Datagraphic can run its entire operations on sunlight when the sun is shining, thanks to the large-sca...

In this episode, we talk with Matthew Rhodes, Director of Camirus.  Matthew has been a leading voice for the decarbonisation efforts of the West Midlands in the last two decades. Leading a portfolio of collaborative innovation projects centred around energy, industrial decarbonisation, and regional economic development, Matthew shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in assisting bu...

In this episode we discuss how the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme can help businesses lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.  The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme* aims to provide information and expert advice and support to businesses enabling them to make significant decarbonization and money saving changes to their business. This Programme is part of the wider West M...

In the first part of this episode we speak to Waco Yokoyama, Consultant and Circular Economy Specialist at Gemserv. Waco provides a concise explanation of the circular economy and highlights the main benefits for businesses, including cost reduction, increased sales, and decreased reliance on specific raw materials. She also discusses how the circular economy principles can be applied differently...

In this episode of the Green Business Podcast, Jonathan Howl interviews Adam Bastock, the Founder of Small99, a platform that guides small businesses to net zero through practical tips.  The following topics are covered in this episode: The importance of net zero and the benefits for businesses who embark on the journey Where businesses should start, taking into account their type, size, and secto...

In this episode, we discuss what carbon accounting is, how businesses can start their net zero journey and overcome the challenges they might face along the way. In the first part of this episode we talk to Lara Longhurst who is the Chief Operations Officer at Hippo Digital. Lara shares with us their journey towards achieving net zero and talks about the support they have received from Coventry Un...

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan Howl, Business Advisor for the Green Business Programme, who offers a summary of our team’s achievements over the last 12 months*. Listen and learn more about: Most popular energy efficiency improvements Payback periods  How much can SMEs save on energy bills  *The stats provided by Jonathan Howl in this episode are based on figures from November 2022. This ep...