Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has declared September ‘Planet C’ month in a bid to drive and empower local businesses to take action in the climate crisis.

From September 1 to October 4, a packed schedule of conferences, workshops and training - hosted in partnership with Green Works and sponsored by Don’t Cry Wolf - will look to help Cornish businesses value the difference they can make in the global challenge and equip them with the skills to make a change.

The Planet C Conference headlines the action-focused month and takes place at the Exeter University Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus on September 28.

Falmouth Packet: Cornwall Chamber Business Fair 2022. Picture: Exposure Photo AgencyCornwall Chamber Business Fair 2022. Picture: Exposure Photo Agency

There will also be a choice of interactive workshops, ranging from carbon footprinting and carbon offsetting to grants and funding, as well as the invitation to make a pledge for change and join Cornwall’s sustainable community.

As part of Planet C, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is also on a mission to train 200 Cornish business climate ambassadors to be carbon literate by the end of October.

Falmouth Packet: The Mount Pleasant Eco ParkThe Mount Pleasant Eco Park

Through free training, delivered by Green Works and accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, participants will learn vital knowledge on climate change and how to champion carbon reduction and net zero strategies within their organisations.

Kim Conchie, CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, explained: "We know that there is a massive gap between climate ambition and climate action among SMEs.

Falmouth Packet: Cornwall Chamber Partners photographed at Hotel Meudon, Falmouth on 28th April 2022. Picture: Exposure Photo AgencyCornwall Chamber Partners photographed at Hotel Meudon, Falmouth on 28th April 2022. Picture: Exposure Photo Agency

"Lack of skills, funding and time all play into the mix so Planet C has been designed in direct response and tackles the challenges head on.

"SMEs and the South West - which is the 5th largest region in terms of private sector businesses in the UK - have a huge role to play in reaching the UK’s net zero commitments.

"I am confident Cornish businesses can rise to the challenge.

"We are one of the biggest hubs for B Corps outside of London and nature and the environment is in our DNA.

"Planet C is a rally cry to Cornish businesses – I urge everyone to be part of it and take action now."

Falmouth Packet: The Eden Project will be one of the event's venuesThe Eden Project will be one of the event's venues

Other Planet C events include:

  • Social Sustainability: September 7, Mount Pleasant Eco Park

Driving action together, why a green agenda matters to everyone.

  • Future of built environment: September 14, ESAM Carclaze

Opportunities for Cornwall in construction, covering sustainable materials and the circular economy, latest technology and more.

  • Big Breakfast & Cornwall Sustainability Awards workshop: September 27, Eden Project

Eden Project’s Rob Chatwin, David Harland and John Brown explore how an understanding of how everything interconnects can transform our actions to make a difference.

  • Supercharged Cornwall Event: October 3, Skills Hub Penryn

This brand-new event from the Future Skills Institute at Truro and Penwith College will explore Cornwall’s electric vehicle revolution, the future skills needed to support a successful transition to EV technology and will ask that all important question: ‘Will Cornwall be ready by 2030?’.

For more information, to book a free place, or to host your own event, visit www.cornwallchamber.co.uk