Thirteen signs up to take action on climate and nature

It is the first regional pledge of its kind in the UK to require businesses and organisations to make a commitment across four areas of action: becoming climate resilient; reducing carbon emissions; enhancing nature and biodiversity; and promoting a just transition.

Paul Jenkins, Executive Director of Assets at Thirteen, said: “As a large business, employer and landlord, we recognise that we have a responsibility to do what we can to protect the local environment, improve our performance and reduce carbon emissions.

“Signing the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge forms an important part of our journey to improve our environmental sustainability and become a greener organisation.

“Thirteen’s Take Control campaign is helping us to understand the actions we need to take to reduce our environmental impact, as well as deliver sustainable homes that are fit for the future and right for our customers.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our existing homes will support our net zero targets and improve overall home quality; lower energy usage for customers; and have a positive impact on customers’ wellbeing.”

The pledge, which supports and encourages ambition for all shapes and sizes of organisations across the private, public and third sector, is suitable for those that are already taking steps to be greener, as well as those at the start of a learning journey.

The aim is to create a movement of organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber who recognise that we need to all take action to protect our region from climate impacts and unlock the benefits of a green economy.

The Climate Action Pledge has been developed by the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, an independent body set up to support and guide ambitious climate action in the region.

Liz Barber, Chair of Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, said: “It's time for us to seize the initiative as a region and show how businesses and organisations can demonstrate strong leadership at all levels here in Yorkshire and Humber. It’s excellent news that all sorts of organisations, big and small, are making this public commitment.

“We want to see a year of progress that puts us on the road to net zero, improves our fantastic natural assets, helps us build our resilience to climate impacts, and does this in a way that leaves no-one or nowhere behind.”

You can read more about the Climate Action Pledge at www.climateactionpledge.org.uk.