Positive climate partners 

• Andel Ltd
• Ardagh Glass
• ASOS
• AquaSensor Limited
• Barnsley 2030 Board
• Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
• Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre
• Barnsley College
• Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services (CVS)
• Barnsley Council
• Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust
• Barnsley Premier Leisure
• Barnsley Youth Council
• BDR Waste Partnership
• Berneslai Homes
• City Taxis
• Coalfields Regeneration
• Don Catchment Rivers Trust
• Eco Church Barnsley NW Methodist Church
• Energise Barnsley
• Enterprising Barnsley
• Environment Agency
• Evri
• Fraser Farm
• Hoylandswaine Bee Plus Group
• HW Martins (Waste Management)
• Lex Autolease
• Make it Wild 
• National Energy Action
• National Trust
• Naylor
• Newable
• Newlands Developments
• NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
• Northern College
• Northern Powergrid
• Potential Energy
• RSPB
• Salvation Army (Goldthorpe)
• South Yorkshire Climate Alliance
• South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
• South Yorkshire Police
• Stagecoach
• South West Yorkshire Partnership
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)
• The Glass Works
• Titanic Denim
• Tunley Environmental
• Tyers Hall Farm (Longley Farm)
• Wates Group Limited
• Yorkshire and Humber Drainage Boards
• Yorkshire Water
• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
• Zenergy

Meet our chair and vice chairs

Chair: Matt Travis

Matt Travis is the Managing Director of Enzygo, a multi-disciplinary environmental planning consultancy. The company is based in Fox Valley, Sheffield, and has five other UK offices. Matt is also the current Vice President elect of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and is committed to supporting Barnsley’s businesses to become more sustainable. He's worked on a number of energy-related projects across the UK. This includes solar and battery storage, energy to waste, carbon capture and the recent Velocys waste to jet fuel project at Immingham. His passion for climate change, education and renewable technologies is the driving force behind his decision to stand as Chair of the PCP. He hopes to encourage the group to become more outcome-focussed in its engagement with stakeholders and their roadmaps to Net Zero.

Vice chair: Sasha Beswick

Sasha Beswick is a sustainability officer at Barnsley College and is responsible for delivering the sustainability strategy for the college. She graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc in environmental science. She's has worked in sustainability-related roles for several private and public sector organisations both in the UK and overseas. She's an active Positive Climate Partnership member. Following the success of the Climate Education Task and Finish group, she applied for the role of Vice Chair, having realised the group’s potential for influencing the wider community and engaging with the College’s sustainability strategy.

Vice chair: Lucie Rowley

Lucie Rowley is a highly accomplished and experienced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Manager at Evri, the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery company. With her expertise in carbon, sustainability, governance, data analytics and business reporting, she's played a pivotal role in shaping Evri’s ESG strategy and driving positive change in the company’s environmental impact. Her passion for local action on climate change and dedication to inclusivity has fuelled her desire to work alongside the talented individuals within the partnership. She wants to drive its mission forward as Vice Chair, bringing strategic thinking, strong academic knowledge of sustainability/ESG and organisational skills to the role.

All is Good sustainable store in Penistone 

An eco-friendly retail business is calling on customers and supporters to help it upgrade its popular refill and zero waste shop to make it one of the biggest in the north.

All is Good, based in Penistone, South Yorkshire, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the £18,000 investment it needs to expand the refill section of its community store, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and cost-effective.

Green ‘dragons’, or eco-investors from across the community are being asked to support the development by pledging an investment of any amount to help the business.  This will buy 18 giant 200-litre barrels of household and cleaning products; extend its rack of zero-waste dispensers for dried food; and expand its range of reduced-waste frozen food.

Investors will then get all their money back, in terms of value of goods in-store with an extra 10 percent on top for all pledges above £20, and rewards such as coffee, cake and exclusive offers thrown in too.

Barnsley BIC

Net Zero courses

Net Zero Barnsley will allow participants to access thought-provoking insights from leading innovation and industry experts to give their business a competitive edge to grow, commercialise and thrive.

They provide a series of in-person workshops, peer-to-peer networking and bespoke one-to-one support for fast growing and ambitious businesses.

Floormaster Yorkshire's Solar Initiative

Floormaster Yorkshire, a Barnsley-based flooring company, has installed 36 solar panels on its warehouse roof with grant funding from the Net Zero Barnsley programme. This investment, matched by the company, will generate over 70% of its energy needs, reducing carbon emissions by 80% and halving energy bills.

The £12,000 photovoltaic system, supported by a £6,000 grant, will save the company more than £3,500 annually. It will pay for itself within 3.5 years. This initiative is part of Floormaster's commitment to sustainability, aligning with our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045.

Business Village’s Net Zero Barnsley programme

Through the Business Village’s Net Zero Barnsley programme, Two Gates Fisheries in Shafton has reviewed the way it serves fish and chips. Their aim is to save energy, minimise waste and reduce food miles. The business has also received a low carbon grant worth £12,499 to invest in a new £56,000 state-of-the-art electric frying range.

The Kiremko Jubilee frying range is widely regarded as the most energy efficient model on the market. Its set to slash the business' fuel consumption and carbon emissions by half.

Craig, who runs the fisheries with partner Sarah Thompson, said: "Joining Net Zero Barnsley has really helped me look at my business differently and develop it in ways that are good for the planet and for our bottom-line."

Energy consumption analysis shows the new range should reduce Craig’s energy bills by £3,537 per annum. It will also reduce carbon emissions by 8,045kg CO2 per annum. Over the expected 20-year life of the range, savings of 871,140kWh of electricity and 160.8 tonnes of CO2 will be made.

Craig has also cut carbon by re-organising and increasing storage so that he can reduce the number of deliveries of stock. He sources as many supplies as he can locally including Cannon Hall pies and Fox potatoes. He's also invested in an electric car for home deliveries. Further moves to recycle, fully replace single-use-plastics and investigate solar panels are in hand.

To find out more and sign up for support visit Business Village's Net Zero Barnsley website.

Barnsley College

Carbon literacy training day

Barnsley College held an all staff carbon literacy training day in May, 60 staff became Carbon Literacy Ambassadors for the College.

In July, the same staff then trained our entire remaining staff community by hosting a full day of Carbon Literacy Training! Staff ended the day by creating individual and group pledges which will benefit themselves, the college and the wider community. They are the first college to roll out carbon literacy in this way.

WWF sustainable futures 

During the college’s staff development week in July, WWF delivered the ‘Sustainable Futures’ CPD to over 40 College Staff. This project see’s students move through a journey of exploring their future and careers whilst considering sustainability and their own morals and values.

Students will also work through different activities, such as looking at donut economics to understand how sustainability fits in to the economy.

Sustainability Award 

A Barnsley Colleges Sixth Form student, Grace, won the college’s first ever sustainability award in the college’s annual Excellence Awards. Grace has been an active member of the sustainability voice within the college and will soon be applying to universities to study geography.

Whilst Grace has had multiple personal barriers to overcome, she has done this with courage, drive and passion for her education and future in a sustainability-related career. Grace is seeking work experience in a sustainability-related field to further her academic and professional experience in the field.

HW Martin Waste Limited

As part of their contract to manage the household waste recycling centres across Barnsley, HW Martin Waste are collecting reusable household items, bric a brac and equipment. In late 2023, Penistone refugee and asylum seekers support group contacted the company about the potential to collect bikes which could be upcycled and redistributed to local people in need.

Since then, a number of bikes have been collected and given to the community group. They've refurbished and distributed them to families around the borough for leisure and work purposes, providing a vital means of travel for some.

Reuse is a big factor in the waste hierarchy and by repurposing unwanted bikes and other household items, the company is reducing the amount of waste/recycling and limiting the environmental impacts.

The company are looking to increase their local partnerships for reuse in Barnsley by working with local charities.

National Trust

During Great Big Green Week (10 June to 18 June), Wentworth Castle had a display in the gardens, sharing tips on creating the perfect compost.

There were opportunities during the day for visitors to stop and ask any questions of our Gardens Team. The Café have also been handing out bags of coffee grounds for people to improve the quality of their compost at home. A number of water butts have been installed in the greenhouse to capture rainwater to water the plants in our nursery. They're now looking to install more water butts.

Naylor Concrete Products

Investment in a new research laboratory

Naylor Concrete Products Ltd has invested more than £155,000 in a new research laboratory at its manufacturing site in Barugh Green near Barnsley.

The new facility will play a key role in the development of new low carbon concrete materials which will help Naylor and the construction industry deliver net zero.

Greenwise initiative to support staff to save energy at home and at work

As part of Naylor’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) team developed an energy saving initiative called Greenwise.  Designed to inform their staff of domestic focussed energy saving measures to encourage behavioural change that may also translate into the workplace. One energy saving message was communicated per month, each focusing on a different theme, such as heating, cooking and driving. The initiative was also supported by EHS committee meetings which encouraged open discussion and suggestions from committee members on ways to save energy in the business.

Energy efficiency measures

Until recently, Naylor’s Cawthorne site had a standalone 11-kilowatt (KW) air compressor running continually, serving a relatively small area. As part of their ongoing efforts to save energy, they decided to connect this area to their main compressor by installing air lines into the area. The extra load on the larger air compressor has been negligible. Approximately 45,000 kilowatt hours of imported electricity and 9000kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum have been saved.

Newlands Developments

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy

Newlands is a market leading logistics developer who deliver high quality, critical infrastructure that facilitates the efficient, sustainable and effective supply of goods to businesses and consumers. Their environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy aims to integrate social value through business operations.

They’re committed to:

• Delivering prosperity for local communities.
• Creating healthy, sustainable places.
• Investing in their people.

Newlands are committed to analysing their carbon footprint and aim to reduce their emissions by a minimum of 5% year on year.

Sustainable developments

Newlands’ have previously delivered Equites Park and Arrow Point Barnsley, which have collectively delivered nearly 800,000 square feet of premium logistics floorspace. These buildings contain sustainable initiatives including:

• 25,000 trees planted on site
• Improved sports and public transport facilities
• EPC rating A
• EV charging points
• BREEAM 'Excellent' rating
• 'Solar-ready' warehouses

NHS

Clean Air Day 

To mark NHS Sustainability Day and Clean Air Day in June 2023, the NHS Foundation Trust had a stall in our Colliers restaurant. They showcased their work and answered sustainability related questions from staff, patients and visitors. Partners from the Council and Stericycle joined to talk about their work on tackling air pollution and improving waste management to ensure we maintain zero waste to landfill.

New signage has also been installed in our car parks to remind users to switch their engines off when waiting to reduce air pollution around the hospital and to encourage active travel.

Reusable saturation probes 

Colleagues from procurement, medical engineering and paediatrics were involved in identifying and testing a range of reusable saturation probes to find a product that met clinical standards, was easy to use and met the needs of both patients and staff. Different sats probes were tested in paediatric ED, with staff giving feedback on probe performance in relation to different parameters, including comfort for patients.

After this testing period, a clip sensor was chosen and introduced to the clinical area, with the procurement team monitoring the stock of disposable probes used before and after the change.

What they achieved:

Comparing 12 months before and after introduction of reusable sats probes we measured:

A 25% reduction in the number of disposable sats probes ordered which equates to:

• A 25% reduction in carbon footprint saving 1087 kgCO2e. The equivalent of 4890km travelled in a family petrol car.
• A cost saving of £25,894 (ex VAT) over 12 months by reducing disposable sats probe use.

The supply of disposable probes was subsequently moved to the same company as the new reusable sensors (UK based Walters Medical), which led to a further saving of £40,000 giving a total saving of £65,894.

Northern Powergrid

Regional insights

Northern Powergrid have recently made new appointments to positions within their Regional Insights team. Regional Insights is the dedicated point of contact for bulk Low Carbon Technology (LCT) applications.  It encourages a broader adoption of these technologies, reducing community-wide emissions.

Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES)

Northern Powergrid have also refined their strategy for Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES). It now incorporates advanced stakeholder intelligence, furthering their commitment to optimising network development for heightened efficiency and operation and increasing renewable energy generation within Barnsley.

Flexibility services

Northern Powergrid are now in the process of tendering for flexibility services on Piclo Flex. It will manage energy supply and demand more efficiently to accommodate a higher proportion of renewable energy sources in the energy mix. 

Smart Solar in Barnsley project 

The Smart Solar in Barnsley project installed 75 batteries on Berneslai Homes bungalows with solar PV. The Alpha EES batteries which store between 2 and 3 unites of electricity, were funded by the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme and installed by Berneslai Homes electrical team. The project was managed by Energise Barnsley and Age UK providing energy and benefits advice to residents who received these batteries.

Analysis of the 25 of the 75 installations indicates that these households saved on a year average £277 from their solar panels, £222 from the battery making a total of nearly £500. This assumes a unit rate for electricity of 34p/kWh.

In July Rt Hon John Healey MP visited some residents in the Dearne to see the batteries in action and to hear first-hand the benefits residents are gaining from having them.

For more information you can email: andy.energisebarnsley@gmail.com

Electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire following £11.6 million investment

Stagecoach introduced its first electric buses into South Yorkshire in partnership with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the Department for Transport on Monday 20 May 2024.

The project is part of South Yorkshire’s first successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Stakeholders were able to get a first look at the state-of-the-art Yutong vehicles, which have new "electro" branding and bespoke interiors, at an event held at Wentworth Woodhouse on Tuesday 7 May. It celebrated the arrival of the zero emission buses and the future of bus travel.

The 23 electric buses will feature on the 22x and 221 routes which run from Stagecoach’s Rawmarsh depot. It connects the Dearne Valley across Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.

Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director, Matt Kitchin said "we're so proud to be introducing these state-of-the-art buses into the community to improve air quality locally and reduce congestion as more people make the switch to sustainable forms of transport".

"As a business, Stagecoach is committed to achieving net zero by 2035 and the launch of these vehicles is a huge milestone towards achieving this."

The Methodist Church, Barnsley North West 

Barnsley North-West has five main chapels – Buckley, Dodworth, Higham, Kexborough and Emmanuel (Huddersfield Road) – and communities in Pogmoor and Silkstone Common. These chapels are working towards becoming ECO Churches, using the A Rocha ECO Churches international framework. The framework covers worship and teaching, buildings, land, lifestyle and community, and global engagement, engaging communities in various activities and offering Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Emmanual Church has already achieved the Silver Award and hosted an Eco Fest event. Eco Fest was designed to raise awareness of activities in Barnsley which members of the community could become involved in to learn more about sustainability. The event consisted of displays, Fair Trade drinks, cakes, biscuits and a ‘speaker’s corner’ and was attended by 20 organisations, the Mayor of Barnsley, several Councillors and Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis. The chapel is now working towards the Gold Award and other chapels are being supported on their ‘eco journey’.

Zenergy Solar Limited

Creating a green feature for 100 year old mill

Nestled within the meticulously restored St. Peg’s Mill, a historic woollen mill boasting a century long legacy in Yorkshire.  Zenergy’s team of seasoned industry experts has curated and executed bespoke solar and containerised battery solutions. In alignment with Zenergy’s commitment to revitalising not only their client projects but also their own headquarters, Zenergy undertook the transformation of their 100 year old woollen mill into a cutting-edge space. St. Peg’s Mill in Brighouse now proudly features a pioneering vertical solar wall, a first of its kind. Positioned south, this innovative addition allows them to harness the low winter sun efficiently while facilitating the thawing of the roof.

Sing Kee Supermarket

Zenergy has supported Sing Kee Supermarket, renowned for its commitment to innovation, to embark on an electrifying journey to reduce its carbon footprint and exemplify forward-thinking business practices. Recognising its status as an extremely high energy user, Sing Kee Supermarket installed a cutting-edge 296 kilowatt solar system to harness the power of clean energy. This bold move positions the supermarket as an industry leader in adopting eco-friendly solutions. The solar installation, generating an impressive 90,847 kilograms of carbon dioxide savings annually, showcases the supermarket’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

South Yorkshire Climate Alliance launches 'Can Do'

In January 2024, South Yorkshire Climate Alliance launched its new website. It's specifically designed to encourage climate action.

‘Can Do South Yorkshire’ gives advice on how to get started and gives lots of examples from neighbourhood groups, schools and workplaces of what people are already doing across the region. It points to inspirational stories and sources of advice to help individuals and groups to create their own ideas.

The website will help people to take action to reduce their carbon emissions through small changes that will have a long-term impact. They encourage people to campaign for increased access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. It supports people to look after their local environment, create green spaces and feel a sense of pride.

Climate Education Task and Finish Group

Aims and objectives

The Climate Education Task and Finish Group was formed in 2023. Its aim is to devise a plan for delivering carbon literacy training to businesses and community groups across the borough. The Task and Finish Group includes representatives from:

• Enzygo
• Barnsley College
• ITS
• Barnsley Council
• Enterprising Barnsley
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
• BDR Waste Partnership

Together, the group has created an accredited Barnsley-specific carbon literacy course. Its tailored to support Barnsley’s independent businesses to take the first step on their net zero journey. The course covers the causes and impacts of climate change, carbon footprints. It also covers how individuals can do their bit and why its relevant to them.

It originally stemmed from a project Barnsley College is rolling out to train its staff in carbon literacy over the next 12 to 18 months. The course is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge they need to make impactful changes to the way they operate. It supports the borough’s ambitions of becoming net zero carbon by 2045.

Members of the PCP have provided case studies to showcase how they've implemented changes to reduce the carbon footprint of their own business. This will support businesses completing the course to recognise that while their net zero journey may pose challenges, they're joining a support network of like-minded individuals that can provide advice, guidance and share lessons learned.

The course also directs learners to resources that can support them following its completion. This includes the Net Zero Barnsley Hub, which offers free and intensive support for innovative businesses in the Barnsley borough who have high-impact potential for contributing to the UK’s net zero carbon emission targets.

Individuals completing the course will have access to the training materials and will be encouraged to deliver the course to others within their organisations, adopting a train-the-trainer style approach. The project aims to reach as many businesses and individuals within the borough as possible. It provides a solid foundation of understanding that will continue to grow and evolve.

Impacts so far

The PCP’s carbon literacy course was delivered to two cohorts of businesses in December 2023. The first session was delivered in two parts on 27 November and 4 December. The second session was delivered as a full day of training on 12 December. The training on 4 December was scheduled to coincide with International Carbon Literacy Action Day. 100,000 people from all over the world took part.

39 individuals from 18 different organisations have so far completed the PCP’s course. They've made the first steps to taking positive action to reduce their environmental impact.

Next steps

The group are now looking at ways to extend the roll-out of the training to even more local businesses. They're also looking at third sector organisations.

Alternative Fuels and EV Task and Finish Group

The Alternative Fuels and EV Task and Finish Group was set up in 2023. Its aim is to support PCP members in their transition from traditional petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles to more sustainable options, like HVO and electric.

The first meeting was held in September and members were given the chance to share the steps they've taken so far. They also shared the difficulties they've encountered and the themes they'd like to cover in future discussions.

In November, Northern Powergrid provided an update on grid connections. Blink Charging discussed the lessons learned and costs associated with different types of electric vehicle chargers.

The group aims to work together to adopt a consistent and sustainable approach to making Barnsley's roads greener and cleaner. It will explore options for collaborative working, trialling innovative solutions and sharing lessons learned.