Activating the power of business & organisations

The way we run our businesses and organisations is fundamental to addressing the climate crisis and to nature’s recovery.

See the actions below

Our economy will only thrive within healthy ecosystems and resilient neighbourhoods – supported by purposeful, responsible organisations that deliver positive outcomes for the environment and for people. In Yorkshire and the Humber, the net zero economy – which includes renewables, carbon capture, green finance and relevant manufacturing businesses – amounts to £5.1 billion (4% of the region’s economy) and 57,000 jobs 70. This sector saw growth of 9% in 2023, compared with just 0.1% growth for the UK economy as a whole.

In our region, there are some key hotspots of net zero economic activity, including Leeds, North Lincolnshire, Rotherham, Scarborough and Selby. But an estimated 15% of jobs in our region are still in industries with high carbon emissions 71. Those businesses and their workforces need to be supported to adapt, develop new environmentally positive skills and thrive as our economy becomes increasingly focused on ecological balance. Leadership is crucial. We need leaders in organisations of all sizes and across all sectors to take responsibility for social and environmental impacts along the whole of their value chain, working with their employees to identify how to have beneficial impact rather than detrimental, and commit to delivering ambitious action for climate and nature.

We also need to encourage the development of mission-led businesses 72, and the wider adoption of the concept of regenerative leadership within our region. We can achieve so much more when we all act together and learn from each other. Our larger institutions in government, the public and private sectors must lead the way. In doing so, they can pave the way for others to match their commitment, harnessing the power of our regional organisations into a force for positive change.

We Know we are succeeding when…

• Supply chains across our established and emerging sectors are increasingly sustainable, transparent and resilient, and promote equity.
• Existing jobs are focused on delivering environmentally positive and socially beneficial impact, goods and services; new jobs are emerging that enhance our environmentally balanced economy; and skills grounded in the health of people and our natural environment are improving and widespread throughout all sectors.
• We can identify businesses and service providers that are national leaders in resource efficiency, circular economy, enhancing biodiversity, environmentally sound waste management and co-designing solutions with employees and stakeholders.