The innovation and ambition underpinning the business drive in Kingston to reach net zero was highlighted at the latest Barwell Business Breakfast organised by White Label.

Delegates enjoyed a vegan breakfast at unit 50 and listened to guest speakers from Barwell Business Park/Aviva Investors, Steris Instrument Management Services (IMS) and Kingston Council.

Aviva Investors/Barwell Asset Manager, Ken Butcher, told the event on 4 March about the business park’s net zero ambitions.

He said: “Aviva Investors is committed to being net zero by 2040. Clearly it is a substantial task, but at Barwell this includes looking at sustainability credentials when constructing new buildings, making common areas and common paths as sustainable as possible, and also ensuring that, when a building becomes vacant, the refurbishment is done with green and sustainable considerations front of mind. For example, ensuring the EPC [Energy Performance Certificate] is improved.

“Other considerations are the capacity to add solar panels to roofs, EV chargers, all-electric heating to offices and LED lighting ideally on sensors, metering, data management and remote access so we understand how much we’re using and how we can manage it.”

Kingston Council’s Green Economic Recovery Lead, Ioanna Rossi, added: “What is the call to action for businesses? What is the corporate vision? There are two elements. One is what you can do as businesses to decarbonise and reduce the negative impact on the environment. And the second is what you can do to take this as an opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to be ahead of the game.”