The South West’s largest sustainability-focused event takes place next week with more than 60 businesses exhibiting their latest ‘green’ products and services.
The Festival of Sustainable Business Exhibition, which is hosted at the recently re-opened We The Curious science museum on Bristol Harbourside on Thursday, 19 September, is expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors. 
The event, now in its fourth year, will showcase the progress being made in the region in the face of the climate emergency.
But organisers Bristol-based sustainability consultancy Future Leap also want it to show that much more needs to be done if the South West is going to play its full part in meeting the government’s statutory targets.
Sponsored by Retrofit West CIC, which offers independent advice and support for domestic retrofit projects, Bristol-based home energy efficiency initiative The Eco Scheme and Chippenham-headquartered 100% renewable electricity group Good Energy, it will also act as a rallying point for rapid decarbonisation across the region, with a key focus on how alternative forms of transport can cut emissions.
An Interactive Transport & Tech Zone, sponsored by luxury car brand Lexus, will take place outside We The Curious in Millennium Square outside to showcase the latest innovations in sustainable transport.
There will also be the opportunity to test drive Lexus and Tesla e-vehicles and view Porsche’s latest EV model, as well as test riding e-bikes and BMW’s new e-scooter. Visitors will also be able to check out Bristol funeral directors Divine Ceremony’s e-hearse complete with cardboard coffin.
A just transition talks stage, sponsored by Bristol City Leap, will explore how businesses can collaborate on the transition to a green and just economy.
Keynote speaker will be recently elected Bristol Central MP and co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer, who will give insights on policy and climate action. She will be joined by the former Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, who will discuss diversity in environmentalism.
There will also be an economy and skills networking zone, where attendees will be able to enjoy responsibly sourced, complimentary tea and coffee while learning about green skills and business support opportunities from the West of England Combined Authority.
Future Leap director of partnerships and sustainability Katherine Piper said while this year’s festival was testament to the growing momentum behind sustainability, there needed to be a faster transition to meet local and national climate targets.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer a platform where businesses can showcase their innovations and where companies and the public can engage with solutions that will shape our future,” she added.
“By making the exhibition free to the public, we’re ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be part of this important conversation.”
For more information, visit Festival of Sustainable Business
