The inaugural Wiltshire Climate and Environment Summit, themed “Decarbonise, Adapt and Thrive,” successfully concluded on 21 June, after two days of engaging discussions and collaborative efforts at County Hall, Trowbridge.

The landmark event brought together over 250 businesses, residents, community leaders, and environmental experts, fostering solutions for a net zero, greener, and more resilient Wiltshire.

Organised through a dynamic partnership between Wiltshire Climate Alliance and Wiltshire and Swindon Councils, the summit featured a comprehensive programme including presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and displays. The primary objective, to accelerate carbon emission reduction across the county, a significant undertaking given Wiltshire’s annual CO₂e emissions exceeding 4,000 kilotonnes.

Business Day, 20 June, started with a passionate appeal for their future from “Early Earth Protectors” – a group of young people passionate about making the environment better. This was followed by Juliet Davenport, founder of Good Energy (which kindly helped sponsor the event), who challenged attendees with the question, “Can we make green business good business?” Businesses, including Wincanton, Nationwide, and Apetito showcased their innovative approaches to this challenge. Workshops then delved into carbon reduction strategies through renewable energy, sustainable transport, building efficiency, and business adaptation.

Communities Day on 21 June focused on “Community Engagement”, exploring topics such as transport, active travel, community energy generation, nature, and resilience. Keynote speakers Jen Gale (Sustainable(ish)) and Rachel Berger (Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon) inspired delegates, prompting discussions on how to broaden community action through collaboration and a positive, hopeful message.

“The energy and commitment displayed at the Wiltshire Climate and Environment Summit was truly inspiring,” commented Bill Jarvis, WCA Co-founder. “It is clear that our businesses and communities are already tackling the climate crisis. Although there is still much to do, this summit marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards a net zero, sustainable and thriving Wiltshire for generations to come.”

 Cllr Paul Sample JP, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said: “We worked closely with Wiltshire Climate Alliance to put on an ambitious, packed programme across the two days of the summit, and I’m delighted with the success of it. Each workshop, session and talk was awash with passion and ideas, and we hope that people left inspired and ready to do even more in the face of the climate emergency that impacts us all. A huge thanks to all the organisers, speakers and the business and community stall holders – it simply would not have been the success it was without their support.

“We’ve always maintained that as a council we can’t change things on our own – and that’s why it was reassuring to see so many businesses and groups in attendance that are joining us on this urgent journey – doing such innovative work in this area.

“My thanks to the Climate Alliance for their hard work to deliver this event with us, and for the support from Swindon Borough Council. The hard work doesn’t stop now though; there’s more for us all to do and we’ll continue to do everything we can as a council to lead from the front, building on the success of the progress we’re making.”

The summit successfully forged new connections among businesses and communities, many of whom were previously unaware of each other’s work, facilitating invaluable experience sharing to accelerate progress towards net zero.

Momentum generated is expected to translate into lasting change, with follow-up meetings already planned by attendees. Furthermore, the summit has provided new direction for Wiltshire Climate Alliance and the councils of Wiltshire and Swindon in their ongoing carbon reduction and environmental efforts.

For more details and video coverage see the event website: https://www.wiltshireclimatealliance.org.uk/wiltshire-climate-summit-2025