Suffolk’s high energy users working together to drive down carbon emissions - conference to showcase achievements to date and look to the future

The Suffolk High Energy Users’ Network will host its first annual conference on 17th July, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, academics, and sustainability professionals to find out more about innovative solutions for reducing industrial and commercial energy use and carbon emissions even more and even faster.

The Network is a strategic partnership between Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East and is funded by the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders’ Group. It is designed to support Suffolk’s highest industrial and commercial energy users in accelerating the pace of decarbonisation - through a unique combination of academic research, supply chain emission reduction expertise and shared best practice.

Major Suffolk employers, including British Sugar and Muntons, are already active members of the Network.

The 17th July conference will review the Network’s achievements in its first year, raise awareness of its work among a broader business and policy audience, and look ahead to its goals for the coming year.

A key feature of the event will be a panel discussion on the future of hydrogen as a means of reducing industrial and commercial emissions; a topic of growing interest. The panel will address both the opportunities and significant challenges surrounding hydrogen adoption within energy-intensive sectors.

“This event is an opportunity not only to reflect on progress, but to shape what comes next,” said John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. “This Network exists to drive real change through collaboration, and we’re excited to build on the momentum we've created.”

Cllr Gerald Kelly, chair of the Suffolk Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group added: “We must all do what we can to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; it’s great to see that our High Energy Users’ Network is so committed to leading real and sustainable change”.

The Suffolk High Energy Users’ Network conference is at the Athenaeum, Bury St Edmunds on 17th July from 9:30 to 1:00pm. More information is available here.

An image of the High Energy Users’ Network’s recent site visit to Muntons is attached. Please credit: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.