The Suffolk High Energy User’s Network held its first annual conference at the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds on 17th July 2025, 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 conference reviewed the Network’s achievements in its first year and raised awareness of its work among a broader business and policy audience, and looked  ahead to its goals for the coming year.

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

Conference speakers came from Anglian Water, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, University of Suffolk, British Sugar, Greene King, Mizkan, Groundwork East, Opergy, Sizewell c and Freeport East.

The report looks at a number of most commonly used methodologies used by businesses to measuring carbon footprints. Whilst the use of different types of methodologies appears to make comparisons of emissions by different businesses difficult, the report suggests that use of different methodologies is not a significant issue. Regardless of methodology issues are created when it is not clear what emissions are being measured, if all significant emissions are being measured and if the measurement is consistent and accurate.

The report recommends that GHG Protocol accounting and reporting principles are adhered to, regardless of methodology. It is recognised that adhering to these principles takes times and resources that could arguably be used in taking action to reduce emissions. However, without accurate data about emissions sources it is difficult to know where best to take action.

The full report can be read here

The purpose of the Suffolk HEN Challenge Lab, which was held at Dance East on the Ipswich Waterfront, was to identify ways of overcoming some of the challenges to reducing carbon emissions at a faster rate and to a greater extent than before.

A full report of the challenge lab can be found here

The Suffolk High Energy Users’ Network met at Muntons Plc in Stowmarket on 23rd January to exchange knowledge on reducing energy costs and emissions.

Catherine Ward, Energy Manager at Muntons Plc, said: “Muntons was delighted to host our colleagues from the Suffolk High Energy Users Network to discuss the challenges we all face in decarbonising highly intensive industrial manufacturing processes. For over 10 years, Muntons has been dedicated to reducing our energy use and emissions. As we push towards net zero, it is crucial that we collaborate and share ideas to continue this important work, benefiting both our local and global communities.”

Moving forward, the Suffolk High Energy Users’ Network will be carrying out further research on carbon foot prints and will be organising a workshop with experts, who can help to address some of the challenges that remain in reducing emissions even more and even faster.

The Suffolk High Energy Users’ Network is managed by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East, with funding provided by the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group.

A group of major Suffolk businesses who are at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions, have teamed up with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the University of Suffolk and Groundwork East to do even more to reduce industrial and business carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.

Read the full article here