Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is launching an initiative to empower businesses in the borough to embrace sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

Called Action Zero, the project is a collaboration with Wenta, a business support service provider, which will work with the council to drive environmental sustainability in the business community.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, council leader and executive member for Climate Change, said: "Action on climate change is one of our priorities and we are proud to have launched the FREE Welwyn Hatfield Action Zero Gold programme.

"Hearing the testimonials from local businesses, it is clear the programme is having a positive impact already."

Councillor Pankit Shah, mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, said the initiative gives free resources, guidance and skills training support.

Andrea Boughton, creative director of Beehive Green, said: "In 2022, I put my stake in the ground to declare I put people and planet before profit. This guiding principle shapes my business and positively contributes to the world around me.

"Now, in 2024 I am continuing my journey with the Action Zero programme and look forward to completing my carbon footprint in due course.”

Michael Martin, head of Net Zero and Business Advice Team at Wenta, said the initiative aims not just at reducing carbon footprint, but fostering a culture of sustainability.

Dean Ezekiel, co-founder of HelloFace, said: “Our journey with HelloFace has been incredible, going from strength to strength with the benefits of the Welwyn Hatfield Action Zero programme, working towards ISO 9001 and 14001."