ABOUT
Why SSBN Was Created
South Yorkshire is home to a vibrant mix of industries, SMEs, academic institutions, and public sector organisations. Yet many businesses face real barriers to engaging with sustainability. From confusing terminology to limited resources, the path to net zero can feel overwhelming.
The Forum was created to change that. It’s a collaborative space where businesses can access practical support, share experiences, and help shape a regional response to climate challenges. It’s about making sustainability achievable, not aspirational.
Through myth-busting content, plain-language glossaries, and real-world case studies, we aim to make sustainability accessible to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.
We’re bringing together voices from across a range of sectors to co-create solutions and unlock the power of partnership to help businesses move from intention to implementation.
Why This Matters to Sheffield Businesses
Sheffield has bold ambitions to be a Green City. But achieving that vision requires every business to play a role. The Forum is designed to support that journey whether you’re just starting out or already leading the way.
By participating, businesses can:
- Break down barriers to action.
- Gain clarity on sustainability requirements.
- Connect with peers and experts.
- Contribute to shaping the region’s future.
We hope you can join us.
Our Sponsor
Arup is an independent, employee-owned firm of designers, engineers, planners, and consultants working across the built environment. Founded on the principles of Total Architecture by Ove Arup, we bring multidisciplinary thinking to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable, integrated solutions. Arup have been based in Sheffield since 1957 and we are a key part of the city’s business community.
Arup believe that decarbonisation is not just a global imperative it’s a local opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to be working alongside the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and a diverse group of regional partners to launch the Sheffield Sustainable Business Network. We see the Forum as a catalyst for change, one that aligns with our values and our mission to shape a better world. We’re not just supporting it; we’re helping to build it.
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Useful Resources
Sheffield City Council – Business and Economy Decarbonisation Routemap
The decarbonisation routemap is your guide to reducing energy costs and improving how your business runs.
The routemap is a business-led plan, develop by Sheffield City council in partnership with Sheffield businesses and supported by this network and other city partners.
The routemap sets out practical actions to help businesses reduce emissions, improve efficiency and support Sheffield’s transition to a low carbon economy.
It has been shaped through workshops, interviews and collaboration with organisations across the city, ensuring it reflects real business challenges and opportunities.
Sheffield Sustainable Business Network – Dictionary
Sheffield Sustainable Business Network have created a dictionary of terms so you always have a clear understanding of terminology and can keep up in the conversation.
Sheffield Sustainable Business Network – Myth Buster
What is the truth?
Sheffield Sustainable Business Network have created a 2-page document to debunk myths around sustainability and Net-Zero.
Green Circle Solutions – A Glossary for terms for sustainability
We all love a good acronym or abbreviation but in the world of sustainability the all the jargon can get a little confusing.
Welcome to the Glossary of Terms. A document put together by the Forum and Green Circle Solutions so you are in the know.
British Chambers of Commerce – Green Innovation
A BCC survey found a quarter of firms (24%) reported being hit by severe weather events in 2024.
But Chambers of Commerce are leading the way. Our Network is developing green innovation accelerators and supply chains, providing training and support on net zero to drive our economy.
This hub contains policies, advice and resources developed by the BCC to help firms better understand how to get to net zero and the opportunities it can present.
Visit the Green Innovation Hub
Sheffield Sustainability Network The Network has a bank of resources, they give a brief summary and link out to a main source for most of the resources
Green Circle Solution hosts links to a number of resources to support businesses on their sustainability journey.
If you have a solution you would like to share, please get in touch.
Case Studies
