On Wednesday 4th June, members of the Ripon business community gathered at Ripon Racecourse to hear how local organisations are making environmentally friendly changes that also reduce costs and improve profits.
The event was organised by Ripon Together’s Eco Team, working in partnership with Ripon Races and Ripon BID, and was generously sponsored by Oasis Energy.
The afternoon opened with a brief introduction to Ripon Together and its new initiative, the Uredale Community Partnership, highlighting how local collaboration is helping to make Ripon a better place to live and work.
A series of short, practical presentations followed:
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Mike Kaye demonstrated how businesses can use data to manage energy consumption and reduce both carbon footprint and overheads.
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Louisa Scott shared the National Trust’s sustainability strategy at Fountains Abbey, which includes stakeholder collaboration, waste reduction, smart water usage, and solar panels with an expected 11-year payback.
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James Bradley of Newby Hall explained how their water turbine contributes significantly to their electricity supply.
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Ian Shelton described Swinton Estate’s comprehensive environmental approach across its 20,000 acres, including biomass heating, a planned 430kW solar array, and a commitment to plant 60,000 trees over 20 years. Efforts extend to thoughtful waste management, sustainable toiletries, and local food sourcing.
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David Hugill, North Yorkshire’s Climate Change Champion, gave an inspiring overview of regenerative farming, linking sustainability with better animal welfare, soil health, and biodiversity.
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Canon Matthew discussed Ripon Cathedral’s progress, despite the constraints of a historic building. Initiatives include installing double glazing where appropriate, switching to LED lighting, and securing permission for 90 rooftop solar panels.
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Jack Colding from York & North Yorkshire Council closed the session with a helpful summary of current grant opportunities for local businesses.
The event showcased how Ripon businesses and institutions are actively responding to the climate challenge, combining environmental responsibility with practical, cost-effective solutions.
Photo Credit Ben Colson