Liverpool Chamber is working with Liverpool City Council to mark 2009 as Year of the Environment.

Businesses in the city are set to face increasing costs from climate change - not just from more severe and unpredictable weather conditions, but also from a raft of new government legislation which obliges the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% before 2050.

The Chamber believes that businesses will benefit from early action to examine and de-carbonise their operations and facilities. We have therefore launched a new Environment Club - a group of forward-thinking businesses who are committed to reducing carbon emissions arising from their day-to-day activities.

Club members will benefit from discounted access to training on implementing environmental management systems within their companies. This will substantially reduce the cost, time and effort for firms wishing to achieve professionally accredited standards such as the BS 8555 and ISO 14001.

Skillworks funding (up to 60%) may also be available to members subject to a successful assessment of eligibility.

The Environment Club also intends to host a range of events in order to provide members with opportunities for networking and sharing best practice.

Joining is completely FREE – please email thegreenedge@liverpoolchamber.org.uk to join or to find out more about the Environment Club.