The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a new UK Business Climate Hub to help SME’s become more sustainable, with advice and support to reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
The UK Business Climate Hub, which launched on Monday, includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy.
It will act as a “one-stop-shop” for businesses looking for practical advice to help reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy bills, offering advice from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Simple measures can have a significant impact both on energy consumption and the bottom line, such as switching to LED bulbs which shave 40% off bills, with up to half of companies’ overall electricity bills coming from lighting.
The new support is aimed particularly at 5.5 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK, with business and industry accounting for around 25% of emissions.
Research from Sage and the International Chamber of Commerce shows that 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
Studies also show 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a business with a reputation for sustainability, meaning going green can help grow the economy.
What is Net Zero?
The Government’s main climate change policy document is the Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener) which was published on 19 October 2021 (updated April 2022). It set out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the Government’s net zero target by 2050.
National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague, has welcomed the new hub saying it will provide businesses with trusted tools and information to help them navigate the net zero transition.
He explains: “SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part.
“In addition to helping small firms become more energy and resource efficient, the hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy,” he adds.
The new site is endorsed by business leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council and comes as the organisation calls on business representative organisations across the country to take concerted action to plan to reduce their members’ emissions.
The group, comprising CEOs from leading companies including Co-op, HSBC, Siemens and Cemex, have developed a new business roadmap framework to help empower businesses to work with others in their sector to create tailored action plans for their own industry to decarbonise.
Co-Chair of the Net Zero Council, Co-op Group Chief Executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, says: “None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key.
“I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour,” he adds.
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