UK businesses can now access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions from the newly launched (14 August) UK Business Climate Hub.
Managed by the Broadway Initiative, the hub has been developed in partnership with associations such as the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors, with support so far from the British Business Bank, HSBC, NatWest, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid and National Grid. It is the UK partner of the global non-profit, SME Climate Hub, which empowers small and medium-sized enterprises to take climate action throughout their value chain.
The hub offers businesses a free carbon calculator and detailed advice on a variety of topics, such as sourcing products from green suppliers, reducing emissions from freight and logistics, and installing solar panels and EV charging points. These tools and resources are designed to help businesses measure, track, and report on their emissions, and save money by using less energy.
“The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero, and we’re determined to empower them to do so,” said Graham Stuart, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. “The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.”
The new support from the government is aimed at the 5.5 million small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK, which account for around 99.9% of the business population and 25% of emissions. Research has shown that most SMEs recognise that sustainability is important, but they find a lack of knowledge makes it difficult to know how to reduce their carbon footprint, such as scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The government hopes that the UK Business Climate Hub can help businesses find the right solutions to reduce their emissions.
Examples of advice offered include switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company electric vehicles, achieving low-carbon product labels and certifications, buying credible carbon offsets, and reducing waste and recycling.
“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.” said Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses.
The sense in sustainability
Sustainability is no longer seen as just a nice-to-have, but a clear mark of success, offering several key benefits. Research shows that companies that adopt sustainable practices can benefit from a better reputation with consumers, attracting and retaining employees, reducing overheads, and reducing risks. For example, switching to LED bulbs can save up to 40% on electricity costs, which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
SMEs can also find support for their sustainability journeys from a variety of tools, including non-profit Bcorp and FuturePlus’s self-management tool. These tools can help businesses develop the skills they need to achieve deep emission reductions. This sentence provides more detail about the types of tools that are available to SMEs. It also uses the passive voice, which can be helpful for making a list of items.
You can read the full press release here.
