The UK government has announced the launch of a new service to help Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs save on their energy bills while reducing their emissions.
The UK Business Climate Hub 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. The site offers detailed advice on everything 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.
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 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.
Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, said: “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.
“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.
“Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.”
Sustainability strategist Laimonas Noreika, CEO of HeavyFinance, said: “This hub will play a crucial role in enabling Britain’s businesses to take meaningful action against the climate change emergency.
“Far too many SMEs are keen to go green but lack the practical advice and financial support to make it happen. From office blocks, to farmyards, company owners across all industries are in urgent need of guidance to cut carbon emissions and build a cleaner, greener business.
“This new scheme is a step in the right direction and will help business owners across the country to develop long term sustainable strategies that will assist the UK in its journey towards net zero.”
Entrepreneur Steven Mooney, CEO at FundMyPitch, added: “One of the biggest barriers to SMEs cutting emissions is cost, with many struggling to find a credible strategy to go green without breaking the bank.
“At a time when interest rates are surging and inflation remains stubbornly high, this new hub offers invaluable guidance to empower entrepreneurs to build a truly effective green strategy. The vast majority of company owners will always go the extra mile to build responsible, environmentally friendly businesses, but they also need access to finance and support to turn their dreams into reality.”
As well as helping bosses measure and report on their emissions, the site provides advice and support on an array of things, including: switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company EVs, getting business grants, green loans and financing for a retrofit, reducing emissions from farming and land use, buying credible carbon offsets and reducing waste and recycling.