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Net Zero

Net Zero is becoming increasingly important to businesses. Clean economic growth is the national headline priority, and the Government has pledged £12bn investment in its 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, aiming to attract approximately three times as much private investment and up to 250,000 jobs.

This page will signpost local businesses to useful tools and resources, as well as free support programmes that can help their operations get closer to net zero.


Why is this important?

Consumers are increasingly making spending choices based on climate impact and sustainability

Research funded by Innovate UK shows that 74% of people think that climate change is a global emergency, and in 2019 BCG found that 75% of consumers view sustainability as extremely or very important when purchasing fashion. Research from around the world agrees that sustainability and climate impact are becoming greater factors for consumers when deciding what product or service they purchase.

Large companies recognise this and are leading the way in showcasing their green credentials to consumers. Examples include Amazon’s $2 billion climate pledge and Apple’s commitment to 100% carbon neutrality by 2030.

Low carbon credentials are becoming increasingly important in supply chain opportunities

As larger companies face increasing legislative pressure and react to consumer trends, they are seeking to make their supply chains greener to reduce their own carbon footprint.

Net Zero and sustainability requirements are increasingly mandated in private and public procurement. For example, through their ‘climate Change Procurement Principles’, BT takes energy consumption and environmental impact into account when making decisions on suppliers and requires that any replacement supplier has lower energy consumption and environmental impact than their predecessor.

Green innovations, adaptations and new technologies offer increasing efficiency and profitability to businesses

While further innovations and new technologies are needed to help businesses and society reach Net Zero, there are increasingly affordable technologies and adaptations available today that can reduce your business’s carbon footprint, while also delivering financial savings and productivity increases.

Investments such as insulating your premises or producing your own energy from solar or wind are investments that can deliver long-term savings in heating and energy bills. Similarly, using electric vehicles for your business can considerably reduce your running costs, with electric vehicles running for as little as 1p per mile, compared to 7-8p per mile for the most efficient petrol and diesel vehicles. You can also take advantage of government subsidies which include plug-in grants when purchasing the vehicles, and the Workplace Charging Scheme which provides grants for installing charging points.

Start now: Calculate the carbon footprint of your business

Start now by calculating the carbon footprint of your business with  the SME Carbon Footprint Calculator from The Carbon Trust. You will need details of your:

  • Petrol/diesel fuel consumption in litres
  • Electricity consumption in kWh
  • Natural gas consumption in kWh or m3

What can you do?

SME Climate Hub

Website

The SME Climate Hub has a range of useful tools and resources to help you reduce your emissions and future proof your business.

Find out more

Planet Mark

Accreditation

Planet Mark accredited businesses make a 12% cut in absolute carbon emissions per year.

Find out more

Carbon Calculator

Tool

Calculate your businesses corporate carbon emissions and reduce your carbon footprint.

Find out more

Clean Growth UK

Network

Access university equipment and expertise to develop new products and grow your green business. Free and subsidised business support is also available, and access to regional grants.

Find out more

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

Scheme

Apply for Workplace Charging Scheme vouchers to get a discount on buying and installing electric vehicle charge points at your workplace.

Find out more

Our Partners and Net Zero

Clean Growth South East

Opergy supporting partners at Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership in the design and delivery of an exciting pilot programme to support Clean Growth businesses across the South East.

Find out more

Federation of Small Businesses

Explore the Small Business Sustainability Hub on the FSB website. Find out how FSB can help your business grow while shrinking its carbon footprint.

Find out more

Green Growth Platform

The University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform.

The South East Hub of Clean Growth UK, an award-winning green business-innovation network on a mission to help create robust, future-proof businesses that minimise their impact on the planet.

Find out more

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