Provided by: RS Risk Solutions
Government Launches Initiative to Help SMEs Save Money and Cut Carbon Emissions
On 14th August 2023, the UK government launched a service to help British businesses save money by reducing energy costs and cutting carbon emissions. The new UK Business Climate Hub includes a carbon calculator and other tools to help businesses measure, track and report their emissions. The site also includes detailed advice on sourcing products from greener suppliers, installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points, among other topics.
The new support is aimed particularly at the 5.5 million small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, as business and industry currently account for around 25% of carbon emissions. The hub not only offers help reporting and measuring emissions but provides support for the following:
• Switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company EVs
• Obtaining business grants, green loans and financing for retrofits
• Obtaining air source heat pumps
• Generating green energy with wind turbines and selling it back to the grid
• Reducing emissions from farming and land use
• Buying credible carbon offsets
• Securing low-carbon product labels and certifications
• Reducing waste and recycling
Overall, the government’s hub is designed to act as a “One-stop shop” for businesses that have yet to start making changes towards net zero.
Employer Action
Sustainability is not only a cost effective measure for businesses, but also an important consideration for consumers. In fact, 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from businesses with a reputation for sustainability, according to research and insights company Economist Impact. Therefore, embracing green practices could help differentiate SMEs from their competition.
Visit the UK Business Climate Hub to learn more about reducing emissions, leveraging carbon offsets, reducing waste and recycling.
Contact us today for additional green guidance and cost-cutting solutions.
