Is your business on target to reach net zero by 2050?
Helping you navigate and fund net zero
As the government focuses on reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases by 2050, there’s been increasing talk about net zero, especially among smaller businesses.
Research shows that smaller businesses are a significant source of emissions in the UK, responsible for 50% of all business-driven emissions. While 57% of smaller businesses know the government’s 2050 net zero target, 76% have yet to implement a strategy to reduce their emissions.
Businesses of any size can take various steps to become sustainable and reduce carbon emissions, such as:
Operations
This includes insulating your premises, encouraging employees to use alternative transportation, engaging employees, reducing waste, and minimising energy usage.
Products and services
This involves using products made from sustainable materials, ensuring sustainable waste management, and working with sustainable suppliers.
Distribution
Using packaging made from recycled materials, utilising electric vehicles, and consolidating and minimising deliveries.
Embracing Net Zero
Businesses that embrace net zero can benefit in various ways, including improving their reputation, reducing costs, and safeguarding their operations from dependence on fluctuating energy supplies.
If you need help figuring out where to start, Footprint Recycling can help. We can provide a net zero baseline and reduction strategy.
The development of a net zero strategy will involve a comprehensive assessment of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions:
Scope 1 emissions
These are ‘direct emissions’ from owned or controlled sources such as gas boilers, diesel generators, and company-owned vehicles.
Scope 2 emissions
These relate to ‘indirect’ emissions resulting from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling.
Scope 3 emissions
This includes all ‘other indirect’ emissions not covered in Scope 2, produced by a value/supply chain, including both upstream (customer) and downstream (supplier) emissions.
After we assess your current emissions, we will create a plan to reach net zero emissions within an agreed-upon time frame. We will also assist in sourcing any relevant grant schemes available to support businesses financially in achieving net zero. Each year, we will compare your emissions to show your progress in reducing them.
Benefits to your business
Adopting net zero strategies may help improve the environment, grow a business, save money, and boost resilience.
Reduced costs
Your business can lower utility bills by using renewable energy sources. You can do this by installing solar panels or switching to a green energy plan. Analysing how your business uses energy can help cut costs. Switching to electric vehicles can also reduce costs if your business operates in low-emission zones in major cities. Reducing waste, recycling, and sending zero waste to landfills can also reduce costs.
Business Reputation
Using carbon-neutral practices can improve your business’s reputation. Research by the Carbon Trust shows that customers expect companies to make ethical decisions. Small businesses can be sustainable by participating in carbon offsetting, sourcing materials locally, reducing emissions from transportation, and minimising landfill waste.
Attracting investment
Investors and shareholders seeking companies with a long-term sustainable strategy may find a net zero business appealing.
Security and resilience
Aiming for net zero can help your small business be more resilient during market or national disruptions. For example, electric vehicles can protect your business from increasing fuel costs. Similarly, using alternative energy sources like solar or wind can help protect your business from unexpected rises in energy costs.
Competitive edge
Knowing and reducing your carbon footprint could give you a competitive advantage over other businesses. Some customers are increasingly interested in businesses’ sustainability credentials, from product packaging to produce’s carbon footprint.
If you would like to have a chat or help to achieve your net zero goals get in touch.
RESOURCES
Funding and grants for carbon net zero
Finding funding for carbon net zero projects can be challenging. However, there are various pots of funding and support available throughout the country. Many local councils offer some kind of net zero grant programmes, so it’s worth checking in your local area. It’s also worth checking Crown Commercial Gov – grants and funding opportunities from across the government.
Funding opportunities can also be found through other government funding programmes.
Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener
This strategy sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050.
Parliament Research Briefing
The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This briefing provides an overview of the background context for net zero, the plans in place to reach this goal, and current progress.
Deloitee – The Sustainable Consumer 2023
Adoption of more sustainable lifestyles continues to grow, but sustainable choices need to be made more affordable and widely accessible for consumers to contribute to the net zero transition.