The UK has pledged to reach net zero by 2050. Achieving a low carbon economy will be key to this success.
Business and industry account for 25% of the UK's territorial greenhouse gas emissions. Just under half of these are generated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) - businesses who employ less than 250 people.
Tackling climate change is everyone's business and we all have an important role to play in the UK's net zero journey.
For employers, tackling climate change has become a key part of protecting their businesses. There are many benefits to doing so, as tackling climate change can:
We hope that the following information proves helpful to you.
Solar for Business is a new pilot partnership between Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, and West Suffolk Council. The pilot's aim is to help businesses save money, and reduce carbon emissions.
Solar for Business has been running successfully in West Suffolk for nine years, and has helped more than a hundred companies to save a total of around £700,000 and 2,000 tonnes in harmful CO2 emissions per year.
The initiative has been extended, and businesses across Babergh and Mid Suffolk are able to sign up to the scheme.
Businesses can have solar panels installed free of charge, which will then generate electricity sold at a lower rate than their current tariff.
To be eligible, your business will need to have a minimum electricity consumption of 5,000kWh per year. For a firm that pays 25p/kWh, this would mean electricity bills of around £1250 a year.
To learn more, or to apply, please:
Before you look to make reductions, it is important to know the greenhouse gas emissions that your business produces.
By doing this, you'll be able to understand the impact your business is causing, and you will know the areas that you need to prioritise.
Carbon Trust have created a number of useful resources for businesses. All guides come with background detail and clear instruction on how to use them.
You can download Carbon Trust's guide to carbon footprinting for businesses.
The UK Business Climate Hub is a collaboration between the government, businesses, and business groups across the UK. It's the partner of the SME Climate Hub - a global initiative which empowers SMEs to take climate action.
Via the hub, you can access advice and support to help reduce your energy bills, and cut carbon emissions. There is advice about topics like:
Groundwork East offer free and impartial advice to Suffolk-based businesses, about how they can achieve net zero. They have already supported over a thousand businesses and community organisations throughout the East of England region.
They can help you with:
You can email Groundwork East or phone 01473 350370.
Joining the Carbon Charter is a clear statement of your commitment to reduce the environmental impact of your operations.
Since its launch (by Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency), more than 700 organisations have become members.
Every member has been independently assessed for sustainability, and recognised for the progress they are making towards becoming more sustainable.
As a member, you are able to use the Carbon Charter logo on your website(s), marketing materials, proposals and tenders.
The Carbon Charter will help you to develop your strategy to reach Net Zero carbon. We will support you to calculate your carbon footprint and help you to develop a clear action plan with concrete, practical steps along the way.