Free Net Zero support available for Suffolk SMEs
We are all aware of the big consumer brands making big ‘net zero’ commitments, but sometimes it can be hard to understand what net zero means for SMEs and how smaller businesses can rise to the net zero challenge. Businesses that proactively embark on this net zero journey can reap numerous benefits, including an enhanced reputation, increased investment opportunities, improved resilience, a competitive edge, and reduced operational costs.
With new UK government and NHS procurement requirements for companies to have Carbon Reduction Plans in place, a net zero commitment is increasingly a requirement for SMEs to secure new business.
Free support is available to Suffolk’s SMEs, provided by Groundwork East, to calculate their carbon footprint and to create a decarbonisation plan. Visit: https://carboncharter.org/suffolk-business-consultancy/ for details for more information and examples of the net zero actions that businesses in Suffolk are making already.
Five key cost-effective steps that Suffolk SMEs should be taking to reduce emissions and get to net zero:
Measure your carbon footprint
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. By understanding which of your actions generate the most carbon, you can focus on the areas with the biggest potential impact.
Start by looking at your onsite energy consumption and your mileage (Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions) and then move on to your value chain. There’s currently free bespoke support available for Suffolk businesses to calculate their carbon emissions (see details below).
Put an end to wasted heat (and cooling)
Increases and uncertainty in gas and electricity prices over recent years has emphasised the need for businesses to use energy more efficiently. The most cost-effective step to take is usually to reduce unnecessary heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Insulation is key to this – whether in your roof, walls or by upgrading to double – or triple-glazed windows.
Eliminate draughts as well by fixing leaky windows and doors, and make sure these are never left open unnecessarily. The payback for roof insulation can be as little as one to two years and draughtproofing just a matter of months.
Low energy = low cost
To reduce electricity use, make sure you have switched to LED lighting (or do as lamps fail) and consider whether low-use areas would benefit from occupancy sensors. Switching to LEDs and installing sensors can save up to 70% in lighting costs.
If you use electricity for heating, switching from electric radiators to efficient air-source heat pumps or radiant heaters (which heat the person, rather than the room) can also make significant savings.
Travel green or stay put!
We all got used to holding virtual meetings during the pandemic. Don’t stop this now!
Work out how much you can expect to save as a result of avoided travel – in both pounds and carbon emissions – and implement a policy to avoid non-essential travel.
Where you need to move people or things, consider upgrading to an electric vehicle. Although initial purchase costs can be higher than petrol or diesel vehicles, make sure you take into account all the on-going savings you’ll be making through reduced fuel costs and maintenance, road tax and avoidance of emissions charging.
If you’re not ready to make the switch to electric just yet, vehicle tracking, route planning and driver training can also have significant impacts on efficiency of the travel that you do need to make.
Generate your own electricity
The cost of installing solar panels to generate free and zero carbon electricity has come down significantly over the past few years, and with higher energy costs the payback period has shortened even more.
When installed with battery storage you can also make use of energy generated when you’re not working, as well as cheaper off-peak tariffs. Or you can sell back excess energy to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.
The best way to get to net zero is to start making easy changes now and build on those. Contact us for FREE Net Zero Support!