By 2030, a new partnership hopes to assist smaller businesses in cutting their emissions in half and reaching net zero by 2050.
In an effort to assist UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in cutting their carbon emissions by half by 2030—a move that the two believe would prevent 280 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere—BT today announced a partnership with the UK Business Climate Hub (UKBCH).
Almost half of all non-household emissions are produced by the 5.5 million SMBs in the UK, which account for more than 99 per cent of all businesses in the country. Thus, BT and UKBCH stated that their contribution to addressing the climate crisis is essential to the UK’s prospects of reaching net zero by 2050.
However, nine out of ten smaller businesses would like to address climate change at their company but find it difficult to get started and identify the right tools to mitigate their environmental impacts, according to data cited by the new partners.
Consequently, UKBCH, an industry-government collaborative effort, has officially welcomed BT as a major industry partner and member of its advisory board. The two companies will collaborate to jointly develop a set of actions aimed at enabling small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to meet short-term climate targets.
“We’re excited about the impact we will make together and are delighted to partner with BT,” said Chris Taylor, director of the Broadway Initiative’s net zero program, which oversees the UKBCH.
“With practical advice on how to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs, the UKBCH publishes essential guides for SMBs across a range of industries. To accomplish this, we work closely with our industry partners as well as the government.
“SMBs can reduce costs and emissions and transition to a greener economy with our tools and support—whether it’s a customized net zero plan for individual SMBs, free carbon footprint calculators, or an online training course on cutting emissions—the ultimate win-win.”
In addition to providing guidance on legal requirements for lowering carbon emissions and best practices for motivating staff to develop energy-saving and carbon-reduction initiatives, the partners have released a new guide titled Seven Steps to Sustainability. The guide offers SMBs in all sectors helpful tips for cutting emissions.
Additionally, businesses are urged to commit to halving emissions by 2030, reaching net zero by 2050, and reporting annually on their progress toward these objectives by making a “SME Climate Commitment.”
In order to save energy and lower carbon emissions, UKBCH and BT are urging smaller businesses to measure their current emissions from fuel consumption, electricity use, and business activities. They are also encouraging these businesses to implement new technologies and approaches.
It is also encouraged for businesses in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to find programs or initiatives that will assist in financing their journey toward sustainability, as well as opportunities to lessen their impact throughout their whole value chain.
For assistance in completing these steps, SMBs are urged to visit the UKBCH website, where they can avail themselves of a vast array of complimentary resources, instruments, and guidance.
A lot of BT’s small business customers struggle to find the time, money, or advice to help them prioritize sustainability, according to Chris Sims, managing director of small and medium business at the company.
He continued, “BT has a strong track record of meeting its sustainability goals ever since it set its first carbon reduction target more than 30 years ago.” However, size works in our favor.
“By launching the UK Business Climate Hub, we are starting the process of providing more businesses with free resources and useful advice to help them achieve net zero and lay the groundwork for a greener future.”