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Net Zero Hub: Resources and advice for businesses

homesmall business sustainability

Start your journey to net zero

Reaching net zero can feel like an ambitious goal for businesses. However, it is achievable with the right approach. By taking small steps, such as improving efficiency and reducing waste, you can make steady progress towards your goal. Sharing updates with your employees, customers and stakeholders can keep you on track, while encouraging others to join you in reaching net zero.

To help you get started on your journey, we’ve put together useful resources and practical tools to support you every step of the way.

Calculate your carbon footprint

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The first step is to calculate your carbon footprint, providing you with a clear picture of your current emission levels.

To make the process easier, we have a free tool that can quickly assess your emissions, helping you to identify improvement areas and set achievable targets for reducing your environmental impact. It takes just two minutes to use our tool, providing you with almost immediate results.

Take steps to improve your sustainability

Once you understand your emissions, you can plan your next steps towards net zero. This can include upgrading your equipment, reviewing your supply chain or investing in renewable energy solutions. With our list of resources, you can learn about sustainable practices and make informed decisions for your business.

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What is net zero? A small business guide

The term net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere and those taken out.

Read the full article to find out more about net zero and the steps you can take to become a net zero company.

Keep reading

Small business grants: A list of sustainable funding opportunities

There are several organisations across the UK offering financial support, incentives and loans to businesses taking steps to become more eco-friendly.

We've compiled a list of those organisations to help your small business on the road to net zero.

Discover the latest funding
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How to conduct a business energy audit

A business energy audit should be first on the agenda when you want to save energy and cut costs. Essentially, an energy audit looks at your current energy consumption and pinpoints specific areas to improve.

Here, we explain everything a small business owner needs to know about energy audits.

Learn about business energy audits
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How to set a carbon reduction strategy

After measuring your carbon emissions using our free carbon footprint calculator, you can begin to plan to reduce these emissions in an affordable and effective way.

This guide explains how you can set a carbon reduction strategy for your small business.

Go to the guide

Peak energy demand: How to manage your business’s energy

Have you ever experienced a power cut?

If so, it may have been caused by peak energy demand. For businesses, this can lead to disrupted operations, reduced productivity and potential financial losses. That's why managing your energy is essential to avoiding these risks, protecting your business from costly disruptions.

Find out how to manage your energy and avoid these risks in this guide.

Read the guide
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The circular economy business model

Everyone’s talking about the transition to a circular economy.

Here, we explain what the circular economy is and discuss the benefits it can bring for small businesses. Plus, we’ll highlight some successful circular business models, and give practical insights for implementing circular practices within your business operations and supply chain.

Advice for SMEs
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Understanding the basics of biodiversity

The decline in biodiversity causes a number of problems for businesses of all sizes.

This guide explains why it’s important for small businesses to understand the biodiversity crisis and how doing your bit for biodiversity conservation is not only good for the environment, but also makes good business sense.

Learn the basics
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How to make your small business more sustainable

Being sustainable is good for business. It makes you more attractive to employees and investors and can also save you money in the long term. And the good thing is, becoming a sustainable business might not be as difficult or expensive as you think.

Here, we explain what a sustainable business is and offer some tips and advice to help your small business become more sustainable.

Learn more
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Sustainable business practices that could save you money

There are lots of relatively simple projects that can be easily implemented and – best of all – many can bring deliver immediate, long-term cost savings and give your business a competitive edge.

Here are some of the best ways for small and medium-sized businesses to put sustainability into practice.

Read the guide
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Sustainability in your supply chain: A small business guide

Making your supply chain more sustainable will not only lower your business’s environmental impact, but also makes good financial sense too.

In this guide, explain why sustainability in your business supply chain is important and how to introduce sustainable practices.

Learn more
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Why your small business should choose renewable energy

Energy is essential to keep your business’s wheels turning. But the type of energy you buy and how you use it can impact your whole business. From bills and sales, to employees and your reputation - energy matters.

Read this blog to learn more about the wider business and economics benefits of going green.

Go to the blog
Several electric vehicles parked closely together.

A small business guide to electric vehicles (EV)

Business owners might have more things to consider than the average driver when it comes to transitioning to EVs. Whether your business has one vehicle or an entire fleet, you’ll need to think about the nature of your work and your local authority’s policies.

This guide explains everything business owners need to know about electric vehicles.

Read the EV guide
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How to promote your business’s sustainability on social media

Promoting your business on social media and showcasing your green credentials can be an effective way to attract and retain customers who share your values.

Here are some tips for using social media for marketing your business's sustainability goals and claims.

Get social media savvy
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How to engage employees on your net zero journey

Whether you want to get your company to cut down on travel, or turn off unnecessary electrical appliances, it’s much easier to become a sustainable business if you have the support of your employees.

Read the article

Join other businesses on their journey

Many businesses have already started working towards net zero. By learning from their experiences, you can find useful tips, avoid common mistakes and discover new ideas to adopt on your journey.