Achieving net zero isn’t just the responsibility of large corporations. While your small business might not have the same level of resources as larger corporations, you can still make a difference. Every business, regardless of its size, has a part to play in building a greener future.
Learn how your small business can help in our net zero business guide.
What does net zero mean?
Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases released and the greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere. This can be achieved through a variety of methods including investing in renewable energy resources, utilising energy saving technologies and embracing environmentally friendly practices. It involves setting ambitious emission targets and promoting sustainable habits for businesses across all industries. The lower the emissions produced, the easier it becomes to achieve the net zero balance.
What is the net zero 2050 target?
In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to commit to being net zero by 2050. This target requires the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% compared to 1990 levels, to effectively balance the amount of gases released with the amount removed from the atmosphere.
The net zero target aligns with the temperature goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. It aims to keep global temperature increases below 2°C, and if possible 1.5°C. Keeping to the net zero target and Paris Agreement is considered crucial to limit global warming.
How can small businesses reduce emissions?
Small businesses have the power to make a positive difference to the environment. Here are some of the ways that you can reduce your carbon emissions and contribute to net zero.
Switch to renewable electricity
Switching to a renewable electricity supplier is a quick and easy way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint. With a fixed-price energy plan from SSE, your business can receive 100% renewable electricity.1 You can even choose to receive your electricity from a wind farm close to your business, showing that you are committed to sustainability and local communities.
Avoid energy waste
Using less energy can reduce both your environmental impact and your operating costs. Start by monitoring how much energy you use and identifying where you can save energy. With a smart meter, you can effectively measure energy usage across your small business, with automatic readings and accurate billings.
Use electric vehicles
Using electric vehicles can help to reduce the carbon emissions and air pollutants released into the atmosphere. Installing EV charge points at your business can encourage sustainable choices. You can even use renewable electricity to power the charge points, minimising the environmental impact of commuting to work.
Cut carbon from your supply chain
Cutting carbon from your supply chain can significantly improve the sustainability of your small business. This can include analysing your transportation methods, energy sources and waste management practices, to identify areas that have high carbon emissions. If you manufacture products, you can even consider where your materials are sourced from.
How can business owners reduce carbon emissions?
Small business owners have the potential to make a lasting impact on the people and environment around them. Here are some of the ways that you can use your position as a business owner to build a greener future.
1) Adjust your mindset
As a society, we all need to change our attitude toward energy consumption to achieve net zero. As a small business owner, you can lead the way and help to encourage this mindset shift at every level of your business.
2) Join a task force
The net zero targets can vary depending on the type of business you own. It can be a good idea to join an industry-specific task force to help you make the changes you need. For example, the British Retail Consortium Climate Action Roadmap is a net zero initiative for retail businesses.
3) Make a commitment
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the products and services they purchase. By making a net zero commitment, you can act as an advocate for sustainability within your industry, enhancing your brand and strengthening your consumer relationships.
How we can support your small business
At SSE, we are here to help small businesses achieve net zero. Here are some of the ways that we can improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of your business.
Renewable electricity
Our electricity comes from our very own wind farms and hydro plants. With our renewable electricity, you can report zero carbon emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Cut your carbon footprint with renewable electricity from SSE.
Find out more about our renewable electricity.
Smart meters
Smart meters are transforming the way we use energy. With a smart meter, you can access all your energy data at your fingertips. With automatic and accurate meter readings, improve the energy efficiency of your small business with SSE.
Find out more about our smart meters.
Energy audits
Energy audits are a great place to start on your journey to net zero. With the help of a qualified assessor, you can gain insight into your current energy consumption and possible energy conservation measures. We can even provide you with estimated costs and projected savings, helping to build your commercial case for change.
Find out more about our energy audits.
Energy management platform
Energy management platforms can provide you with complete control of your energy. Using data from your smart meter, SSE Clarity brings together a suite of tools to help you measure, manage and forecast your business’s energy usage.
Find out more about SSE Clarity.
Electric vehicle charging
Electric vehicle charging can help your business on the road to net zero. From a couple of stations to a complete network, we can provide you with a scalable vehicle charging solution. Invest in the sustainability of your business with SSE.
Find out more about our EV charging solutions.
Energy efficiency advice
Making a few small changes can make a big difference to the sustainability of your business. Our energy experts can provide you with specialist advice, helping to reduce the environmental impact of your business. We can even offer sector specific advice, addressing the unique challenges that your business faces.
Find out more about our support services.
Join us in reaching net zero
For further information on improving the sustainability of your business, contact our team. We hope you will join us in building a greener future and reaching net zero.
- All our renewable electricity is sourced from wind and hydro assets wholly or partly owned by SSE Renewables, our sister company in the SSE Group. With SSE renewable electricity, you’ll continue to get your electricity through the national grid as normal, and we’ll match your consumption to REGOs from the SSE Group’s generating assets.