Small businesses urged to cut carbon emissions

UK Net Zero Business Champion, Andrew Griffith MP, has sent a letter to industry sectors encouraging smaller businesses to cut emissions in half by 2030 and commit to net zero by 2050.

Businesses in manufacturing, retail and technology have been targeted as part of the government’s “Business Climate Leaders” campaign, launched in advance of the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November 2021.

In the letter, available — here, Griffith says businesses that make a formal pledge to cut carbon emissions will be “joining an international community of thousands of like-minded businesses and will be recognised by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign”.

The letter highlights bespoke information, advice and guidance, relevant to each industry sector.

• Manufacturing — businesses that make greener choices can mean savings on running costs, and also show customers the manufacturing sector continues to be serious about sustainability. Detailed guidance is available at SME Climate Hub — steps to take.
• Retail — the letter references the Retail Sector Council’s Green Guide for SMEs, and the British Retail Consortium’s launch of Climate Action Roadmap, both of which include detailed guidance on ways to reduce emissions.
• Technology — the sector’s Tech Zero Taskforce, which includes 100 of the UK’s leading technology companies, has produced The Tech Zero Toolkit which aims to demystify climate jargon and make it easier for smaller companies to measure their emissions and set a net zero plan.

According to Griffith, UK businesses are leading the way in our efforts to save the planet, generating new jobs and economic opportunities in all parts of the UK.

The letter advises businesses in all industry sectors to sign up to the net zero commitment, ahead of the crucial climate talks in November and says, “climate leaders act as role models inspiring others to take positive action”.