WINTER 2021 NET ZERO WINNING THE RACE TO NET ZERO Moves are afoot to achieve a carbonneutral UK economy by 2050 and the FSB wants to ensure small businesses arent left out of the big picture All eyes were on Glasgow in November, as world leaders came together at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) to commit to urgent action to tackle the climate emergency. It was the first such conference since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, so the focus was firmly on how recovery can be fuelled by greener solutions. Small firms want to play their part in the transition to a net-zero economy, but they dont have the same resources as big corporates to devote to the issue and often dont know where to start. Net zero wont be possible, however, without a greater focus from policy-makers on the crucial role that 5.6 million small businesses and the self-employed will need to play. As governments, cities and businesses across the globe work towards carbon neutrality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is supporting small business owners and the self-employed to understand how to play their part and get started. Green credentials Many business owners have had to focus on survival over the past 18 months or so, but the drive to reduce carbon emissions is gathering momentum. Thankfully, there are many easy changes firms can make that will help both the environment and their bottom line from switching off equipment when its not in use to moving to a green energy supplier; such simple steps will all add up. There are many easy changes firms can make that will help both the environment and their bottom line Increasingly, having good green credentials is important to customers, staff, and the general public, so it doesnt hurt to be ahead of the curve. Were all aware of the move towards electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and cut the need for fossil fuels. The technology and charging infrastructure is improving all the time, but more needs to be done to give businesses and motorists the confidence to switch. The ubiquity of videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many meetings can be held virtually, but some business travel will always be needed. With a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars starting in 2030, small business owners will have to look to less-polluting vehicles, so a scrappage scheme would be a big boost in this regard. In the meantime, businesses can use technology and common sense to reduce the amount of fuel they use. Artificial intelligence tools can plan the most efficient routes, for example, while removing unneeded equipment from vehicles will lower fuel consumption. Help is at hand The governments SME Climate Hub has a range of tools and advice to help small businesses further along the road to net zero. There is also free advice on the Zero Carbon Business Portal, created by the FSB with other business organisations and energy networks, and the FSBs sustainability hub. Numerous green grants are also available to small businesses, although many of them are administered by local authorities rather than centrally, which can be confusing for small businesses that dont have the time or resources to track down all the rebates and grants to which they might be entitled. The FSB has suggested to policy-makers that a central listing split by area and covering all four UK nations would be extremely helpful. Reporting on CO2 emissions is something else with which small-business owners would like help, as it requires transparency in every part of the supply chain, and could be difficult for them to deliver. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses, Image: iStock / elenabs The green agenda doesnt have to be a headache, however; approached correctly, it can help save money and time, while burnishing a businesss reputation. Its definitely worth the effort to engage. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service