A recent study showed that one in five businesses (22%) don’t fully understand the term ‘Net Zero’ and often face multiple barriers to addressing climate change including lack of information and lack of finance to support action. What’s more, many of the existing frameworks and guidelines for sustainability reporting do not cater to the needs of SMEs.
It’s important that SMEs have a clear way to demonstrate their climate leadership.
The recommendation within the CDP SME consultation for SMEs to build up reporting capabilities over 3 years provides a long timeframe for SMEs to disclose, however we’ve seen from our experience working with SMEs using the 4 R’s framework that this can be done much quicker.
Within a year we expect SMEs to be able to:
Review – You will have a complete carbon footprint covering all your direct emissions as well as the ones you are responsible for through your purchasing & value chain.
Reduce – You will have analysed your carbon footprint, highlighted the carbon intense elements of your portfolio & started to act on reducing these through your Net Zero action plan developed with a Net Zero Consultant.
Renew – You will develop a greater understanding of your role & evolution within a Net Zero economy: How you fit into the circular economy, what renewable & future technology fits with you & timelines for implementation.
Rebalance – After developing & rolling out your Net Zero action plan, you will look into rebalancing your emissions. This allows you to understand how you align to climate science, demonstrating climate leadership to your customers, investors, peers & all other stakeholders.
Visit the Net Zero Club website today to find out more about our digital consultancy services for SMEs, designed with affordability and accessibility in mind. Whether you are just getting started and want to understand your carbon footprint, or need specialised support in tackling your Scope 3 emissions, the Net Zero Club provides a range of memberships to fit all small and medium sized businesses.
Get in touch with us at support@netzeroclub.com if you would like to hear more about it.
Written By Laura Cristea 
In the landscape of modern businesses, the finance function has transitioned from a mere support role to a vital driver of success. In this article, we delve into what this means for us at Energise, our B Corp status, and the wider scope of business.
Our sector strategy team have delivered an innovative Cost of Net Zero Calculator tool, alongside a report that explains the cost of achieving Net Zero for the entire sector, in collaboration with and funded by professional education bodies and from the Department for Education.
Our science-based target is now approved! Energise’s science-based target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative and we are very proud to join
