How can small and medium businesses achieve net zero?

As talk of climate change grows increasingly more fervent, achieving net zero emissions has emerged as a target for businesses of all sizes. For small and medium businesses in particular, the roadmap to net zero looks equal parts ambitious and appealing.

It’s no secret that business owners and consumers alike are growing more eco-conscious and these new priorities have been reflected in their professional decisions. For business owners in the vibrant, thriving and environmentally aware city of Brighton, if they can balance greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere, this could not only mitigate environmental damage but also yield tangible business results. Recent collated statistics from Whistl indicate that the rise in eCommerce has led to a surge in consumers purchasing eco-friendly products more regularly, with many willing to pay more for a sustainable product.

While large corporations have dedicated resources for sustainability initiatives, small and medium businesses in Brighton - and across the UK - have unique challenges in front of them. However, proactive steps towards negating emissions are entirely achievable. This short guide aims to empower local businesses with strategies and benefits for embarking on a healthy net zero journey. 

Why is net zero important for small and medium businesses?

On paper, net zero sounds straightforward - when a company’s GHG emissions are counterbalanced by an equivalent amount of emissions removed from the atmosphere through offsetting or carbon capture measures.

The UK has set ambitious targets to reach net zero by 2050, meaning that businesses will need to demonstrate a commitment to achieving these goals to avoid potentially falling behind. Adopting eco-friendly practices, while catering to more eco-conscious consumers, can also be a long-term cost-saving initiative. Creating a circular economy in various business sectors encourages more like-minded eco-friendly purchasing even with eCommerce’s market dominance. For instance, take the used electronics market; over 70% of consumers bought or sold used goods in 2023, driving the trend for reusing electronics and reducing e-waste.

What’s more, businesses with net zero status may be entitled to more funding and sustainability grants soon, thus opening the door to investment, collaboration, and growth. Powerful networking is encouraged here at Brighton Chamber, and having a stamp of net zero on your business branding can pave the way for impactful conversations with prospective clients, stakeholders, and investors.  

Achieving net zero: a step-by-step approach

So how can small and medium businesses in Brighton get started on achieving net zero status?

1. Assess your carbon footprint

The first step is to measure and understand your current GHG emissions using a carbon footprint calculator, for example. This involves auditing various emissions sources, including office heating and cooling, transport emissions, waste management, manufacturing processes, and any other relevant activities. Establishing your current performance is crucial for setting achievable reduction targets and tracking progress.

2. Develop a net zero strategy

Based on your initial findings, create a detailed roadmap with specific targets, timelines, and milestones to reduce your carbon footprint, starting with the highest priority areas. Align this strategy with your business goals, values and resources.

For example, this may involve combining energy-saving equipment upgrades, deploying on-site renewable energy (e.g. solar panels), encouraging more remote work, lift sharing or upgrading vehicle fleets to electric or hybrid models. More comprehensive recycling programmes can be employed with no single-use plastics, and other opportunities to create a more circular economy like repurposing or upcycling.

3. Engage the community

Achieving net zero is collaborative, requiring input from employees, stakeholders and executives. Communicate your sustainability goals not just to them but also to your suppliers, customers, and industry partners, fostering accountability and transparency among your business community.

4. Leverage partnerships and support

Small and medium businesses may benefit from joining relevant industry associations, sustainability initiatives or environment-focused networking groups such as the ESA to share ideas, access resources, collaborate and, most importantly, learn and continuously improve. Guidance from organisations or individuals with experience in this terrain can unlock opportunities for funding, accreditation, or other small business opportunities.

5. Monitor, report, and continuously improve

Regularly analyse and track your emissions reductions against the baseline you established in step one. Improvements should rightfully be celebrated, but if progress can be made, adjust your strategy accordingly. Constantly seek ways to enhance your energy efficiency rather than view net zero status as a ‘one-and-done’ exercise.

Achieving net zero emissions is a collective responsibility, and small and medium businesses in Brighton and beyond can witness profound benefits by embracing this challenge. Remember the journey is ongoing, and that continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptability will remain key to helping you make the most of net zero status. Embrace this opportunity to future-proof your business while becoming a shining example of how to address one of the world’s greatest and most complex challenges of today. 

With special thanks to Chloe Miller of CC Consulting. Find out more about her on her website. 

If you're interested in getting more support on net zero, Brighton Chamber runs a Net Zero Champions group, supporting businesses in Brighton working towards net zero and sustainability. Find out more about it here.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk