BT has today announced a partnership with the UK Business Climate Hub (UKBCH) designed to help UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) halve their carbon emissions by 2030 – a move the pair claim would stop 280 million tonnes of CO2 from reaching the atmosphere.
The 5.5 million SMBs in the UK make up more than 99 per cent of businesses nationwide while collectively accounting for almost half of non-household emissions. As such, their role in tackling the climate crisis critical to the UK’s chances of hitting net zero by 2050, BT and UKBCH said.
However, according to data cited by the new partners, nine-in-10 smaller firms would like to address climate change at their business but find it challenging to get started and identify the right tools to mitigate their environmental impacts.
As a result, UKBCH, a shared endeavour between industry and government, has today welcomed BT as a key industry partner and member of its advisory board and worked with the telco going to jointly develop a series of steps to empower SMBs to hit near-term climate targets.
“We’re delighted to partner with BT and are energised about the impact we will make together,” said Chris Taylor, net zero programme director at the Broadway Initiative, which manages the UKBCH.
“The UKBCH works closely with the government and our industry partners to produce essential guides for SMBs across multiple sectors, with practical advice on how to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills.
“Whether it’s a tailored net zero plan for individual SMBs, free carbon footprint calculators or an online training course on cutting emissions, with our tools and support, SMBs can reduce both costs and emissions and transition to a greener economy – the ultimate win-win.”
The partners have developed a new guide titled Seven steps to Sustainability, which offers practical tips to help SMBs in all sectors to curb emissions, as well as advice on legal requirements for reducing carbon emissions and best practices for engaging staff to develop carbon reduction and energy saving initiatives.
Moreover, firms are urged to make an “SME Climate Commitment” to halve emissions by 2030, reach net zero by 2050, and report yearly on progress towards these goals.
As such, UKBCH and BT are encouraging smaller businesses to measure current emissions from fuel consumption, electricity use, and business activities that contribute to overall carbon emissions, while deploying technologies and new approaches to save energy and reduce carbon.
Businesses across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are also encouraged to identify programmes or initiatives to help finance their sustainability journey, and identify opportunities across the business’s entire value chain to reduce its impact.
SMBs are encouraged to visit the UKBCH website to access a entire library of free resources, tools and advice to help carry out these steps.
Chris Sims, managing director of small and medium business at BT, said that the firm was well aware that many of its small business customers struggle to find the time, the funding, or the guidance to help them prioritise sustainability.
“BT set its first carbon reduction target more than 30 years ago, and we’ve had a strong track record of hitting our sustainability goals ever since,” he added. “But we have size on our side.
“With the UK Business Climate Hub we are beginning our journey to reach more businesses with free tools and practical support to help them set the foundations for a greener future, and ultimately, reach net zero.”
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