Online hub helps UK SMEs to save energy and cut emissions
The UK Government has launched a Web site aimed at helping Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to cut their energy bills and reduce their emissions. The UK Business Climate Hub site offers advice on technologies such as heat pumps and green electricity generation. It arrives as industry leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council are calling on businesses to develop net-zero sector roadmaps
The hub includes a carbon calculator and a suite of tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy. It offers advice on topics ranging from sourcing products from green suppliers, to reducing emissions from logistics, and installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Information on variable-speed drives and high-efficiency motors is limited, although there is a page on the site devoted to optimising motor systems.
The hub is being managed by the Broadway Initiative, and has been developed in partnership with organisations including Make UK, the CBI, and the Federation of Small Businesses.
UK SMEs account for around 25% of the nation’s emissions. Research shows that 90% of them are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world,” says Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart. “More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching Net Zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.”
The Net Zero Council, comprising CEOs from companies including Siemens, Atkins, Cemex, the National Grid and HSBC, has developed a roadmap to help businesses to work with others in their sector to create decarbonisation action plans tailored to their industry. It will also identify challenges facing SMEs in reducing their carbon footprints, and lead a review of the financing challenges and the roles of Government, industry and the financial sector in addressing these challenges.
