New climate course will help businesses reach net-zero

A new climate action course will help small businesses to get to net-zero. 

The course – Climate 4 SMEs: 4 Steps to Action – is now open to applications from businesses that have between nine and 249 employees who are either based in or operate in the Square Mile.

Funded by the City of London Corporation, the course will introduce firms to practical ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint through four separate modules. 

Participants will be supported to devise an action plan for their business, encouraging them to make a commitment to become net-zero by 2040 and to disclose their progress every year. 

The course supports the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits it to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for its own operations by 2027 and across its investments and supply chain by 2040. 

Lord Mayor of the City of London and Co-President of Heart of the City William Russell said: ‘Achieving net-zero can have the benefits of attracting more customers, winning more contracts and benefiting from a happier and more engaged workforce.

‘While many large businesses have made commitments to go net-zero, SMEs make up 99% of City businesses so it’s vital they come together and take action to address what is arguably the most important issue of our times.

‘Making this commitment can feel overwhelming for smaller firms that don’t have big budgets and dedicated teams at their disposal, but this course will give companies the tools and the expertise they need to reduce their carbon footprint year on year.

‘As bigger businesses ask for climate action from their supply chains more and more, working towards net-zero will be vital for the future of SMEs.”

To find out more information about the course, click here. 

Photo by Ed Robertson