Government urges small businesses to cut emissions

The government has launched a new Business Climate Hub to help small businesses across the UK to cut their emissions ahead of COP26. 

Boris Johnson and business & energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng will today (May 28) launch the Planet ‘Business Climate Leaders’ campaign, a new drive to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 or sooner through the new Climate Hub.

Small businesses can use the hub to find practical tools, resources and advice to help them to understand their emissions and develop a plan to tackle them.

Steps could include installing energy-saving light bulbs, switching to electric vehicles, looking at environment-friendly packaging options, or introducing cycle to work schemes for employees.

The campaign will also provide small businesses with access to some of the UK’s biggest businesses and leading climate experts to support them in taking action.

To mark the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister and the business & energy secretary will meet small and micro-companies from across the UK  who have already made a net-zero commitment.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ‘Every step that a small business takes on their journey to net-zero adds up – not only in protecting the health of the planet but also in future-proofing their business and encouraging new investment, new customers and new opportunities for growth.

‘We are providing the support and advice small businesses need to join us and become leaders in the fight against climate change.”

Kwasi Kwarteng said added: ‘Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and as we transition to a green future, they will also the backbone of the UK tackling climate change.

‘Simple changes could differentiate a business from the competition, attract new customers and investment and save them money on their running costs. That is why I am urging the nation’s small businesses to sign-up to become business climate leaders and lead the charge in protecting the future of our planet.’