Published: July 9th, 2021
As the UK gears up for the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November, now is the chance to commit your business to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
Join thousands of other small businesses taking action on climate change by signing up to the SME Climate Commitment at the businessclimatehub.org/uk/, where you’ll also find tips and resources to help you go greener.
When you commit, you’ll get the tools to help you understand your emissions, how to tackle them, and how to share what you’re doing with your customers and your community.
Taking action also has business benefits – taking simple steps can reduce your running costs, attract new customers who want to buy sustainably, and help you seize new opportunities.
Here are four steps to help you save money while you take action:
Check the changes you can’t afford to miss
Many green actions pay for themselves. For example, data suggests many businesses can make back the cost of insulating their buildings within just a year. Acting on climate can also put you ahead of the pack – showing green credentials is increasingly a part of procurement requirements, and data shows that greener businesses are likely to appeal to the growing numbers of consumers who care about the environment. Check out simple changes that can save you money and help you grow on the UK Business Climate Hub.
Apply for a national financial support scheme
Schemes currently available include:
- Workplace Charging Scheme
- Plug-in Charging Grant Scheme
- Grants are available to help pay for low-emission vehicles. These are worth up to £2,500 of the purchase price of a car. Eligible cars must cost less than £35,000. The grant will also pay for 35% of the purchase price for selected small vans, up to a maximum of £3000, and 35% of the purchase price for selected large vans, up to maximum of £6,000. Find out more: www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants.
Capital allowances claim scheme
You can claim enhanced capital allowances (a type of first year allowances) for buying energy- and water-efficient equipment for your business. This includes some cars with low CO2 emissions, energy saving equipment, water saving equipment, gas, biogas and hydrogen refuelling equipment and new zero-emission goods vehicles. You can claim on your tax return. Find out more by visiting www.gov.uk/capital-allowances/first-year-allowances
Find targeted support in your local area
Speak to us about grants and other types of support available in The Marches. You can also find out about The Business Energy Efficiency Programme which supports eligible businesses to become more environmentally friendly, and in doing so, save money on energy costs.
Speak to your bank or accountant about tailored green business finance
Many banks have specialised loans that can be used specifically for green improvements such as installing renewable energy system or improving energy efficiency.
