BT has teamed up with UK Business Climate Hub (UKBCH) to help the UK’s 5.5m SMBs make inroads to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
SMBs account for up to 44% of non-household emissions in the UK, while small businesses could stop 280 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from reaching the atmosphere by meeting their 2030 target.
The BT and UKBCH partnership will see the British telecoms giant bring in its expertise in supporting more than a million small business customers across the country, while UKBCH’s free resources will help companies reduce their footprint and energy bills.
Specifically, UKBCH – which launched last year – offers free resources aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and their energy bills. It developed ‘Seven Steps to Sustainability’ to specifically help SMBs improve their green credentials.
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BT research shows that nine out of ten (90%) SMEs 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 impact.
SMBs involved in the initiative can also work towards the SME Climate Commitment, by making a pledge to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, achieve net zero emissions before 2050, and report progress on these goals annually.
Chris Sims, managing director, Small and Medium Business at BT, says: “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.”
Chris Taylor, net zero programme director at the Broadway Initiative – which manages the UK Business Climate Hub – adds: “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.”
