Climate change is a huge issue facing us all, so we all need to be playing our part in responding to the crisis. Businesses have a crucial role to play in helping us achieve net zero carbon by 2050, by reducing their environmental impact and developing new green technology. The UK stood out at COP26 in showcasing how businesses can respond to the climate crisis and can lead the Race to Zero.
Taking steps to tackle climate change now might benefit your business, for example by:
- reducing your energy bills
- improving the public perception of your business
- increasing your appeal to consumers
- improving your competitive edge
- being prepared for future laws.
Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors. The aim is to create a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. Find out more about how to join the Race to Zero campaign.
Join other businesses across Medway who are already taking actions to achieve our target of net zero carbon. There is lots of information out there to support you in your journey, so to start now, see below or head to the UK Business Climate Hub.
Grants and financial support
You can find more grants and financial support on our business funding page. If you know of a grant that is available to support the journey to being a low carbon business that is not featured, please email us at climatechange@medway.gov.uk.
Solar Together Kent
Small businesses can buy up to 50 solar panels with the Solar Together Kent group-buying scheme. The scheme will help you save on the cost of solar installation through a pre-vetted installer.
Toolkits and resources
Green Claims Code
This government guidance will help you to be honest with your customers about the steps you're taking to reduce your
Find out more on the Green Claims Code website.
Steps to Energy Saving: Tools for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the Carbon Trust
This toolkit helps you to measure your carbon footprint, benchmark your energy use, build your business case for lighting upgrades and upgrade your business fleet.
Find out more about Steps to Energy Saving: Tools for SMEs.
SME Climate Hub
The SME Climate Hub partnered with Oxford University to support small businesses in reducing their carbon emissions and to provide climate solutions to contribute to climate action in society.
Find out more on the SME Climate Hub.
Measuring and reporting environmental impacts: guidance for businesses from the UK Government
Guidance for businesses on measuring and reporting their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions to meet Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements.
Find out more about measuring and reporting environmental impacts.
Green Street: Planet Friendly Guide for SMEs
30 practical actions to help small retailers and hospitality businesses work together to reduce their carbon footprint.
View the Green Street: Planet Friendly Guide for SMEs.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Sustainability Hub
FSB has a dedicated sustainability hub that will be regularly updated for members, with the latest resources, tools, and information to help small business prepare for changes, go green and be more sustainable.
Visit the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Sustainability Hub.
Medway Healthy Workplace Programme
The Healthy Workplace programme helps businesses of all sizes become healthier places to work.
The programme is delivered by Medway Council and can help you to support health and wellbeing at work with relevant policies, training and guidance. This now includes a section on climate change.
Visit the Medway Healthy Workplace Programme.
Medway Food Partnership’s climate friendly food actions
Whether you’re a food business or serve food at events or to your staff, small changes to our food habits can make a
The Medway Food Partnership has developed a list of climate friendly food actions for businesses and organisations as a guide to get
Training
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness, e-learning course
By having a member of staff trained in understanding climate change, you can ensure that the work you are doing aligns with your environmental strategy and intentions. This nationally recognised qualification is designed to introduce learners to the principles of climate change and the role they can play to reduce carbon emissions. Through engaging in this course learners will develop the understanding of strategies to reduce pollution and drive change in the home, work life and wider society.
This course is online, and can be completed at the learner’s pace, with no set classes and sessions that your employee will need to attend. Therefore, you can ensure that this course is completed in a way that complements their role. The course has the potential to be free, subject to certain criteria.
For more information on the course, and to enquire about the cost, visit the Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness course prospectus.
Steps you can start taking now
The UK Business Climate Hub outlines some steps that you can take now, such as:
- introduce a cycle to work scheme
- insulate your buildings
- minimise the waste from your products and packaging
- switch to LED bulbs
- adjust heating and cooling system timings, temperatures and rooms
- install a smart meter
- talk to your supply chain
- electrify your vehicle fleet
- install your own renewable electricity or heating
- offset the carbon you cannot reduce.
Awards
You can receive recognition for your actions to become more sustainable in our A Better Medway Awards.
We want to hear from you
Tell us your success stories and find out what others are doing in Medway to tackle climate change.