What you can do as a business

Here are a few ideas for things you can do as a business to help tackle climate change

• Install solar panels with our Solar for Businesses scheme
• Take a look at the SME Climate Hub's website for tools to help you reduce your business's carbon emissions and provide climate solutions to contribute to climate action
• Apply for sustainability certification for your business online to get a clear understanding of your environmental footprint and social contribution
• If you are going to reduce your carbon footprint, it is important to understand what resources your business is already using - there is local support to do this including free energy audits via ESCC  and LOCASE (Low Carbon Across the South East).
• Look to replace older lights with more energy efficient LED lighting; look to update pumps and motors with more efficient ones. Find out about government schemes to help you do this such as environmental taxes, reliefs and schemes for business
• Switch to a renewable energy supplier or make your own energy by installing a renewable energy system such as solar panels on your roof.
• Think circular - the 3Rs are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle which are applicable to waste and energy.
• Choose sustainable suppliers who demonstrate they have good environmental practices and buy local goods and services.
• Promote green travel choices to staff including car sharing, public transport.
• Use low carbon vehicles taking advantage of government grants such as the Plug In Car and Van grant and many others which can be found on the GOV.UK Website.
• Mobilise your staff to raise awareness and act, for example by setting up staff environment and climate change team to run campaigns.