Many businesses are ahead in decarbonising their operations. Large businesses have had mandatory emissions reporting requirements for many years. With increases and instability in fuel prices, there is a significant opportunity to cut costs through efficiency and self generation measures.
The mantra now is 'ELECTRIFICATION'. Held back a bit in the UK by high electricity prices, there are changes coming that will rebalance energy prices in favour of electricity. It is not too early to look at solar panels, batteries, LED lighting, heat pumps, building management systems, variable speed motors, and getting your business onto time of use tariffs that can work in your businesses favour.
While the focus for much of the last 10-15 years has been on a businesses internal operations. Recent attention has shifted to what happens beyong the companies boundaries.
Opportunities to sell are becoming increasingly linked to suppliers' green credentials, in particular their ability to show that products and operations are being monitored and emissions managed.
The tools of decarbonisation are becoming more available and more competitive. Solar power, LED lighting and batteries can have fast payback. EV car and van purchase prices are now coming close to petrol vehicles, with significantly lower running costs. EV trucks are available (50% of HGV sales in China in December 2025 were electric) although prices are still quite high and the ideal charging infrastructure is still limited in the UK.
There are many sources of assistance for small businesses. Two worth a look are:
- UK Buiness Climate Hub
- Step Zero (a Swindon developed free resource to help identify helpful actions)