Measuring and reducing your carbon footprint isn't just about protecting the planet. It's about future-proofing your business and ensuring you don't get left behind.
Customers and investors increasingly expect action on sustainability. Regulation is tightening. There's growing pressure on SMEs to decarbonise as larger customers look further up their supply chains to reduce their emissions. Starting now helps you stay ahead, cut costs, and build a stronger reputation. Acting early means you can make steady, manageable improvements instead of scrambling to catch up later.
Quick wins and first steps
Begin with simple actions that save both carbon and cash.
Ahead of the winter months, look for energy savings in your heating and improve your insulation. Encourage staff to identify energy efficiency opportunities in how you use lighting, IT, and machinery. Check everything is shut down overnight and at the weekend.
Can you reduce business travel, install an EV charger, or encourage active travel for your team's daily commute? Look at your waste. Could you reuse some of your suppliers' packaging when sending goods to customers?
Track your emissions using free online carbon calculators designed for SMEs through the SME Climate Hub. This will quickly show you your biggest areas of emissions, often energy, transport, or waste. Then you can prioritise practical changes that make sense for your business. Quick wins build confidence and momentum, showing that sustainability is achievable and beneficial right from the start.
Embedding change for the long term
To make progress stick, weave sustainability into everyday decisions. Set clear targets, share updates with your team, and celebrate milestones. Consider appointing a "green champion" to keep things moving.
Ask suppliers about their carbon goals and choose partners who align with yours. When sustainability becomes part of your culture, it attracts talent, wins loyal customers, and keeps your business resilient in a changing economy.
How AGP can support your carbon journey
As the dedicated Carbon Champion, I am available to help businesses write bespoke carbon reduction plans. We also run a Carbon Accelerator programme to give your sustainability lead all the tools and skills they need to measure and reduce emissions, and to communicate the benefits effectively.
Ready to start reducing your carbon footprint? The Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) helps Welsh businesses build practical, achievable sustainability strategies that strengthen both your business and the planet. Speak to your Relationship Manager about the support you need.