Zero Carbon Business has put together a guide to help retailers reduce their carbon
As an independent retailer, you may not know where to start when trying to reduce your carbon. As it's important for everyone to play their part in making the world more sustainable, we've picked the essential information from the guide to get you started.
Our CEO, Andrew Goodacre said: "If ever there was a time to reduce energy, it is now. Not only do we need to reduce energy for the environment but businesses need to do it to reduce the energy bills that are increasing to worrying levels. Part of the problem is finding the relevant information and this guide brings it into one place, especially details on the funding available. I am often told that net-zero is a cost which is true to a certain extent. However, it is now much more of an opportunity as more and more consumers want to shop with environmental retailers. I urge everyone to read the guide and keep it as a reference."
When you need to take action
By 2030
- use 100% renewable electricity
- use 100% zero carbon light commercial vehicles
By 2035
- use 100% zero carbon last mile logistics
- use 100% zero carbon heavy goods vehicles
- use 100% LED lighting in buildings
- use 100% low-impact refrigerants
By 2040
- net zero for all retail products and services sold in the UK
Measure your emissions
According to industry estimates the carbon required to make, ship, use and dispose of products accounts for 75% of total retail emissions.
The remaining 25% is created directly from business activities such as powering company vehicles and buildings.
Start with calculating direct emissions
Add product emissions
Find out how here
Start by reducing your direct emissions
Use less energy to heat and cool buildings
Improve lighting
Make sure equipment runs efficiently
Switch to a green energy supplier
Produce your own energy
Switch to electric vehicles
Buy carbon offsets as a last resort
Find funding and support
Find funding by UK region
Use the regional support page to find funding programmes in your UK region.
Most provide matching funds or free expertise for energy efficiency upgrades, conversion to renewables or the development of green business products.
Get a discount on a low carbon heating system
Starting 23 May 2022 you can apply for a grant toward a heat pump or biomass boiler if you:
- own your home or small non-domestic building
- have an Energy Performance Certificate showing adequate insulation
- are located in England or Wales
Check GOV.UK for full eligibility details.
Get a business rate exemption on renewable energy generation and storage
From April 2022 you can get a business rate exemption for eligible equipment used in onsite renewable energy generation and storage.
According to the Spring Statement you must be located in England and purchase:
- solar panels, heat pumps or other onsite renewable technology
- energy from low-carbon heat networks
Check GOV.UK’s guidance on business rate relief for full details when they become available.
Sign up for Green Street
Green Street is a website by and for retailers who want to take climate action. It has practical ways to get started and you can sign up for a free sustainability review of your business.
If you become a ‘Green Street pioneer’ you also get access to:
- the latest research on customer behaviour
- free workshops from leading retailers
- network with other local retail businesses
Follow the retail roadmap to net-zero
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has published a detailed Climate Action Roadmap that sets binding targets to reach net-zero total emissions in retail by 2040.
BRC members can commit to meeting the targets set out in the roadmap. You need to be able to measure your annual emissions and submit a report to the BRC. Contact climate@brc.org.uk to find out more.
Use the SME Climate Hub
If you make the SME Climate Commitment you get access to a customised tool for tracking and measuring your carbon. You need to commit to halving your emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
You can also use the site’s free information tools. This includes the 1.5C Business Playbook which gives practical advice to SMEs.
Ask your bank about green financing
A growing number of banks offer services that can help businesses get funds for carbon reduction projects. Ask your financial institution about green loans and other products designed to reduce carbon.