Meeting the SME decarbonisation challenge amid an energy crisis

We present the latest research and best practice on policies to support small business energy efficiency at our online LEAP4SME event, on 24 August. ⚡

We will present new research undertaken for the Climate Change Committee, giving detailed insight into SME owners and managers’ views on decarbonisation at a time when small businesses are facing multiple economic challenges. We’ll discuss the UK government policy framework and provide an opportunity to learn from what other countries in Europe and the UK are doing, including the Business Energy Scotland support programme.

Around half of UK business carbon emissions are from SMEs, and action to decarbonise small businesses’ operations and services is now vital. But it’s a challenging time: many SMEs who have kept their businesses going through the pandemic now face inflation and high energy prices, affecting both them and their customers.

Working with leading academics, Energy Saving Trust has carried out new research on decarbonisation in four different, diverse SME sectors – from horticulture to restaurants. We’ve spoken to dozens of owners and managers of small businesses about how they see themselves responding to Net Zero; at the same time we carried out research into the policy environment.

For a separate project, Leap4SME, we’ve worked with European energy agencies, to explore other countries’ approaches to delivering the energy audits and advice that will make SME decarbonisation possible.

With speakers from Climate Change Committee, Energy Saving Trust and Business Energy Scotland, the agenda will include:

• The policy framework for SME decarbonisation
• Owners and managers views’ of the decarbonisation challenge in four different sectors: horticulture; restaurant; clothing manufacturer; sole trader electricians and plumbers.
• Presentation of the latest developments in advice and support service – UK and international best practice

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