Small businesses are keen to go green but are not getting the help or incentives they need to do so. The FSB is calling on government, regulators and local authorities to provide more support.
David Caro, FSB Energy & Environment Chairman
Current work
> Fairer energy contracts
Last year the energy regulator Ofgem completed a probe into Britain's energy supply market which included a detailed look at the small business secotr of the market and the issues affecting it. The FSB was heavily involved in the probe and succeeded in achieving a number of concessions from the energy companies to give small firms clearer and fairer contract terms.
> Low Carbon - High Potential
A new film aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to seize opportunities presented by addressing climate change has been released by the Department for Energy and Climate Change in partnership with BITC, Carbon Trust and Corporate Leaders Group.
The ten minute film, called 'Low Carbon - High Potential', is being launched ahead of COP15, the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which starts in December. It features interviews with five leading UK businesses, including SMEs who are already taking up the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy. They explain the steps that they have taken to reduce their climate impact, why they chose to do it, and the benefits they have received in doing so.
> Ofgem energy market investigation
The FSB has responded to Ofgem's proposals on reforming the retail energy market
> Energy and Environment Report
In 2007 an FSB survey on environmental responsibility found that:
• 83 per cent of respondents are actively engaged in waste minimisation and recycling practices
• Over 40 per cent use environmentally friendly products
• 39 per cent of respondents reported that they were engaged with energy efficiency measures
• Over a third are reducing their use of transport
The FSB is calling for:
• A dedicated small business department within the Carbon Trust or preferably the Energy Savings Trust.
• Government investment in technical innovation and financial incentives on energy efficiency for small businesses.
• Reduction of VAT on green energy sources to encourage take-up among small businesses.
• A local waste infrastructure that takes account of the needs of small business, such as Civic Amenity sites to be made available to them.
> Batteries
> Low Carbon podcast
FSB National Chairman John Wright reflects on a meeting with the Government on building a low carbon economy. Minister for Sustainability Lord Hunt explains the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs top tips for small businesses to go green.
> Keen to go green podcast
FSB Environment and Energy Chairman John Holbrow discusses ways small businesses can save money by going green in reaction to energy saving tips from the Government.
> Environmental impact
Download a guide to help reduce the environmental impact of your business while saving money: Your business, your environment, your profits document
> Energy saving tips
The Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched some practical advice on how small businesses can save money by using their resources more efficiently. The tips can be found at the businesslink website.
Also views these tips from advice site NetRegs:
1. Make one member of staff responsible for environmental issues – and support them. Suggest that they make a list of all the areas where the business can reduce its impact.
2. Use NetRegs.gov.uk to carry out an online self assessment for your business. This will help to identify particular areas in need of improvement and also help you to stay compliant with the law by highlighting what regulations apply to your company.
3. Implement an environmental policy, which clearly outlines your targets. You can use your list as a starting point. This is often asked for by companies during tender processes, so it's a good ‘extra' to mention when bidding for business.
4. Encourage all members of staff to take environmental policies seriously – the more support you have, the better the results will be. NetRegs has found that those businesses implementing environmental measures often see a more motivated workforce as a result.
5. Put some measurements in place to see what difference your new behaviour is having, year on year. For example, look at your energy unit consumption on your energy bill. You can cut it down by ensuring all staff turn off their PC monitors, lights and electric appliances over night.
6. Carry out a waste audit. Make sure that you are recycling your waste or that your waste contractor is sorting and pre-treating your waste on your behalf. NetRegs.gov.uk has a directory of licensed waste contractors to help you find one near to you.
7. Use NetRegs.gov.uk for clear and free guidance on the latest environmental legislation and sign up for free monthly updates on changing regulations. NetRegs' free updates save businesses around £2,600 a year.
Download information on Energy-Efficiency Loans from the Carbon Trust
> Waste
FSB Environment and Energy Committee member John Holbrow outlined the impact of waste regulations on small businesses at a Defra event.
Stakeholders
Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs www.defra.gov.uk
Volunteering England www.volunteering.org.uk
Envirowise www.envirowise.gov.uk
Friends of the Earth www.foe.co.uk