As the United Nations COP 29 climate summit begins, new research by the British Chambers of Commerce has found that there is a clear divide among UK SMEs on environmental targets.
A new survey conducted by the Insights Unit at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found that around half of small businesses with more than 50 employees say they have a recycling target (50%) or energy consumption target (45%) in place. However, for firms with fewer than 50 employees, the figures fall to 35% and 25%, respectively.
The divide between larger SMEs and smaller firms is being highlighted as the United Nations COP 29 climate conference begins in Baku, Azerbaijan. The picture for all SMEs shows businesses are most likely to have a plan for recycling or waste reduction (38%). But less than a third of all companies (28%) have a written target for energy consumption, while only a quarter (24%) have set a goal for their carbon footprint/emissions.
Small firms struggle to tackle their carbon footprint
A third of all responding SMEs (32%) also say they don't have plans to introduce a recycling target - while another 29% are considering one. In fact, 39% say they won't introduce energy consumption targets, whereas 32% are considering doing so. Meanwhile 39% have no plans to bring in carbon footprint targets.
However, while many SMEs may not have formal targets, most are engaging in efficiency or environmental measures with low energy lighting (65%) and recycling (59%) the most common.
"SMEs have a crucial role to play in the UK's transition to a greener economy - and many have a great story to tell. But our research shows that size really does matter when it comes to the capacity of SMEs to have measurable environmental targets in place. With many small businesses continuing to deal with challenging economic conditions it's often difficult for them to set goals and closely monitor their net-zero journey. We know that many SMEs value peer-to-peer learning and we'd encourage more businesses to share best practice on how environmental performance can be measured easily and effectively. It's also important that policymakers consider what more can be done to support smaller businesses in this crucial area." Alex Veitch, BCC director of policy.
Delegations from both UK and international Chambers of Commerce will be attending the UN COP 29 Climate Change conference.
Written by Rachel Miller.
