North West Businesses produce around 40% of the total carbon dioxide emitted in the region and therefore have a vital role to play in addressing climate change.
According to research by the SME Climate Change Survey only one in 10 small companies (1-49 employees) has produced a carbon footprint compared with more than a quarter of medium sized companies (50-250 employees), suggesting that it is the smallest companies that still have the most to do to address climate change. While many blame a lack of understanding for not having acted more quickly, some 40% of those who say they intend to measure their carbon footprint, plan to do so within the next six months. None say they would leave it longer than two years before they measure theirs. This section attempts to address the lack of information and understanding about carbon emissions and the benefits to smaller businesses and the environment of having a sound policy in this area.
Carbon Footprinting GuideThe Carbon Trust has produced a guide to assist businesses understanding of how to measure their impacts through carbon emissions. The guide provides an explanation of key footprinting concepts, a definition of the term ‘carbon footprint’ and an overview of the key issues in calculating an organisation’s carbon impact.
The guide explains key concepts such as definition of the organisational boundary, and how to classify different direct and indirect emissions sources, helping build a complete picture of an organisation’s carbon impact.
Copies of the guide can be downloaded by logging in to the Carbon Trust’s website.
Carbon Calculator BT’s carbon calculator shows you what your annual CO2 usage is at any point in time. When you know your CO2 footprint, you can go to the "Take Actions" section to see what you can do to reduce it. As you take action to reduce CO2 emissions you can update the calculator as often as required and watch your CO2 footprint shrink. View the Carbon Calculator.
The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust delivers practical solutions, working with business and the public sector to identify carbon emissions and find ways of cutting them; and providing the know-how and resources (including funding) to help them do so. Visit the Carbon Trust website or call 0800 085 2005.
Climate Change Northwest
Climate Change Northwest is the regional website exploring the opportunities and challenges that a changing climate presents to North West. You can use the site to find out how you can help and assist your business to better understand and manage climate change. Visit the Climate Change Northwest website.
North West Climate Change Action Plan The Northwest Climate Change Action Plan aims to stimulate and measure the progress of North West towards a low-carbon economy, preparing it for the challenges of a changing climate and expected future energy demands, whilst protecting and enhancing quality of life and preserving the North West's rich environment.
Within the Action Plan is a vision for the region to be achieved by 2020. For the region to realise this vision, the Action Plan emphasises the need to reduce the region's greenhouse gas emissions by influencing attitudes and behavioural change to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy demand and promote low-carbon technologies, and by ensuring the provision of adaptive measures for the impacts of unavoidable climate change. Read the Climate Change Action Plan.
Further information Business Link's information library gives you instant access to information and tools to help you tackle key business issues. View our full range of guides to help you improve the environmental performance of your business.
Access to help and support There is a range of support available for businesses in the North West and you can search our business support directory to find environmental solutions for your business
If you would like to talk to us about how we could support your business, call the business adviser team on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.