Click on the 12-minute video below, to listen to sustainability terms explained in a simple way, which will be beneficial for you and your business.
To access all the Great Start videos, please visit Great Start video series.
Climate
Your business and Climate Change
In 2021 central government made it mandatory for all organisations who are bidding for contracts over £5 million per annum to include a Carbon Reduction Plan as part of their tender response. ECC has tailored this for smaller contracts and smaller businesses, requiring climate considerations for tenders over £100,000. This typically involves a Carbon Reduction Plan. To bid successfully, you need to measure aspects of your carbon footprint and find ways to reduce your business's environmental impact.
The short document below, prepared by Essex County Council, helps SMEs navigate public procurement whilst achieving positive climate outcomes. By following this guide, SMEs can boost and promote staff wellbeing and meet their carbon reduction goals. This document includes tips, examples, and processes to ease your climate action efforts.
Climate Guidance for Small and Medium Enterprises
What is the difference between:
Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP)
Focuses specifically on reducing carbon emissions. It includes setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing strategies to achieve these targets, and monitoring progress. The primary goal is to minimize the carbon footprint of your organization, which is crucial for combating climate change. For example A Carbon Reduction Plan is a requirement when bidding for Essex County Council contracts.
Sustainability Plan
The focus is broader, and encompasses various aspects of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It includes not only carbon reduction but also other environmental impacts such as water usage, waste management, and biodiversity. Additionally, it addresses social factors like community engagement, employee well-being, and ethical sourcing. The goal is to create a balanced approach that ensures long-term sustainability in all areas of your business and operations.
Sustainability Action Plan
This is something that everyone can do, and to start, you can set goals, for example:
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- Reduce your carbon emissions
- Minimise your waste
- Reduce your usage of energy and switch to renewable energy
- Raise awareness about sustainability issues in your community
- Ensure sustainability in your supply chain
- Empower your employees to learn more about sustainability best practices
Click on the 9-minute video below to learn more about how to create a sustainability action plan for your business.
To access all the Great Start videos, specifically made for our Essex businesses, please visit Great Start video series.