After last week’s landmark IPCC report that delivered a code red for humanity, the onus is stronger than ever for business to start their green transition. UK SMEs Have Started on Their Green Transition.
SMEs can show their commitment to being a sustainable business by signing up at the UK Business Climate Hub. We surveyed ten manufacturing SMEs to understand their Green BPM journey and what barriers they face. UK SMEs Have Started on Their Green Transition.
1. Energy
SMEs can take the next step on their journey to Net Zero by making a pledge to reduce their carbon emissions through the Together for Our Planet Business Climate Leaders campaign. The pledge includes committing to halve their emissions before 2030 and to net zero by 2050, as well as promoting a range of practical measures they can take to do so.
However, a number of barriers hinder the development of Green BPM within SMEs. Two SMEs are observed in a transition from level 0 to 1 as their green products have a positive environmental impact, but the traditional economic KPIs of processes still dominate (Interviewees 1, 2). Two other SMEs are observed at the transition from level 2 to 3 since they have implemented the principles of Green BPM but only limited success so far.
2. Waste
The 2022 SME Net Zero Monitor survey takes our research one step further and reveals the number of UK SMEs at each stage of their journey to becoming a sustainable business. This is a significant milestone as it highlights the fact that businesses that have made a commitment are taking steps towards Net Zero, helping to drive progress amongst others and acting as role models for their peers.
Four SMEs are observed at Green BPM level 1 with a clear green attitude. This is reflected in their products and the fact that they use natural materials for production.
3. Water
After the IPCC landmark report last week, the onus on businesses to start their green transition sooner rather than later is stronger than ever. Yet with many SMEs struggling to prioritise their sustainability ambitions, it can be hard to know where to begin.
SMEs can get practical help through our Business Climate Hub regardless of their current stage on the journey.
However, their environmental efforts are also influenced by external forces.
4. Transport
Transport is the movement of people and goods from one place to another. It includes walking, driving automobiles, trains and buses, flying aircraft and riding animals.
Goods are transported from their source to markets or other processing points, and then on to consumers.
5. Food
Food is any nutrient-rich material consumed or absorbed by humans, animals and plants to sustain life and growth. It provides energy, keeps us healthy and is the foundation of many cultures across the world.
For the other groups, motivation comes from a number of sources. For example, interviewee 7 is being pressured by financial institutions to demonstrate sustainability engagement in order to receive loans. Moreover, the other SMEs take Green BPM measures due to customer demands needs read more hear.
