Climate ideas for businesses 

Reducing energy use is one of the quickest ways to cut costs and lower your carbon footprint. Simple changes and smart investments can deliver significant savings.

Practical steps

• Check your energy use - book a free or low-cost energy check, or use online tools to see where you can save.
• Upgrade equipment - switch to LED lights, improve insulation, or modernise heating/cooling systems. Grants may be available to help with costs.
• Use smart controls - install timers, energy monitors, thermostats, and smart meters to avoid wasted energy.
• Try renewables - consider solar panels, heat pumps, or green energy tariffs to reduce bills in the long term.
• Involve your team - encourage habits like switching off unused equipment, make most of natural light and appoint “energy champions” to keep up engagement.

Use the UK Business Climate Hub carbon calculator to measure your footprint, track progress, and set improvement targets.

Useful links

• UK Business Climate Hub Energy Resources: Net zero guides, supplier checklists, renewable energy advice and grants in one trusted place.
• Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS): Free assessments and grants (up to 50% match funding) for SMEs to improve lighting, heating, insulation, and more.
• Big Energy Saving Week: Practical Steps for Businesses

Managing business travel doesn’t have to be complex and smarter choices can save money while cutting carbon emissions.

Practical steps

• Turn off engines when stationary: Encourage drivers to turn off engines during deliveries, drop-offs, or waiting periods. This saves fuel, cuts costs, and improves air quality.
• Promote greener commuting: Incentivise walking, cycling, public transport, or carpooling. Cycle-to-work and season ticket schemes offer cost and health benefits, while Brent’s expanding transport options make this easier than ever.
• Switch to electric vehicles (EVs): EVs cut emissions and reduce running costs. Government grants provide up to £3,750 off eligible EVs (under £37,000) and up to 75% funding for workplace charging points (up to £15,000 per site). EVs are also exempt from London Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.
• Consider cargo bikes or e-bikes: For local deliveries, these options cost less, avoid congestion, and cut emissions. Infrastructure to support them is growing across London and Brent.
• Develop a Green Travel Plan: Review your current travel and fleet, set emission-reduction targets (e.g. increasing EV or cargo bike use), train staff in eco-driving, and monitor progress. A plan helps make travel more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Useful links

• Government EV grants and incentives
• Electric car purchase grants
• Workplace charging scheme info

Managing waste effectively can help your business reduce costs, minimise environmental impact, and stay compliant with new regulations.

Practical steps

• Understand your waste: Track the types and amounts your business produces to optimise bin sizes, collection schedules, and disposal costs.
• Reduce and reuse: Minimise packaging, adopt reusable alternatives, and cut down on paper use by introducing digital workflows.
• Engage your team: Educate staff about correct waste separation and recycling. Use signage and accessible bins to improve participation.
• Promote sustainable initiatives: Highlight your waste reduction efforts to boost your brand. Small actions, like reusable cup discounts or plastic-free trials, can have a big impact.
• Explore circular economy approaches: Consider renting, repairing, refurbishing, or reselling products to reduce waste and emissions.
• Reduce water waste: Fix leaks, use efficient taps and appliances, and encourage water-saving practices.

Waste and packaging compliance

Recycling regulations (from 31 March 2025)

From 31 March 2025, businesses in England with 10 or more employees must separate waste into:

• food waste
• dry recyclables (plastic, metal, glass, paper, card)
• residual (general) waste
• Use clearly labelled, colour-coded bins and arrange collections with authorised waste carriers.

For further information, view our guidance on disposing of commercial waste.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Packaging obligations

From January 2025, businesses supplying packaging must take responsibility for its disposal. This may include:

• registering with the Environment Agency if supplying over 25 tonnes annually with turnover over £1 million
• reporting the type and amount of packaging placed on the UK market
• paying fees covering collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal
• reviewing packaging design to reduce costs and increase recyclability

EPR shifts packaging waste costs from local authorities to businesses, encouraging smarter packaging choices and supporting the UK’s circular economy goals.

For more detailed information, visit the UK Government’s EPR guidance.

Useful links

• UK Business Climate Hub waste resources
• Simpler Recycling Guidance for Businesses
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation on Circular Economy