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Climate ideas for businesses

Climate ideas for businesses 

Tools, guidance and support to help businesses cut costs and go greener

Benefits of going green

Local businesses are essential to Brent’s net zero commitment. By taking action now, you can help protect the environment while also making your business more resilient and competitive.

Prioritising sustainability can help your business:

  • cut costs by using energy and resources more efficiently
  • attract customers who value climate-conscious brands
  • spark innovation and unlock new growth opportunities
  • stay ahead of changing regulations and climate risks.

From small everyday steps like cutting energy use, rethinking travel, or reducing waste, to bigger strategic moves, there are plenty of ways to get started.

This hub brings together practical advice, funding options, and local support to help your business on its journey.

Getting started

Taking climate action doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small steps can save money and reduce your environmental impact. Explore the key areas below to see practical changes your business can make:

Manage your energy use

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

Rethink your travel

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

Reducing waste

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

Every industry faces unique challenges, explore our sector-specific guidance for tailored tips for your business.

Sector specific guidance

Explore practical, industry-specific advice to cut carbon, save costs, and build a stronger, more sustainable business.

  • Construction - Tips to cut emissions from building processes, materials, and transport.
  • Energy and waste: Advice on reducing emissions from fossil fuels and waste disposal, helping your business cut costs, improve its reputation, and attract new customers.
  • Hospitality and leisure: Guidance on lowering energy use, reducing waste, and greening guest services.
  • Retail and sales: Advice on energy efficiency, sustainable supply chains, and eco-friendly packaging.
  • Domestic services: Strategies for eco-friendly cleaning, landscaping, and using low-emission equipment.
  • Food and drink manufacturing: Steps to reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency
  • IT and telecommunications: Guidance on low-carbon equipment, energy efficiency, and sustainable operations.
  • Media, arts and entertainment: Tips for reducing emissions in production, distribution, events, and digital content creation. Further information can also be found on Albert.

To make it easier to put this guidance into practice, there’s a wide range of support, training, and funding available.

Support, training and funding

Take practical steps to make your business greener with expert support, training, and funding. Access a range of webinars, courses, and grants to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and strengthen your business.

Webinars and training

Grants and training

Find funding or training to support your business to tackle the climate emergency.

  • UK Business Climate Hub - finance and support across the UK
  • Green Grants: Check for national and local energy grants to offset investments in efficiency and renewables.
  • Green Skills for Small Businesses: Delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes Business School, this programme is a free six-week programme equipping small businesses with vital knowledge on how to implement sustainability into their business, as well helping them develop skills to make a positive impact on the planet.
Last updated 25/09/25
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