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Climate for SMEs

Climate change is and will continue to affect businesses of all sizes. ICAEW is aiming to cut through the noise by providing tools and resources for small to medium sized businesses to build resilient business models. Here you will find guidance on where to start, how to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt into the future. The stages outlined below will ask you simply: why, what, how and apply.

An interview with Chris Stark

Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, talks about the importance of businesses in driving the outcomes of COP26 and beyond.

Learn more in this report from the CCC

Why is climate change an issue for your business?

Over the past year, what has happened that has affected the ways in which you do business? Many of you will have felt the impacts of flooding, transport systems failing, and supply chain disruption in your organisations. Supplier and customer expectations are also changing; what is your value chain asking of you? Customers are increasingly asking businesses what their green credentials are. We mustn't forget there are huge opportunities that come with considering climate in your business strategy with potential new markets to tap into and attracting talent.

What matters to your organisation?

What do you want to achieve in the short and long term? Are you looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, keeping up with market demands, looking to adapt to ensure business continuity? It may be useful to undertake a SWOT analysis at this stage to understand what is affecting your business/industry specifically. Be sure to include broader stakeholder perspectives e.g. funders, employees, customers, suppliers, and what their expectations are.

How do I do this?

You’ve decided what your first steps should be, now find out how to measure your impact, what support is available and training opportunities. It is worth noting that data around emissions is not perfect but is continuously evolving as more data becomes available.

Applying this in practice

Now you know how climate change is impacting your organisation, what your priorities are and how they can be measured, it is time to put this into practice. Make a climate strategy, set targets and milestones to keep your organisation and stakeholders accountable. Report on what you are doing to show not only investors how you are responding but also to encourage others to do the same.

We want to hear from you

We aim to develop this page to provide the most up-to-date and relevant information to our members and would love to hear your feedback. If you think there are areas you think need further signposting, please do get in touch.