What is net zero?
With COP26 on the horizon, the goal of net zero and reducing carbon emissions has been pushed further into the spotlight.
On 12 June 2019, the UK Government amended the Climate Change Act to introduce a target of a 100% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
The momentum has continued with adverse weather events becoming more widely experienced. In April this year the sixth Carbon Budget set into law the climate change target to reduce UK emissions by 78% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
Tackling climate change is a huge issue, but SMEs can make a contribution to the UK’s targets by implementing small changes and improving sustainability.
Why does it matter to you?
In June this year, a new National Procurement Policy was released which stated that all public sector buyers must consider social value outcomes in their procurement exercises, alongside additional priorities including:
- Creating new businesses, new jobs and new skills in the UK
- Improving supplier diversity
- Tackling climate change and reducing waste
With the pressure on public sector buyers and larger businesses to improve their green credentials, they will soon be looking to their supply chain to help them meet these challenging targets.
By starting now, you will give yourself an advantage and get ahead of your competitors. Appoint a green champion and learn what changes you can make. Government and business organisations such as the FSB provide help to make your business more sustainable.
Supply to Government
From cleaning contracts to construction contracts, the public sector wants to buy from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they provide value for money, innovation and economic benefits. With the UK Government committing to 33% of procurement spend by value going to the growth of SMEs, now is the time to enter the public sector supply chain.
Government spends some £285 billion on public procurement every year. This huge marketplace requires suppliers across all business sectors – from cleaning to catering, furniture to fencing, and building to boilers, central and local government contracts are plentiful, with many contracts suitable for SMEs.
Top 10 Tips:
- Put a plan in place now – having a track record will give your tender credibility.
- Implement a green policy – small changes such as reducing printing, turning off computers and holding online meetings all make a difference.
- Have green premises – turning lights off, turning down heating and using eco-technologies will not only improve your bid, but also help your bottom line.
- Deliveries – consider using electric vehicles or consolidating deliveries to lessen carbon emissions.
- Consider your company’s culture – can you start a cycle to work scheme? Do you use single-use plastic cups?
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle your waste – or can someone else make use of it?
- Customers are demanding more green solutions and technologies – can your company provide the innovations needed?
- Consider your supply chain – what are they doing to become more sustainable?
- Measure your carbon footprint – there are many advice services that will help you understand where improvements can be made.
Supply2Gov aims to keep you up to date with all the public sector and supply chain contract information that you need to successfully grow your business. By registering with us, you’ll take your first step towards finding new business opportunities for your organisation. Registration also gives you access to the UK and Ireland’s largest public sector contracts database.