New Free Tool Helps Small Businesses Slash Energy Bills and Go Green in Under 60 Minutes
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now develop tailored strategies to cut energy expenses and lower emissions in less than an hour using a newly launched free online resource. The Climate Action Planner, introduced by the SME Climate Hub in collaboration with Giki and backed by the UK Government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, provides a straightforward, guided approach for firms to take immediate, practical steps toward sustainability and cost reduction.
Addressing a Critical Gap for SMEs
SMEs constitute approximately 90% of businesses worldwide and contribute roughly half of global economic output. Despite their significant role, many of these enterprises struggle with limited time and resources to formulate formal climate plans. The Climate Action Planner aims to bridge this gap by offering a simplified process that generates a customised action plan in around 60 minutes, eliminating the need for weeks of effort or expensive external consultants.
Users respond to a brief series of questions about their business operations and receive a step-by-step roadmap based on a database of over 750 actionable measures. This plan is specifically adapted to their industry sector and business objectives, moving beyond generic, one-size-fits-all recommendations to provide targeted guidance.
Expert Insights on Practical Climate Action
Pamela Jouven, director of the SME Climate Hub, emphasised the tool's focus on practicality. "For many small business owners, climate action can feel complicated and expensive. This tool focuses on what is practical - helping businesses lower bills and take action straight away," she stated. "This isn't just about going green - it's about staying competitive. By cutting energy waste and improving efficiency, small businesses can reduce costs, protect themselves from volatile energy prices and keep up with growing expectations from customers and supply chains."
Key Features of the Climate Action Planner
- Free to use for SMEs globally
- Focus on reducing energy use and operating costs
- Create a plan in under an hour
- Tailored to business size and sector, with 750+ available actions
Jo Hand, co-founder of Giki, highlighted the tool's accessibility. "We believe every SME should be able to build a climate action plan. For many, time and cost are barriers. That's why we're so excited to partner with SME Climate Hub to deliver the Climate Action Planner. Now SMEs can build their plan in 60 minutes, drawing on best practice from companies across the globe."
The SME Climate Hub, led by the We Mean Business Coalition and Exponential Roadmap Initiative, is dedicated to supporting SMEs in enhancing resilience and accelerating decarbonisation efforts. This initiative represents a significant step forward in making sustainable practices more attainable for small businesses worldwide.
