Net Zero: Business support

We have ambitious plans to make Newcastle a net zero city by 2030.

Net zero means having a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases we put into the atmosphere and those we take out.

We have already committed to reducing the environmental impact of our own buildings, operations and transport.

However, to achieve our net zero goal and help prevent the severe effects of climate change we all need to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.

On this page:

• The benefits of going green
• Support we offer

The benefits of going green              

As one of the more than 8,000 businesses in Newcastle, we ask you to join us in making our city an even better place to live and work. No matter how small your business, your actions can make a big difference to the future of our city.

As a green business, that doesn’t negatively impact the environment, you can:

• help protect the planet for future generations
• enjoy incredible opportunities for business growth in the new green economy
• save you money on energy costs
• attract new customers

Save costs and increase resilience

Businesses are facing increasingly higher utility bills due to volatility in the energy market.

The Climate Change Levy has also imposed an additional cost on SMEs that rely on non-renewable energy sources such as gas.

You can help protect yourself from rising energy prices by reducing how much energy you use. This might include:

• installing insulation
• draught proofing
• extra window glazing
• switching to less carbon intensive heating
• installing LED lighting
• generating renewable electricity

Other ways of cutting your carbon impact, which may be easier than you think, include:

• removing all unnecessary packaging from your products
• limiting business travel
• sourcing goods and services locally

For more information, including ideas for small changes your business can make straight away, visit our practical advice for ‘greening’ your business page.

Improve your business reputation and competitiveness

Consumers are becoming more selective and, more than ever before, are looking for products that are "green", supplied by businesses that can prove they are actively taking steps to reduce their environmental impact.

A recent survey of customer views found 65 percent of people plan to be more mindful of their purchases and their environmental impact.

Also, the greener your business, the more competitive you will be when tendering for contracts. Environment and social governance (ESG) questions are included in most tenders, and contractors will want to see evidence of how you intend to minimise your impact on the environment, as part of a successful tender submission.

As well as opening your business up to new opportunities, having strong green credentials as part of your branding will help attract the best talent and can improve staff morale and productivity.

Comply with the law

Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) mean landlords cannot let homes to new tenants, or renew a tenancy, if the property has an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating below E.

For more details of what you need to do see our minimum energy efficiency standards advice page.

Support we offer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business Energy Saving Team (BEST)

BEST has helped more than 200 small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across the North East to save money and reduce their environmental impact through:

• free energy audits
• expert advice
• help to access grant funding to install energy saving measures

"The process went incredibly well - the auditors were very supportive, it was smooth, and I’ve only got positive things to say about the experience.” - Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group

For more information, visit the BEST website.

To register for BEST, complete the apply now form.

 

 

Business and Intellectual Property Centre North East (BIPCNE)

BIPCNE is based within Newcastle City Library and provides free information and advice to SMEs and start-ups across the North East. This includes:

• one to one appointments with over 30 experts, including people with knowledge of carbon foot printing, green business and sustainable retail
• access to online market intelligence databases, including sustainability industry trends from MINTEL
• intellectual property advice for protecting your ideas, business identity and creativity
• green business events and workshops

To find out more, visit the BIPCNE website.