Business Support | reduce your organisation's carbon footprint
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Carbon down.
Profit up.
Reducing your carbon emissions isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business.
Cutting costs, improving efficiency, strengthening your brand and futureproofing your operations are all benefits that taking action on sustainability can unlock.
With so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. This page brings together everything you need to get started, all in one place; saving you time and helping you take confident action.
How will your business benefit?
Increased profitability
- Lower energy bills through reduced heating, cooling, and water use
- Reduced waste and more efficient processes
- New ways of working that cut operational costs
Stronger brand and reputation
- Enhance your environmental credentials
- Attract customers, investors, and partners
- Stand out in your sector
Futureproof your business
- Prepare for future regulations and reporting requirements
- Reduce risk with better information and informed decisions
Better workforce engagement
- Improve staff satisfaction and retention
- Strengthen company culture and purpose
Support the local economy
- Strengthen local supply chains
- Explore circular economy opportunities
- Access funding, innovation, and skills development
Where to start
Becoming more sustainable doesn’t have to be complicated. It might include:
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and equipment
- Switching to renewable energy
- Reducing waste and using resources more efficiently
- Adopting low-emission transport
- Choosing more sustainable materials
Take a look at the resources below to help you start your journey:
4. Explore further...
Step-by-step tools and guidance (UK Business Climate Hub)
FSB sustainability guide (downloadable PDF)
What are other small and medium sized businesses doing?
Seeing what others have done can be one of the easiest ways to get started.
Explore case studies and stories
These examples show how organisations like yours are improving efficiency, reducing costs, and building resilience through sustainability.
Other things you might want to consider
You may be eligible for funding to help with:
- Carbon audits
- Renewable energy
- Waste reduction projects
Expert advice can help you:
- Identify the most impactful actions
- Develop a strategy
- Measure your progress
Find guidance and directories:
Local organisations* include:
* The local organisations listed here can support businesses in exploring ways to reduce their carbon impact. These organisations are provided for information only and are not endorsed partners of Zero Carbon Cumbria. Businesses should carry out their own due diligence before engaging with any of them.
Understanding your emissions is a key first step to decarbonising your business.
Understanding the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting will help you align with expectations from customers and investors.
Engage your employees by involving them in your efforts to decarbonise.
Educate and inspire them to support sustainability initiatives and promote behaviour change.
Don’t forget to recognise achievements and celebrate milestones! This helps maintain momentum and keep staff engaged.
Go straight to your sector
Check out the UK Climate Hub sector pages for industry-relevant guidance – they cover everything from construction and fishing to office-based services and retail.
We’ve also compiled some targeted resources below:
Processes, waste & circular economy
Other useful links
Offsetting, carbon credits & investment for ESG
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Contact us
- Please get in touch with any questions / suggestions you might have
- Find out how you can get involved with the Zero Carbon Cumbria partnership