The path to net zero: how SMEs can lead the way
22 February 2023 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), supported by Intuit and the We Mean Business Coalition (WMBC), spoke to 15 SMEs who have taken steps to decarbonise their business to share insight on the path to Net Zero for small and medium enterprises.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a crucial role in achieving net zero targets, but knowing where to start and how to succeed isn’t always clear. We spoke to 15 SMEs already working towards decarbonising their businesses to find out about the challenges they have faced, mistakes they’ve made, how they’ve overcome adversity and what they have learned on the path toward net zero. In this publication, we’ve outlined the common threads linking their journeys to create a series of actionable steps SMEs can take. This is followed by 15 case studies, sharing an in-depth insight into each business’s decarbonisation journey.
Download the case studies in this mobile-friendly format
Six steps to start your net zero journey
Embed sustainability into your business strategy: By considering people and the planet in every strategic decision you make, you can begin to embed decarbonisation, sustainability and inclusivity into your operations
Measure your impact: It’s impossible to measure progress without knowing where you began, so, to have a clear picture of your impact, you need to track your data, starting as early as possible
Build strong relationships with your suppliers: By implementing a sustainable resourcing policy, supporting your providers, and earning their trust, you can keep track of supply chain emissions and help your suppliers to improve their practices.
Get people on board: Creating a shared culture of responsibility, both internally and throughout the supply chain, will help motivate your colleagues and associates to play their part.
Redefine value: While the traditional business model values profit above all else, SMEs working towards decarbonisation need to recognise additional markers of success.
Leading the change: The level of disruption we currently face offers an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our future - one that goes beyond achieving net zero to laying the foundations for a more resilient, equitable and sustainable world.
SME case studies
The report also includes detailed case studies from 15 startups and SMEs, sharing their experiences of embedding sustainability within their business. Featured case studies include:
- Dr Justin Ma, Orange Power
- Debbie Luffman, Finisterre
- Agnes Czako, Airex
- Kitty Liao, Ideabatic
- Arabella Turek, Petit Pli
- Kavita Parmar, Gunakazi
- Ayça Dündar, Solublue
- Thaslima Begum, Teek Taka
- Jim Ajioka and Orr Yarkoni, Colorifix
- ElsaMarie D’Silva, Safecity
- Tom de Wilton and Michelle Urvall-Ashraf, Oxwash
- Ann Runnel, Reverse Resources
- Darcy Shiber-Knowles and Gero Leson, Dr Bronner’s
- Duncan Catchpole, Cambridge Organic Food Company
- Damian Tow, Brighton Energy Cooperative
Citing this report.
The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). (2022). The path to net zero: how small and medium enterprises can lead the way. Cambridge: The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.