Source: Shifting sands: How consumer behavior is embracing sustainability

Aligning with this trend guarantees SMEs access to customer segments that prioritize environmental responsibility in their purchasing decisions. While the macro perspective looks promising, it’s worthwhile looking at another couple of case studies to understand how this plays out at the individual SME level.

The Eco-Cool Case Study

Eco-Cool Limited, a refrigeration company, faced pressure due to declining sales and revenue caused by increasing competition and regulatory pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company made the strategic choice to “go green” in an attempt to turn things around. They transitioned to eco-friendly refrigeration units that use natural refrigerants, invested in solar panels to power their manufacturing facility, and adopted energy-efficient practices.

In Eco-Cool’s case, the choice to adopt sustainability as a strategy paid off in a big way. Within just two years of launching their sustainability initiatives, the company started attracting environmentally conscious customers and businesses and secured contracts with retailers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. This resulted in a 30% increase in new customer acquisitions over the period. Furthermore, the company qualified for government grants and subsidies that promote sustainable business practices.

Net Zero – The Opportunity for New Partners

Adopting net-zero policies doesn’t only provide great storytelling opportunities; it also offers SMEs the chance to partner with similar businesses and organizations. By showing a dedication to sustainability, SMEs can draw in partners who share the same values and goals. These partnerships can lead to new business opportunities and joint sustainability projects. The Green Tech case study below serves as an excellent example.

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers to Net-Zero for SMEs

Having established the benefits SMEs can gain from adopting net-zero as a strategy, it’s important to balance the picture and discuss the challenges, which can be loosely categorized into two groups: operational and analytical.

SMEs Operational Challenges to Sustainability

The most obvious challenges SMEs face on their journey to becoming net-zero are the lack of resources and expertise needed to implement sustainable practices and the limitations of budgets and cash flow that prevent the initial investments required in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, etc.

Thankfully, many jurisdictions offer SMEs bridging loans and grants specifically designed to help overcome these challenges. If you’re considering becoming net-zero, it’s well worth looking into what types of support are offered in your area.

SMEs Analytical Challenges to Sustainability

A further challenge SMEs face when opting to go green is determining their carbon footprint across their entire supply chain. Most SMEs lack the tools and knowledge needed to accurately track their emissions and are therefore unable to set meaningful reduction targets. Without these targets, it’s impossible for SMEs to determine the scope of effort required to become truly net-zero. Regulatory barriers and market uncertainties complicate the picture even further.

Here again, support exists for those who need it. Local and national trade associations, advocacy groups, and government agencies often provide guidelines for businesses on how to correctly calculate emissions. A good place to start is the Verra Project Methodologies listed below in the appendix. Private sector consultancies such as Carbon Credit Capital are also available to provide these calculations as a service.

Conclusion – Embracing Net-Zero: The SME’s Pathway to Success

The journey to reach net-zero by 2030 brings both challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This transition is not just about being environmentally responsible; it can also improve brand image, build consumer trust, and help businesses stand out in the market. Case studies like BrewDog and Riverford show that sharing sustainability efforts can boost customer loyalty and attract new eco-conscious clients. Additionally, frameworks from organizations like Verra and consultancies like Carbon Credit Capital help SMEs measure their carbon footprints, plan their sustainability journeys, and certify their emission reduction projects once completed. Contact us today to learn more.

Appendix – Introducing the Verra Project Methodologies

Verra Project Methodologies are the set of rules and guidelines used for creating and approving projects under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. These guidelines ensure projects follow the correct steps to produce real reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. They also ensure projects can issue Verified Carbon Units (VCUs).

Each methodology has specific requirements and guidelines, so SMEs should carefully evaluate which methodology aligns best with their project goals and circumstances. Below are some of the most commonly used methodologies for reference:

Agricultural Sector SMEs

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: This methodology is relevant for SMEs in the agricultural sector seeking to reduce emissions, enhance resilience to climate change, and improve productivity and livelihoods.
• Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU): This methodology is relevant for SMEs in sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and land use practices.
• Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+): This methodology is relevant for SMEs in forest conservation and/or involved in activities where deforestation is a concern. It also includes components related to renewable energy and efficiency.

Energy Sector SMEs

• Energy Efficiency: SMEs can implement energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce emissions and potentially generate carbon credits.
• Renewable Energy: SMEs in the energy sector can consider implementing renewable energy projects and exploring options for certifying emission reductions through relevant standards.

Community and Conservation-Focused SMEs

• Climate Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCB): This standard focuses on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to biodiversity conservation, and support local communities. It is relevant for SMEs active in these areas.
• Gold Standard (GS): SMEs focused on community development and conservation can benefit from certifying their emission reduction projects through the Gold Standard.

General Industry SMEs

• Verified Carbon Standard (VCS): This is one of the most widely used voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction standards, providing a robust framework for verifying and certifying emission reduction projects, including those related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. SMEs across various industries can utilize the VCS for their emission reduction projects.

By adopting these methodologies, SMEs can ensure their projects meet high standards for sustainability, thereby gaining credibility and trust in the eyes of consumers and partners.