» Resources » How can SMEs play an important role in the UK’s Net Zero targets? Blog How can SMEs play an important role in the UK’s Net Zero targets? What is an SME? The UK Government currently defines Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accordance with the table below. How do they make up the UK economy? At the start of 2021 SMEs accounted for 99.9% of the business population (5.5 million businesses). SMEs account for three fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector. Total employment in SMEs was 16.3 million (61% of the total), whilst turnover was estimated at £2.3 trillion (52%). How can SMEs play an important role in the UK’s Net Zero targets? Considering the above factors, it’s crucial that SMEs are equipped to play a role in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets. UK Government have set a 2050 Net Zero target and more ambitiously the Scottish Government has set legislation for Scotland to be Net Zero by 2045, providing a clear legal mandate for businesses in Scotland to start reducing emissions now, and to continue to do so as time goes forward. Although the actions of one company may be comparatively small, collectively an effort by all SMEs will have a significant impact on the greenhouse gas emissions of Scotland and the UK. Therefore, I’m absolutely delighted to introduce you to the Climate Action Hub. What is the Climate Action Hub? Last year we worked with SBCC and Zero Waste Scotland to develop and launch the Climate Action Hub. It is a free online platform that provides an individual learning experience for Scottish SMEs: Understand – The backbone of the hub follows a 12 module e-learning pathway that goes through the themes of ‘Why Net Zero?’, ‘Understanding Your Carbon’ and ‘How to Implement’. Each module takes around 15 – 20 mins to complete, is CPD accredited – with a passing mark giving an industry recognised certificate that is stored within the hub. Measure – Beyond the e-learning pathway admins of the account can use the tool to manage their entire business’ learning, bookmarking progress with company and individual assessments, tracking and assigning learning material through the corporate dashboard. Take Action – The learning materials also guide users on how to use the additional Sustainability Tool – A carbon calculator and Carbon Reduction Plan generator which gives suggested short, medium and long term actions tailored to specific sectors – providing SMEs with a recognised plan, suitable for tender and funding applications. Book a free discovery call with our carbon experts to explore how your organisation can reduce emissions and build climate resilience. Anna Cantwell May 12, 2023 Share: Related Articles July 2025 COâ‚‚ Performance Ladder Comparing EcoVadis with the COâ‚‚ Performance Ladder Sarah Chatfield July 2025 COâ‚‚ Performance Ladder Comparing EcoVadis with the COâ‚‚ Performance Ladder The EcoVadis rating system and the COâ‚‚ Performance Ladder (the Ladder) are two powerful tools that support organisations in improving sustainability performance. While they share some common goals, they take different approaches. Understanding how they complement each other can help companies strengthen both internal strategy and supply chain engagement. Understanding the tools EcoVadis provides sustainability […] Keagan Allin July 2025 Blog Modern Slavery in Supply Chains: CCLA’s Latest Data Anna Cantwell July 2025 Blog Modern Slavery in Supply Chains: CCLA’s Latest Data Back in 2019, CCLA formed the “Find it, Fix it, Prevent it” investor initiative. In 2023, they launched the CCLA Modern Slavery UK Benchmark, and last year they published the 2024 edition. This year they have published the CCLA Modern Slavery Global Benchmark pilot, which builds on the UK benchmark by applying its approach, assessing […] Keagan Allin June 2025 Blog The Hidden Roadblocks to Sustainable Labs and How to Overcome Them Mellita D'Silva June 2025 Blog The Hidden Roadblocks to Sustainable Labs and How to Overcome Them If I was given £1 for every time I heard the word autoclaves when engaging with the Higher Education sector to support them on sustainable procurement, I would be a millionaire by now. When we think about sustainable laboratories functioning and their efficiency, water use and its ethical disposal play an important part. And this […] Keagan Allin