SMES TAKING CLIMATE ACTION TOGETHER

The climate crisis can be daunting for SMEs who don't have big teams and budgets to set net zero targets and work out how to get there. We know that from working with SMEs on responsible business for the past 20 years. And we also know SMEs can have a great impact, no matter how small their teams are!

That's why we've created this free course, bespoke for SMEs with a significant proportion of operations in the square mile, to make taking action against climate crisis accessible and achievable. We're launching the course January 2022, and you can apply for a place now. 

If your business isn't operating in the City of London, you can still download our climate action toolkit for free. 

WHY COMPLETE THE COURSE?

Businesses play a huge role in the climate crisis. We hear net zero commitments from big businesses, but with SMEs making up 99% of businesses in the City it's crucial that they come together to take action.

Doing business sustainably is vital for everyone's future. Working towards net zero carbon emissions will become essential as larger businesses review their supply chains in favour of companies who can demonstrate their progress. The City of London Corporation has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its investments and supply chain by 2040.

This is also really positive for your business. You'll get more customers, attract brilliant employees, keep them for longer and win more contracts.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

  • In four modules, you'll learn what net zero means, why it's relevant to small businesses, how to build an effective case for doing business sustainably and set a plan for reaching net zero

  • If you're starting from scratch with net zero and climate action, don't worry - the first module will teach you everything you need to know, starting with jargon busting

  • A bespoke toolkit, education events and access to experts throughout the course will be a complete guide to climate action for SMEs

  • You'll meet other SMEs on a similar journey, building up a great network for yourself

  • You'll finish the course with a plan to get your business to net zero and an understanding of your baseline

  • And you'll make a public commitment to implement your plan

Through Heart of the City's climate course,
you'll be making a commitment to:

MAKING A COMMITMENT TO POSITIVE CLIMATE ACTION

  • Measuring your carbon footprint

  • Setting targets to halve your greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040

  • Disclosing your progress every year

APPLY FOR A PLACE

We're launching in January 2022 and if you're an SME with a significant proportion of operations in the square mile, you can apply for a place on the course now. If you're not based or operating in the City of London, you can still use our climate action toolkit to start your net zero journey.

Membership Team

Laura moved into her current role as Programme Manager in June 2021 and is responsible for our climate action course, climate for SMES: 4 steps to action. Since June Laura has worked to develop the course content, deliver the pilot course and implement feedback and now is managing the full climate course. Laura joined Heart of the City in November 2019 as Operations Officer. Prior to that she worked in CSR at a construction firm where she helped develop responsible business plans within tenders and sites CCS plans. Laura studied at the University of Nottingham and has a degree in Geography. In her spare time you’ll find her knee deep in arts and crafts. Her current new venture is candle making.

Laura McCullough

Net Zero Programme Manager