Welsh government urged to support SMEs as they tackle climate crisis

Welsh government declared a climate crisis in 2018, and many business owners are already looking at how they can become more carbon friendly.

To help them own their response to the climate crisis, FSB has published new research on SMEs, the environment and the part business plays in delivering a healthier environment for Wales’ future generations. As part of its research, it has also developed a five-step process to support small business.

“The debate about how we tackle environmental issues is one of the most pressing issues of our time,” said Ben Francis, FSB Wales policy chair.

“FSB Wales’ priority is to help businesses look at ways to become more environmentally responsible, whilst pushing Welsh Government to provide meaningful support for those businesses, whilst understanding the landscape in which they are operating.”

FSB is advising small businesses to:

• Understand their own environmental impact using online tools such as the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Footprint Calculator;
• Consider energy efficiency improvements;
• Redesign the commute to work;
• Prepare for changes to new waste and recycling regulations; and,
• Aim for best practice by demonstrating environmental credentials through schemes such as the Green Dragon Environmental Standard.

The organisation has also called on the Welsh government to provide an advice line for SMEs on environmental issues; consider including business premises in schemes such as Arbed; consider including business premises in schemes such as Arbed; deliver a Clean Air Framework that works for smaller businesses; and, ensure new recycling and waste regulations understand SMEs.