When it comes to addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainability, many small businesses assume their limited size or resources restrict their ability to make a real difference. But in reality small companies are uniquely positioned to create meaningful environmental change. It takes agility (which is easier for small companies than big ones) creativity (SME’s are used to coming up with creative solutions), and a commitment to purpose; even the smallest organisations can contribute significantly to a healthier planet.
For businesses pursuing B Corp certification, demonstrating environmental stewardship is a core requirement. However, even without formal certification, small companies can embrace practices that reduce their ecological footprint while inspiring their communities. Here’s how.
Embrace the Power of Small Steps
Tackling environmental challenges doesn’t always require sweeping changes. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent actions that have the biggest cumulative impact. Reducing single-use plastics in your office, switching to energy-efficient lighting, or setting up a recycling programme are all attainable steps that create ripple effects.
How to Get Started:
Conduct an energy audit of your workspace. Identify areas where you can reduce consumption. Post COVID many companies have gone fully remote (including our team at Pisys) so it’s a little bit trickier.
Switch to renewable energy sources if possible. Many providers now offer affordable green energy plans.
Encourage employees to adopt sustainable habits such as using reusable water bottles or participating in carpool schemes.
Adopt a Circular Economy Mindset
The linear “take, make, waste” model is no longer sustainable. A circular economy approach focuses on designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Companies like Patagonia model this well, offering free repairs through the life of a garment, and recycling clothing at the end of its life. We appreciate that Patagonia isn’t an SME any more but read on!
Getting started in the circular economy:
Evaluate your supply chain. Can you source materials that are recycled, upcycled, or sustainably produced?
Offer incentives for customers to return used products which can then be refurbished, recycled, or repurposed.
Partner with local organisations that specialise in waste reduction or sustainable manufacturing.
Measure Your Carbon Footprint
Understanding your company’s environmental impact is the first step toward reducing it. Lots of small businesses underestimate their emissions simply because they haven’t measured them.
Start measuring:
Use free or low-cost tools to calculate your carbon footprint, such as the Carbon Trust’s Small Business Carbon Calculator. Pisys also have a rather lovely and quite affordable ESG tool.
Identify the biggest contributors to your emissions, whether it’s energy use, transportation, or production.
Set realistic targets to reduce emissions year-on-year, and track your progress.
Engage Your Employees in Sustainability Efforts
Your employees are your greatest asset when it comes to driving sustainability. By involving them in your environmental initiatives, you create a culture of shared responsibility and purpose – here are some suggestions:
Set up a “Green Team” of employees passionate about sustainability to spearhead initiatives.
Provide training on sustainable practices, from waste reduction to energy efficiency.
Celebrate and reward eco-friendly efforts, such as cycling to work (check out the UK Government cycle to work information here) or reducing paper use.
Support Local Ecosystems
As a small business, you’re deeply connected to your local community. Protecting and enhancing the local environment is not only impactful but also strengthens your community ties.
How to Get Started:
Partner with local environmental organisations to support tree planting, clean-up drives, or habitat restoration.
Source products and services locally to reduce transportation emissions.
Educate your customers about local environmental issues and encourage them to get involved.
Communicate Your Impact
Transparency is a cornerstone of the B Corp ethos. Sharing your environmental efforts doesn’t just build trust with customers—it also inspires others to follow your lead. Here are a few things you can do to get started:
Publish an annual impact report outlining your sustainability goals, actions, and achievements.
Use social media and marketing campaigns to highlight your eco-friendly initiatives.
Be honest about the challenges you face and the areas where you’re still striving to improve.
Leverage Partnerships for Greater Impact
Collaborating with other small businesses, suppliers, or charities amplifies your environmental impact. Together, you can pool resources, share knowledge, and achieve goals that might be out of reach individually.
Join local business networks or sustainability coalitions to connect with like-minded organisations.
Seek out suppliers with strong environmental credentials to align your supply chain with your values.
Consider partnering on joint sustainability campaigns, such as promoting waste reduction or green energy adoption in your area.
The Small Business Advantage
Small companies have unique strengths when it comes to environmental impact. Their size allows them to be more agile, experimental, and better connected to their stakeholders. By making sustainability a priority, small businesses can inspire larger organisations to follow suit and demonstrate that significant change is achievable at any scale.
Environmental stewardship isn’t just about responsibility—it’s an opportunity. By embracing sustainability, small businesses can attract conscious consumers, engage passionate employees, and build long-term resilience. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort to protect our planet.
So, whether you’re swapping plastic for paper, planting trees in your community, or switching to renewable energy, your small business has the power to create big change.