Supporting businesses with sustainability

This page has been developed to signpost useful information to businesses on the topic of sustainability.

Businesses are responsible for around 18% of the UK's total emissions, with approximately half coming from SMEs, and half from larger businesses. Responding to climate change and nature decline can feel overwhelming, but every business can take meaningful steps. There are a number of practical actions that reduce emissions, cut costs, build resilience, and strengthen your brand.

Benefits

Implementing policies and actions that promote sustainability can lead to a number of benefits including:

  • reduced operating costs
  • reputational improvements
  • attracting new customers
  • meeting growing client expectations around supply chain emissions and strengthening your position when bidding for new work
  • complying with environmental regulations and government requirements
  • increasing resilience, helping future proof your business

Quick wins

We recognise that many businesses, especially those renting their premises or occupying shared buildings can face barriers when trying to take climate action. These may include limited control over building systems, high upfront costs, or restrictions from landlords.

The following quick wins are simple, low‑cost actions that most businesses can implement immediately to reduce emissions, cut costs, and improve sustainability.

  1. Switch off lighting, computers, monitors, printers, and appliances when not in use.
  2. Set heating thermostats to a comfortable but efficient level (typically 18-19°C for working environments).
  3. Install removable draught excluders, door brushes, and window seal strips. These are affordable and effective.
  4. Use thermal curtains or blinds to improve comfort and reduce heating needs.
  5. Add insulation film to single‑glazed windows (removable and affordable).
  6. Switch to LED lighting when your old lighting needs to be replaced.
  7. Fit tap aerators or flow‑restrictors.
  8. Add cistern displacement devices for toilets if allowed (or use water‑saving bags).
  9. Switch to a renewable electricity tariff if you are in control of your energy purchasing. A 100% REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) electricity tariff could cost only a few pounds extra per year.

Ideas for action: Helping Arun businesses move toward net zero 

The following is an overview of all the actions that can be taken to support sustainability.

1. Target setting

A clear plan helps your business stay focused and demonstrate commitment to customers, partners, and employees.

2. Energy saving and renewables

Lowering energy use is one of the fastest ways to reduce emissions and operational costs. However this can be expensive, as is the case in retrofitting buildings to improve insulation. Equally, installing renewables has an upfront cost that many businesses won't be able to consider. It should also be considered whether you own the buildings or not, as this could limit the works you are willing to undertake, or that the owner will let you carry out. This isn't to say that there aren't actions you can undertake to improve energy efficiency at a lower cost; installing draught excluders is affordable and effective.

3. Water efficiency

Conserving water helps protect our natural environment, especially important for a coastal district like Arun.

4. Sustainable travel

Travel emissions are a major part of many organisations' carbon footprints.

  • Promote active travel including walking, cycling and scooting by offering cycle storage, showers, or incentives. Find out how to promote active travel or to become a cycle-friendly employer
  • Consider installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points if possible to support staff who wish to transition to electric vehicles.
  • Create a green travel plan to understand current travel patterns and highlight opportunities to increase active travel options.

Other

Info sheets

Be sure to check out our info sheets below on heating systems and building fabric and energy efficiency advice.

Simple carbon calculator and action plan templates

We have developed a simple carbon emissions calculator which you can use to measure your businesses carbon footprint. This is totally free to use and there's no sign up.

We have also produced a template climate change action plan which you can use as a starting point to develop your own. Check out our Climate Action and Sustainability Work Plan for some inspiration: Editable business action plan template [docx] 25KB

Arun business support

Check out our business support webpage for other helpful links, including business grants and funding, business development, and employment initiatives.

Business support | Arun District Council

Arun Business Partnership

Join the free Arun Business Partnership, which has over 2000 member companies, allowing you to bring businesses together. There is a monthly newsletter and free events. Contact Miriam Nichols at Miriam.Nicholls@arun.gov.uk or call her on 01903 737845 to sign up.

FSB's sustainability hub

Access FSB's sustainability hub for resources and tools to help you go green.

Let's Go! Net Zero

Explore Let's Go! Net Zero, a West Sussex initiative to help businesses get started with sustainability.

Kinder Business Directory

Sign up to the Kinder Business Directory if your business offers sustainable products or services.

We are working to expand support for local businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. If you would like help identifying the right next steps, accessing funding opportunities, or benchmarking your progress, please get in touch by contacting Jonathan.letendrie@arun.gov.uk.