Net zero business advice

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.

Switch off lighting, computers, monitors, printers, and appliances when not in use.
Set heating thermostats to a comfortable but efficient level (typically 18-19°C for working environments).
Install removable draught excluders, door brushes, and window seal strips. These are affordable and effective.
Use thermal curtains or blinds to improve comfort and reduce heating needs.
Add insulation film to single‑glazed windows (removable and affordable).
Switch to LED lighting when your old lighting needs to be replaced.
Fit tap aerators or flow‑restrictors.
Add cistern displacement devices for toilets if allowed (or use water‑saving bags).
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.

Use recognised approaches such as science based targets to set credible carbon reduction goals. Find out more
Publicly share your climate commitments to show leadership within the Arun business community. Find out how to set an emissions target by reading SME Climate Hub's guide
Calculate your carbon footprint. The following tools are free:

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.

Conduct a business energy audit to understand where energy is used and wasted.
Apply no‑cost and low‑cost actions, such as adjusting heating controls, switching off unused equipment, and improving insulation. Some examples are listed on the Government's website.
Explore renewable options such as rooftop solar. Some tips are available on the following link: Renewable energy - UK Business Climate Hub
Use a green energy supplier
Look out for energy grants on Ofgems website

3. Water efficiency

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

Install tap aerators, flow restrictors, and other simple water‑saving devices. Many of these are affordable and simple to install, and will have clear impacts on your water consumption.
Monitor water use to catch leaks or unexpected increases early.
Check out some more tips on the following links

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.

5. Nature and biodiversity enhancement

Simple changes in and around your business can help local wildlife thrive.

Learn what businesses can do in terms of nature recovery through Nature's Workforce
Access landowner advice from the Sussex Wildlife Trust
Support local conservation efforts, particularly along Arun's coastline, rivers, and green spaces, such as through Weald to Waves, the Kelp Recovery Project, and Sussex Bay.

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.

SME Climate Hub and the UK Business Climate Hub

Businesses looking to reduce costs, improve efficiency and take action on climate change can access a range of free resources and support through the UK Business Climate Hub and the SME Climate Hub.

The UK Business Climate Hub brings together practical advice, case studies, tools and guidance tailored to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. Whether you are looking to reduce energy use, cut waste, improve resource efficiency or understand your carbon footprint, the Hub provides straightforward information to help you get started.

The SME Climate Hub offers additional free tools, training and resources to help businesses measure and reduce emissions, develop climate action plans and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Businesses can access practical guidance suitable for organisations at any stage of their sustainability journey.

Find out more:

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

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.