Demonstrating climate action is becoming an essential requirement to retain key clients and win new business.
In tenders and supplier questionnaires, companies are increasingly being asked to provide evidence of net zero targets, environmental policies and examples of climate action, training and risk management systems to reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance the environment. We offer a net zero getting started package that will make sure your company has a clear route map to net zero as part of your wider sustainability strategy.
If you’re ready to start your net zero journey or need to speed up climate action, we’re here to be a part of it with you. Contact our team, and we’ll advise how we can help you.
Companies with over 250 employees and £36m turnover have been subject to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting since April 2019. Listed companies have been publishing progress reports on carbon reduction action since 2014.
Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.9% of the UK business population, SMEs have so far fallen outside the legal and regulatory framework for mandatory reporting.
This is now changing:
- Companies with publicly stated net zero targets need to influence their supply chain (Scope 3 emissions) in order to meet their 2030 and 2050 net zero targets.
- In June 2023, the International Sustainability Standards Board launched climate-related accounting standard IFRS S2. This requires the collation and reporting of Scope 3 emissions.
- Mandatory climate and sustainability reporting for larger companies means that SMEs in the upstream and downstream value chain need to demonstrate climate action, or they will lose out on business.
Net zero support for SMEs
It’s easy to get confused with climate change legislation and carbon reporting obligations, or to take the wrong steps at the outset.
Net Zero Readiness Assessment
Our dedicated Environmental and Climate specialists will help SMEs start a journey to net zero with five simple steps.
- Readiness assessment – we’ll start by sending you a climate questionnaire to assess your current position.
- Site audit and meeting – after a tour of your site and discussing your key priorities, we’ll explain the options for setting net zero targets.
- Net zero route map –we’ll prepare a legally privileged report and action plan to kick-start your net zero journey. The report will help you get buy-in from senior management.
- Corporate policies - we will draft or improve appropriate corporate policies to demonstrate your commitments. This includes drafting an Environmental Policy Statement and Climate Change Policy.
- Carbon literacy training - our Environment team will provide carbon literacy training to help embed behavioural change.
Carbon Literacy training
We are the first law firm in the UK to offer accredited Carbon Literacy training to clients.
Climate change awareness and behavioural change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is an essential requirement for all businesses.
Our Carbon Literacy training course will help your colleagues and managers understand the climate science and legal and reporting framework and provide additional motivation to take climate action and encourage others to reduce emissions.
Since our course is certified by the Carbon Literacy Project, the attendees will also become certified as “carbon literate individuals” to strengthen your sustainability reputation.
The net zero service is led by environment partners Claire Petricca-Riding and Keith Davidson.
How much does Irwin Mitchell’s net zero service cost?
The Net Zero Readiness Assessment starts at just £5,000 plus VAT, depending on the size and complexity of your business.
Our Carbon Literacy training for SMEs costs £2,000 to £2,500 plus VAT depending on webinar or workshop options.
0333 0100 359
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
