Sustainability support for businesses

Working together to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs, join us on our journey.

We are working to create and support more green businesses, jobs and skills in the borough.

The benefits of sustainable business

Being more sustainable can be great for businesses. It can:

help you make progress towards net zero carbon
lower the costs of running your business
grow your revenue
help staff build their skills to support your business
help keep talent
access new partnerships, investment, and sustainable customers

Where to start

Many businesses have an interest in sustainability but don’t know where to start. Here are some things you can do.

Landlords

If you’re a landlord or have control over a building, free support is available from Better Futures. They offer:

12 months free access to a carbon calculator to measure your carbon footprint
a tailored carbon reduction plan to meet national guidelines
a free energy audit and energy reduction report to help reduce your energy bills
free access to an online learning portal to future proof your business
weekly educational webinars on a suite of business sustainability topics
consultancy with experts from a range of fields
grants for sustainable innovations and energy efficiency initiatives.

To get access to this programme your business must have:

between 2 to 249 employees
an annual revenue of between £70,000 and £43,000,000.

Diverse founders need to have an annual revenue of at least £50,000.

Email Better Futures for more details.

Apply to the programme today

High street operators

For retailers and other high street businesses, ReLondon has free help available

attend a free workshop on the circular economy, and how to reduce waste
apply for a grant
get support on how to make changes that have real impact on your business

All businesses

Our tips to support your business to become more sustainable:

build awareness of sustainable practices amongst your employees

make sustainability part of your culture, both in and out of the office. Embed this way of thinking in your organisation
cut down on waste

Can you reduce paper or printing?

Can you ban single use plastic water bottles, bags or takeaway containers?
recycle more to make a big impact

As well as recycling your own waste, it’s best practice to invest in recycled resources as well. This may bring an initial cost to your business as recycled goods are often a bit more expensive. But, the environmental cost of using new, single use materials is much higher
change your travel to cut pollution

Reducing the number of cars on the road cuts back on pollution and carbon emissions.

If you must travel into the office or to meetings, can you take public transport or car share?

Encourage cycling, could you installing an office bike rack?

Hybrid working / working from home some of the time will also help.

More information on our Active Travel for workplaces campaign
choose environment conscious suppliers

If you're a small business that wants to tackle climate change, join with others that want to do that too.

Using local suppliers supports your local economy, other small businesses and your carbon footprint.
make sustainable lunch choices

Consider eating seasonal items to avoid less sustainable production methods and airmiles.
be more energy efficient

Turn off electric appliances at the plug socket when not in use. This will save energy and money on your electricity bills.
switch your lighting to LED lightbulbs

To save 75 percent energy compared to traditional light bulbs.
if your business offers a delivery service

Think about whether you can change from petrol and diesel or invest in an electric vehicle.
plant a tree

Why not invest in planting trees in the borough?

Visit Barnet Trees for Streets to find out more.
offset your carbon

One way to balance your business’s carbon emissions is carbon offsetting. This is when a business takes part in schemes to remove greenhouse gas emissions. Compensating for their own emissions.