SME businesses urged to start preparing for low carbon economy

Business customers of Danske Bank who know they need to address their climate impacts are being offered the chance to sign up to an innovative programme that will help them take action.

The Climate Action Programme, developed by Danske Bank and responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC) in Northern Ireland, offers businesses help to develop, enhance or accelerate measures to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint and prepare their business for the future.

Part-funded by Danske Bank, the four-month Climate Action Programme helps organisations to understand how they can address the climate crisis through accredited Carbon Literacy Training; measure their carbon footprint; develop a future-proof Climate Action Plan that’s bespoke to their organisation; and build relationships with and learn from key business leaders in Northern Ireland.

Suki Tea took part in the programme last year. Co-founder and Managing Director Annie Irwin said: “We’re a small team with limited resources so when I heard about the Climate Action Programme I was keen to get on it.

“We feel a lot more confident and equipped to benchmark our own Scope 3 emissions after the programme. The programme has given us great team engagement and the impetus to reach out to Invest NI and Queen’s University to get more support with the next steps, to assist us in the creation of our road map to net zero carbon.”

‘With customers, suppliers and investors increasingly focused on the climate actions of businesses, the programme ensures that businesses are on the right track to successfully respond to the climate challenge’

Chris Martin, Head of Sustainability at Danske Bank, said: “This is the second year we’ve been able to make the Climate Action Programme available to our Corporate and Business customers.

“The programme is a fantastic way for businesses large or small to develop their climate response and make a tangible commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

“With customers, suppliers and investors increasingly focused on the climate actions of businesses, the programme ensures that businesses are on the right track to successfully respond to the climate challenge.”

Keelin McCone, Head of Environment at BITC, said: “BITC is delighted to partner with Danske Bank on this important programme. The Bank has already supported 45 corporate customers from a range of sectors on their climate journey and is playing a critical role in Northern Ireland’s transition to a successful, low-carbon economy.

“Danske realises the powerful positive influence it can have through its value chain and with its stakeholders. Through the programme, participating businesses will be proactive about net-zero planning and increase levels of reporting and capacity-building, to enable delivery of immediate and long-term climate action.”

On completion of the programme, businesses will have a clear understanding of their specific starting point or ‘baseline’ and a vision of what the company can aim to achieve. Participating businesses are then invited to sign the Climate Action Pledge, a public commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% or 50% by 2030.

Visit the BITC website to read more and register your interest in taking part in an upcoming Climate Action Programme cohort.