Small99: Small Business to Net Zero: Recent Episodes
Adam Bastock
Practical tips and advice on how to reduce your small businesses carbon footprint.
With 99% of the UK's economy made up of small businesses, you can make a big impact with small changes.
Have a question you want answered? Email me on adam@small99.co.uk !
In this podcast we guide you on your journey to net zero and empower you to be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
The cost of reducing your Greenhouse Gas Emissions to NetZero can often feel expensive, especially when compared to doing nothing. However, the cost of adaptation is much higher.
The cost of insurance is rising, and many places are already facing huge bills for adapting to the Climate Crisis.
In this episode, Adam + Simon discuss how the Climate Crisis is already way ahead of schedule and how businesses can start to make their businesses more resilient.
The articles shown and referenced in this episode are:
https://www.ft.com/content/ed3a1bb9-e329-4e18-89de-9db90eaadc0b
https://www.ft.com/content/272fac7a-9d8f-4afe-a489-0ea6b5837ee5
https://www.ft.com/content/b4bf187a-1040-4a28-9f9e-fa8c4603ed1b
https://www.ft.com/content/eafeddeb-6dca-42d9-9f22-d821d158ec6d
https://www.ft.com/content/2d6fc319-2165-42fb-8de1-0edf1d765be3
https://www.ft.com/content/ba2cdf7d-898d-4b22-b40b-8d2d80b631f8
Lithium is getting a lot of bad press. Many people are concerned about the ethics of Lithium mining and batteries 'embedded carbon'. But who is behind this rise in concerns? Why do these same people not ask the same questions about the fuel they put in their cars?
Fossil fuel PR is working overtime to stoke fear of electric vehicles, and it seems to be working. In this episode, Adam + Simon bust some myths, and PR spin, around the environmental impacts of Lithium batteries.
Our stats in this episode are from this article: https://earth.org/lithium-and-cobalt-mining
3 billion trees are cut down every year just to make cardboard boxes, which are often single-use. Why don't we reuse the good ones? Jack Good turned this simple idea into a business, Reuseabox.
Not only are these boxes up to 50% cheaper, but they also help with reforestation, as Reusabox is planting 1 million trees.
This week, Adam + Simon discuss how doing the right thing when making sustainability choices not only saves money but also creates a resilient business with a lasting legacy.
Find out more about Reusabox at https://www.reuseabox.co.uk
Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-good-19428479
AI uses a lot of energy. Recently, there have been many headlines about companies' energy usage soaring as they increase their power usage to run AI. Google and Microsoft both recently announced they are now off target for their Net Zero plans and will have to work hard to get back on track.
Adam and Simon discuss why AI uses so much power and what is being done to try to reduce it.
There are lots of stats and links in this episode:
https://www.ft.com/content/383719aa-df38-4ae3-ab0e-6279a897915e
https://submer.com
https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk/the-water-footprint-of-ai-data-centres
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/02/google-ai-emissions
https://www.ft.com/content/61bd45d9-2c0f-479a-8b24-605d5e72f1ab
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RW1lmju
https://theshiftproject.org/en/article/unsustainable-use-online-video
This week, we're joined by Tom from Sprigg, Glasgow salad bars that is challenging the way the takeaway food business operates.
Tom tells us about the challenges of operating a business that relies on fresh produce as the climate changes and pushes prices up and down. He explains how he boldly decided to introduce a reusable bowl scheme and how that has strengthened his brand.
He also shares how partnering with an e-cargo delivery bike company has expanded his business.
Learn more about Sprigg: https://sprigg.co.uk
We're joined by Tim from the Secret Capsite, who decided to think long-term when it came to improving the campsite.
Tim explained that wildlife and biodiversity are at the centre of everything they do on the campsite, so when moving the washhouse, the normal concrete solution wouldn't cut it. Working with a local architect, Tim has created a unique structure and combined it with solar PV and rainwater harvesting to create a truly inspiring building. The guests and the wildlife love it too!
All of this was a cost for Tim, but these decisions are long-term, and they're strengthening his brand and business by attracting customers who want to spend time in nature and keep coming back with their friends.
Learn more about the Sectrect Capsite: https://thesecretcampsite.co.uk/
In this episode, Adam and Simon ask, "Is Net Zero possible for a small business? Following the recent 'roll-back' of the Scottish government on the Net Zero commitments and lots of other big businesses and government seeming to scale back, is Net Zero even possible?
In this episode, Adm and Simon discuss how the emissions in your supply chain are linked to your own emissions and why this matters.
They also explain how being part of a big business supply chain will start to impact your small business's need for a carbon reduction plan.
In this episode, Adm and Simon discuss how a recent Guardian headline could be doing more harm than good. They discuss how it might be encouraging, or even justifying, a lot of people to stop taking Net Zero action.
What are the consequences of this, and should they have been more responsible?
Old Article - https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change
Recent Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/04/just-57-companies-linked-to-80-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-since-2016
In this episode, Adam and Simon ask how much impact transportation has on a small business. They also discuss how some forms of transport might be higher in emissions than you might think at first.
In this episode, Adam and Simon ask why is energy a main focus of Net Zero? What does energy mean in the context of small business? How can you start to measure and reduce your energy usage?
Adam + Simon Bullshit Busters are back! We're rebooting the podcast to bring you sustainability-focused bullshit-busting.
In this episode, we ask why should my small business care about NetZero? They explore some of the benefits to your business that go far deeper than just Net Zero and how the whole process will make your business more sustainable and profitable.
In this episode I sit down with Lewis, a keen advocate for action who has done fantastic work with engaging their supply chain. We discuss the successes and struggles on his Carbon Reduction Journey so far.
There's a lot of concern about electric vehicle batteries and how bad they are for the environment. However, how do they stack up against a petrol car? And what sort of life can you get from one?
In this episode I tackle:
- The Average Lifespan of a EV battery
- Their Carbon Footprint
- How much lithium and cobalt they use
- If they can be recycled
- What happens to them after they're in a car
- How they compare to petrol cars
Sources: * Average UK Mileage * EV Battery Life * Life Cycle Assessment of a Car Carbon Footprint * Vehicle Effeciency * EV Battery Recycling * How much do batteries degrade over time * Electric Classic Cars * Second Life Applications
A common question with an unsatisfactory answer! Basically, measure Scope 1 and 2.
Here are the big 4 I discuss:
B-Corp: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
SBTi: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/legacy/2020/07/SME-Frequently-Asked-Questions_July-2020.pdf
SME Climate Hub x CDP:
https://www.cdp.net/en/articles/companies/smes-equipped-to-join-race-to-net-zero-with-dedicated-climate-disclosure-framework
SECR: https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-events/insights/secr-explained-streamlined-energy-carbon-reporting-framework-for-uk
https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/the-happiest-number-ive-heard-in
What are the knock on impacts from going "Green?"
Walk around any urban neighbourhood and you’ll see SUVs everywhere. This is despite them being bad for us – from increased emissions to increased road accidents. Yet they’re more popular than ever.
Why is this? And what can we learn from this in motivating more people to take climate action?
In this episode we’ll explore what motivates people and how we can deploy this in selling climate action.
https://small99.co.uk/transport/suvs-a-lesson-in-the-emotional-challenge-of-climate-action/
Trees are great, we all love trees. But how useful are they actually?
In this episode we explore how effective tree planting really is and answer the following:
- How much CO2 does a tree absorb?
- How many trees should I plant?
- What is Carbon Syncing?
- Who do I plant with?
Trees for Life / Ecologi
Wholegrain article: https://www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/zero-carbon-synching/
Sources:
All About Trees - Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership
carbonfootprint.com - UK Tree Planting
How much CO2 does a tree absorb? | Viessmann
How Much CO2 Does A Tree Absorb?
Tree planting 'has mind-blowing potential' to tackle climate crisis | Greenhouse gas emissions | The Guardian
How much carbon does a tree absorb (sequester)? | MoreTrees.eco
How much CO2 does a tree absorb? Let's get carbon curious!
In this episode we look at recycling in context: How much does it really make a difference?
- https://www.ft.com/content/c5e0cdf2-aaef-4812-9d8e-f47dbcded55c
- https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/is-recycling-worth-it
Thinking of your carbon like a budget is a great way to start being critical of your spend and ensure you're not running an unsustainable business.
I'm still struggling with this topic and how best to explain it, so any feedback welcome!
2030 is 8 years away.
What were you doing 8 years ago? How has your life changed in 8 years?
Small businesses can make change happen in hours, days and weeks. Years is a big delay tactic and simply not appropriate for most of our economy.
60% of small companies today will not exist in 2030. Challenge their Net Zero targets and make sure they take action today!
Feeling confused and lost with Net Zero in the New Year?
Here's some simple places to get stuck into!
- Start Small - Do anything! If you've got something on your to do list, get stuck in
- Set a Net Zero Target - A target of 2025 is practical for most businesses, and will give you focus to start working on what you need to do to get there. Make sure to communicate it!
- Write an Environmental policy - This is a great way to reflect on progress so far, communicate to customers, and to collect all of your ideas together
- Start Measuring - If you're keen to get an idea of your footprint, sign up with an account-based footprinting tool to get a quick list of areas you can tackle.
Environmental Policy Examples
Sign up and Measure your Footprint (Free Trial)
We're beyond Climate Denial and into a world of Climate Delay.
There are 4 key areas you need to look out for and not fall into the trap of:
- Redirection of Responsibility
- Policy Perfectionism
- Surrender
- Technological Optimism
In this episode we explore some of the common manifestations this delayism takes, so you can call it out and be aware of it in your decision making.
Sources:
How discourses of Delay slow climate action - Carbon Brief
Did 100 companies emit 70% of emissions?
UK Aviation in 2018
Short answer, yes.
It surprised me how quickly electric vehicles undo the historical emissions of existing ICE vehicles.
Sources:
- Is keeping my old car greener than buying a new EV?
- Factcheck: How electric vehicles help to tackle climate change
- Carbon Footprint Calculator
- Germany - 40,000km for breakeven
- Electric Vehicle Lifecycle Analysis
Bit of a rant this one, but before you point at someone else being bad, make sure you have fully considered the figures of your decisions!
Yes, Avocados are a high consumption crop, but just because something else is bad doesn't mean you aren't responsible for your own actions. Once again we see a lack of context and understanding of the figures lead to climate inaction.
Litres of Water per Kilo
- Avocado: 1,280
- Beef: 15,451
Carbon Emissions per Kilo
- Avocado: 2.5kg
- Beef: 60kg
- UK Beef: 22kg
Sources and Further reading:
- Is grass-fed beef good or bad for the climate?
- Interactive: What is the climate impact of eating meat and dairy?
- Environmental impacts of food production
- More or Less - COP26 Breakfast
- Claims against meat fail to consider bigger picture - Sustainable Food Trust
- How much water does it really take to produce a beef burger?
After a few weeks of reflection it's time to look at what it all actually means for you.
http://small99.co.uk/join
Well, that was an intense 2 weeks. Was it all worth it, or a waste of time?
Further reading and listening below:
- COP26 Achieved more than expected, but less than hoped - Financial Times
- COP26 Glasgow: Ready to go further: Outrage and Optimism
- The Good, the bad and the ugly. What did COP26 achieve? New Statesman
- After the failure of Cop26, there’s only one last hope for our survival - George Monbiot
- COP26: Key outcomes agreed at the UN climate talks in Glasgow
And for my comments around the climate impact of COP26:
Scotland emitted 41,600,000 Tonnes of CO2e in 2018.
Of this, 14,800,000 Tonnes were from Transport.
10,000,000 of this, was from road transport. Divided by 365, this figure is around 27,500 Tonnes of CO2e per day.
The total CO2e of COP26 has been calculated at 102,500
Should young people dial back on social media and on zoom calls to save the planet?
https://trafficscotland.org/carboncalculator/
Zoom, video conferencing, energy, and emissions
With COP26 in full swing, are you powerless, or powerful?
The '3.5% rule': How a small minority can change the world
How Rich am I?
World's wealthiest 'at heart of climate problem'
A few frequent flyers 'dominate air travel'
Small businesses behind a third of the UK’s emissions, but lag in net zero fight
Join the Community and be personally guided to Net Zero
https://community.small99.co.uk/
People are often complaining that the environmental cost of COP26 sits against what it's trying to achieve. I wanted to explore this a bit further and put some figures against it to understand what the impacts really are in terms of numbers.
- Heathrow Figures
- Gatwick Figures
- BBC - Who are taking flights?
- Flight carbon calculator
- How Rich am I? Top 5%
I should probably define what Net Zero is! Here's what to expect in the next few years.
One of the common hesitancies is around electric vehicles and their environmental impact. In this episode I discuss some of the issues around thinking of EV vs Petrol vehicles and how this may be leading to climate delayism.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) keep the planet warm by trapping solar energy that would otherwise radiate through the atmosphere back out to space.
In 2020 through burning fossil fuels the UK emitted 414.1 million tonnes / CO2e into the atmosphere.
As human activity continually increases the level of atmospheric greenhouse gases, we are exacerbating the warming of global average temperatures — resulting in what’s commonly known as global warming.
What isn’t common knowledge is how we measure the carbon footprint of GHGs.
To do this, climate scientists convert the amounts of individual GHGs to a CO2e equivalent.
In this article, we will explain what CO2e is and how it’s used to understand the atmospheric warming that GHGs create.
Carbon offset schemes have become hugely popular in the past few years, with more and more technological solutions appearing. This has naturally led to a bit of confusion, and it’s hard to know which is the one to go for.
This article will outline a few arguments and issues around carbon offsetting, bust some myths and give you some recommended schemes to join.