Give your business a greener future
As communities across the world continue to grapple with the environmental challenges brought about by climate change, more and more small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Oxfordshire are looking to join the global drive towards net zero emissions by 2050.
But what does this mean, and why is it so important? Put simply, achieving net zero means that a business has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to the point where they are balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere.
To achieve net zero, however, can seem like a daunting task. That’s why, working with partners, we have brought together into a one-stop-shop for Oxfordshire SMEs the support and resources available in Oxfordshire and more widely to help you on your net zero journey – whatever size of business you are, sector you are in, or stage you are at.
Net zero and your business
Some of the ways that thinking about net zero can help your business
Net Zero Heroes
Inspiring stories from Oxfordshire businesses already acting on net zero
Net zero support
A list of organisations supporting net zero in Oxfordshire
Funding & grants
A guide to funding available locally and nationally
Net zero jargon
A simple guide to some of the common terms you might hear used
Calculate your baseline
Understand your company’s carbon footprint and how you can save on your energy use and carbon emissions*
Net zero toolkit
There are many business toolkits available, the new UK Business Climate Hub provides a wealth of useful tools and practical advice to support businesses in climate action
Climate change adaptation
How your business can be more resilient to changes in our climate
*The UK Business Climate Hub calculator tool which is free to use is currently being updated to add new tools designed for small businesses, multi-site businesses, and to help with working out scope 3 emissions. The new small business tool will launch in March 2025 and the NatWest tool is a useful alternative in the interim. Businesses are advised to save their data separately e.g. in Excel to enter into the new tool when available. The medium-large, multi-site business and scope 3 emission tools are already live and available on the UK Business Climate Hub webpage here.
Net Zero News
Oxford City Council launches new Local Carbon Oxford Project (LCOP) pilot scheme to support sustainable building projects
Oxfordshire County Council approves climate change adaptation route map and delivery plan
Hundreds of homes in Oxfordshire to get solar panels under trial
Free Energy Assessments for Cherwell SMEs
Free places available for Oxford businesses and residents on green skills courses
Oxford Climate Awards: Winners crowned at inaugural event
Solar energy for your business: a sustainable solution
Download energy saver app for chance to win £225 towards monthly fuel bill
Cherwell residents offered free places on green skills courses
Free places at green skills courses available for South and Vale residents, supported by OxLEP Skills
Council awards funding to Abingdon and Witney College to boost local skills and support green initiatives
Low Carbon Hub reinvests £1million of its own income from renewable energy projects back into community benefit
Net Zero Events
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 10th April
Time: 7pm
Location: The George Inn, Lower Street, Barford Saint Michael, OX15 0RH
OCC Introduction to Sustainability for Micro & Small Businesses
Oxfordshire County Council
Date: 30th Apr
Time: 5.30pm – 8pm
Location: Business and Intellectual Property Centre Oxfordshire (BIPC), Oxfordshire County Library, Queen Street, Westgate, Oxford, OX1 1DJ
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 8th May
Time: 7pm
Location: Elephant & Castle, Humber Street, Bloxham, OX15 4LZ
Climate Solutions Conference 2025
Oxfordshire Greentech
Date: 10th June
Time: 9.15am-7.00pm
Location: Oxford Museum of Natural History
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 12th June
Time: 7pm
Location: White Horse Inn, Daisy Hill, Duns Tew, OX25 6JS
Connecting your Community with Nature: Bringing People Together for Nature
Wild Oxfordshire
Date: 27th June
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Howbery Business Park, Benson Lane, Wallingford, OX10 8BA
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 10th July
Time: 7pm
Location: The Red Lion (Poggs & Bom), Market Place, Deddington, OX15 0SE
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 14th Aug
Time: 7pm
Location: The George Inn, Lower Street, Barford Saint Michael, OX15 0RH
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 11th Sept
Time: 7pm
Location: Elephant & Castle, Humber Street, Bloxham, OX15 4LZ
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 9th Oct
Time: 7pm
Location: White Horse Inn, Daisy Hill, Duns Tew, OX25 6JS
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 13th Nov
Time: 7pm
Location: The Red Lion (Poggs & Bom), Market Place, Deddington, OX15 0SE
People, Planet, Pint
Small99
Date: 11th Dec
Time: 7pm
Location: The George Inn, Lower Street, Barford Saint Michael, OX15 0RH
Exploring Your Business Purpose
Discover your pivotal role in the transformation towards a more sustainable and purpose-driven future. A guide for those at the start of their journey.
OxLEP Environment and Sustainability Showcase
Read about Environmentally Sustainable Business of the Year Award Entries from the OxLEP Marketplace and Celebration event in October 2024
Need further support?
If you have questions on net zero for your business or for fully funded information and advice, please email [email protected] or call 0345 241 1196.
