Sandwell businesses share a borough and a responsibility to reduce environmental impact and build resilience for the future. Climate change is affecting communities locally and globally, with more extreme weather events such as flooding and heatwaves.
Sandwell Council has declared a climate emergency and identified net zero as a key economic priority. Businesses across the borough are encouraged to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and explore opportunities linked to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
What is net zero?
Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing any remaining emissions through natural or technological solutions. Moving towards net zero can also create opportunities for innovation, efficiency savings and new markets.
Businesses can access support to understand energy use, reduce costs and identify practical steps towards decarbonisation.
Further information
See what Sandwell Council is doing on climate change.
Read the Sandwell Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
Learn about air quality in Sandwell.
Business recycling information.
Contact the Business Growth team for net zero support.
Useful resources
Net Zero Innovation Network Cohort Programme
Support for businesses developing low-carbon innovation.
Find out more.
West Midlands Net Zero Pledge
A commitment scheme for organisations working towards reducing carbon emissions.
Find out more.
Single-use plastics guidance – UK government
Guidance on restrictions and legal requirements for businesses.
Find out more.
Net zero guidance – The Carbon Trust
Information to help businesses understand net zero and reduce emissions.
Find out more.
BioChar CleanTech Accelerator
Support for businesses working with biochar and related technologies.
Find out more.
Sustainable Business Support Hub – Sustainability West Midlands
Information and support for sustainable business practices.
Find out more.
Free business energy assessment
Energy audits, advice and grant support delivered through the Decarbonisation programme.
Find out more.
Green Advantage – Aston University
Training to support environmental sustainability within businesses.
Find out more.
Carbon Literacy training – West Midlands Combined Authority
Free training to help organisations understand and reduce carbon impact.
Find out more.
UK Business Climate Hub
Tools and guidance to help UK businesses cut emissions.
Find out more.
EnTRESS – University of Wolverhampton
Support for Black Country SMEs adopting environmental technologies.
Find out more.
Defra emissions reporting guidance
Guidance on measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
Find out more.
The Carbon Trust
Energy efficiency support and funding guidance for SMEs.
Find out more.