Green Small Business

Is #iso14001 the best approach for small businesses? Are there better ways of achieving environmental certification, looking after the environment and improving your bottom line? https://lnkd.in/dpPzJzD

We think there is a lot to like about the new B Corp Environmental Standards. Highlights for us include: ✅ The clear and (mostly) sensible customisation to different industry sectors and business sizes. Sensitivity and common sense will still be needed in the application of the new standards by B Lab’s validators but we think the customisation is more sensibly proportionate for SMEs than the current system. ✅ The greater focus. The new standards feel like a successful attempt to home in on the core of what’s important from an environmental perspective. ✅ The increased emphasis on demonstrable action over policies. This will go a long way to alleviating the risk of companies treating B Corp as a tick-box exercise and, therefore, the reputational risk to the B Corp Standard. ✅ The improved clarity to the requirements. There appear to be fewer grey areas and therefore greater confidence for applicants and potential applicants (and their consultants!). But there are a few things that we are not so keen on, including: ❌ Some of the customisation to different sizes and sectors feels like a missed opportunity. For example, should all sole traders and micro-businesses be exempt from preventing and mitigating their environmental impacts? Why is engagement in climate advocacy required of only the very largest businesses, when this is so urgently needed from the business community? ❌ There are wrinkles in the customisation which need to be ironed out or better explained. For example, how can ‘service sector businesses with a significant footprint’ meet a requirement for circularity in product development when there is unlikely to be any product development in such businesses? ❌ Although there is improvement, there may still be too many grey areas. For example, what is the advice for a business which cannot identify the means of achieving 90% absolute reduction in emissions and therefore cannot meet the ‘science-based’ target requirement? ❌ The application of so-called ‘science-based’ targets to all sectors and company. For a fuller explanation of why, see our blog about our own business carbon footprint (link in the comments ⬇️). The idea that a science-based approach to societal Net Zero can be translated into standardised Net Zero targets for businesses is a huge oversimplification and that fact is apparent when reviewing the messy and contradictory guidance which accompanies the standard. Overall, we think the new B Corp Environmental Standards are a step in the right direction, but there’s still room for improvement to ensure fairness and clarity for all businesses. See our guide to everything you need to know about the new B Corp environmental standards. Link in the comments ⬇️. #bcorp

The Procurement Act 2023: A Post-Brexit Shift That Strengthens the Case for Environmental Action 🌍📜 The Procurement Act 2023, effective from 24 February 2025, marks a significant post-Brexit shift in how public contracts are awarded. One of the most notable changes is the transition from the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) to the most advantageous tender (MAT). Why is this important? Because it places broader strategic goals alongside value for money—making strong environmental and social credentials more crucial than ever. 🚀 New Procurement Objectives Maximising public benefit will be a core objective of procurement, alongside delivering value for money. This means businesses bidding for public sector contracts must demonstrate not just cost efficiency but also how they contribute to wider social and environmental goals. ♻️ Environmental Impact Matters More Than Ever With sustainability and carbon reduction under increasing scrutiny, public sector buyers are expected to prioritise businesses that align with net zero commitments, circular economy principles, and other environmental best practices. 📢 A Boost for SMEs The Act also introduces a duty to consider SMEs, aiming to level the playing field for smaller businesses. If you're an SME looking to win public sector work, this is an opportunity to differentiate yourself with strong environmental credentials—something that larger competitors may struggle to deliver as effectively. At Green Small Business, we help businesses strengthen their environmental performance and credibility—whether for procurement, compliance, or competitive advantage. If you're an SME looking to future-proof your business and improve your chances in public procurement, get in touch! #ProcurementAct2023 #Sustainability #SMEs #NetZero #PublicSector #EnvironmentalCredentials #YourCompanyName

♻️ New Workplace Recycling Rules: Is Your Business Ready? ♻️ Big changes are coming for workplace recycling in England! From March 2025, all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations must separate their waste into clear recycling streams—just like households do. This means: ✅ Glass ✅ Metal & plastic ✅ Paper & card ✅ Food waste ❌ No more mixing recyclables with general waste! This shift is intended to reduce landfill waste, prevent recyclables from being incinerated, improve recycling rates, and support sustainability efforts—but is your business prepared? In our latest blog, we break down exactly what these changes mean for you and how to get ahead of the deadline. Link in the comments ⬇️ #Recycling #Sustainability #BusinessResponsibility #NetZero #GreenBusiness

The new Environmental Standards for B Corp cover two environmental topics: ·      Climate Action ·      Environmental Stewardship & Circularity For each topic, a series of mandatory standards are applicable. Yes, the ‘menu’ approach (pick and choose how you score the necessary points) will be no more. The requirements for each standard vary significantly according to business size and sector. See our guide to everything you need to know about the new B Corp environmental standards. Link in the comments.

First a disclaimer. B Lab’s timelines for the new standards have been frequently revised so please check their official communication channels for up-to-date information. At the time of writing, B Lab anticipates that all businesses submitting new applications or recertification applications after January 1, 2026, will engage with the new standards as part of their certification process. Recertification submissions in Q4 2025 (October-December) may be required to recertify under the new standards. Guidance will be provided as timelines are finalised. See our guide to everything you need to know about the new B Corp environmental standards. Link in the comments.

B Corp is changing. The biggest change is now pretty widely known. The ‘menu approach’ of the current system is being replaced by a series of mandatory standards. It will no longer be possible to be a weak performer in key areas like climate action and still retain B Corp certification. But there’s another big change which is less widely understood. Under the current approach, much of what is needed to achieve B Corp certification can be put in place within a matter of months. Under the draft new standards, this will not be possible. The new standards have a much greater emphasis on businesses being able to demonstrate that they have taken consistent action on key topics prior to application. We think you will need a minimum 12-month runway to apply for certification or recertification. See our guide to everything you need to know about the new B Corp environmental standards. Link in the comments.

Happy New Year from Green Small Business! After a well-deserved Christmas break, our team is refreshed and ready to dive into 2025. We've got exciting plans in store and look forward to supporting even more businesses on their sustainability journey this year. *Image of Victoria, Tim and Sarah at our Christmas meal at the fantastic vegan café, the Herbarium. #sustainability #greenbusiness #smallbusiness

Need a new carbon management partner?

Should you sign up to the cycle to work scheme? 🚲 How it works as a business: The Cycle to Work scheme operates as a 'salary sacrifice' benefit, where your employees give up part of their gross salary in exchange for a bike and/or accessories which are paid for by the business. This results in tax savings, as the sacrifice is made before Income Tax and National Insurance (NI) are calculated. Taxable pay is therefore reduced. Depending on their tax rate, participants can save between 28% and 42% on the cost of their bike during the hire period. As an employer you also benefit from a reduction in your Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The upfront costs of bikes/accessories need to be covered by the business, with those costs then recouped from the employee over time. Providing those costs can be covered, the scheme is a low-admin way to provide a valuable staff benefit whilst saving on NICs. The scheme is straightforward to implement, and finance or payroll teams/support can usually manage the setup via one of the schemes available. Schemes available: Cycle 2 Work and Cyclescheme are two of the bigger schemes but there are others such as the Green Commute Initiative, which only charges the bike shops a 5% transaction fee instead of the 10% the larger providers charge. Opting for the Green Commute Initiative could be a way of providing valuable support to bike retailers. In addition to providing access to the Cycle to Work scheme, you could promote cycle-friendly routes to the workplace and promote local The Bikeability Trust courses to aid cyclists confidence on roads. Benefits to your employees: The idea of this scheme is that it encourages your staff to cycle to work by facilitating access to cheaper bikes. In practice, even if you don’t think your staff will commute on the bike often, providing access to a bike could make a huge difference to the way your employees travel and enjoy their free time. The benefits of cycling are numerous, from mental health, physical health, low carbon travel and often social benefits – there are even business bike networking events happening around the country! #CycleToWorkScheme #EmployeeBenefits #SustainableTravel #Cycling