Kicking off small business climate action with this comprehensive climate tool

The Climate Action Toolbox is a one-stop shop for organisations ready to start their emissions reduction journey.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's)

  • 97%

    of all kiwi businesses are SMEs

  • 35%

    of the country's GDP is attributable to SMEs

  • 19%

    of businesses know where to find climate change advice

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make up around 97% of all kiwi businesses and contribute around 35% of the country’s GDP. Their actions can have an important, positive impact.

If you own or work for a SME, no doubt, you’re finding times tight right now, and sustainability is not at the top of your list. However, there’s clear momentum among businesses looking for information on steps to take, with more feeling empowered to act. There’s also an increased perception that reducing emissions improves reputation and competitive advantage. 

Our research shows that 34% of businesses are actively looking for information on emissions reduction – an increase of 8 points from the previous quarter. Additionally, some of the most impactful actions – relating to how businesses move people and goods around – have improved, with a reduction in air travel, increases in EV use and a shift to more local supply chains.

While there have been encouraging signs there is still a perception that climate action increases costs.

The Climate Action Toolbox supports SMEs to make the positive changes they’re looking for and is a collaboration between EECA, the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Waka Kotahi (NZTA), New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, BNZ, Meridian Energy and DNA.

The free, easy-to-use toolbox provides an easy-to-follow pathway with tailored advice and support, based on self-assessment. It connects to the best information, tools and resources, including carbon footprint calculators.

“We know businesses want to do the right thing for climate. The challenge for many, particularly smaller businesses, is what to do."

Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and Founder of SBN

Rachel Brown says "This is why we collaborated to create the Climate Action Toolkit, which is an excellent resource for business. It’s free, super easy to use and can be tailored to the individual circumstances of any small to medium sized business. It gives examples of what others have done and creates a ready-to-use action plan.

"There are no excuses for inaction on climate anymore!"

How the Climate Action Toolbox works

The tool provides tailored advice and support in five major impact areas:

  • Moving people
  • Moving goods
  • Office operations
  • Site operations and equipment
  • Designing products

 

  • Businesses first go through a 60-second assessment to identify impact areas relevant to them.
  • Under each impact area, businesses are presented with specific actions they can take along with a step-by-step implementation guide.
  • There are over 40 actions, including switching to electric vehicles and shared transport, limiting non-essential travel, installing LED lighting, being energy efficient, and converting to clean energy equipment.
  • Businesses will also be provided with case studies of other businesses in their community undertaking actions under relevant impact areas.

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