Issue #57 - The Green Issue 🍃
What is Net Zero? | 5 businesses, 1 question | Will climate change affect your business? | How to get renewable energy | Commercial heat pumps | 11 easy energy saving tips | Tunes | Words | More
🦾 GO
Is it time to get a bit greener? 🐸
Welcome to Issue #57 of The Backbone - the fortnightly newsletter from Bionic.
Although market volatility has slowed a bit and wholesale prices are at their lowest levels since May last year, energy prices are still relatively high. So it’s worth trying everything you can to cut the cost of your energy bills.
Comparing quotes to see if you can get cheaper rates than what you’ve been offered by your current supplier could help you save some money. And, if you’re eligible, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme might also chip a little bit off your rates.
It could also pay to be a bit greener. Being more energy efficient and doing your bit for the environment could also have the added bonus of improving the image of your business.
The trouble is, going green isn’t always as easy as it sounds. The latest NatWest Sustainable Business Tracker found that:
🦶 Nearly 1 in 3 SMEs say difficulty in measuring their carbon footprint is a major obstacle to sustainability
📈 SMEs cite increased cost inflation as the biggest obstacle to climate action in the next 12 months.
📆 Prioritisation of sustainability at SMEs remains subdued compared to its peak in June 2022
That’s why in this issue we’re going to cut through the jargon and give you all the info you need to make sure your business is doing all it can to be more environmentally friendly - from installing heat pumps and renewables to some simple things you can do to save energy every day.
We’ll also have info on The Big Zero Show as well as all the usual words, tunes, and more.
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🤳 SOCIAL
What is Net Zero? And can it save you carbon cost and energy?
You’ve probably heard of net zero. But do you know what it means and how it applies to your business?
Net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
If you’re a small business with large corporate customers, you’ll need to know about it and your own carbon impact. If not, customers might appreciate your business even more if you show that you’re conscious of its impact on the environment.
If you need more info, there’s an event dedicated to helping businesses know more about Net Zero and how to reduce their carbon impact - The Big Zero Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday, June 20.
It is free for you to attend and you can register by clicking the button below 👇
But what can you expect when you get there? Some highlights include:
Net Zero in Action sessions from Lloyd's Banking Group, Hilton Foods, King's College London, Coventry Building Society, Mott MacDonald
Juliet Davenport (Founder of Good Energy) - why building a green business is a good business
Tech Showcase – solutions to help you achieve Net Zero
For more information and updates, check out The Big Zero Show website, as well as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
🗣 SHOUTOUT
#BionicBusinessStory - 5 businesses, 1 question 🤔
Shopping local doesn’t just help the local community and economy, it can also be a good way to help the environment (so long as you’re not driving a V8 SUV a mile down the road and back). We asked five small business owners about their role in the local community. Here’s what they had to say:
Bionic - What makes your small business special for the local community?
💇♀️ “I think small businesses are the heart of the high street, they're what make our local communities what they are. From coffee shops to hairdressers and lifestyle stores, they all make where you live that extra bit nicer. We make up a lot of the workforce so it’s important to show support.” Sonya Roberts - Brandon May Hair Salon
💅 “Small businesses bring communities together. They offer a much higher quality product or service and I find the personal service you get from a smaller business is much more meaningful.” Lilac Miller - Sleeping Beauty Salon
🏋️♀️ “I can’t always compete with the prices of high street gyms, but I can offer a superior kit and a gym with a great atmosphere. I have a deep knowledge of the industry and want to see our members achieve their fitness goals.” Tyrone Haughey - Heroez Gymnasium
😱 “There’s a lot of smaller companies that can do a lot of cool stuff. There have been lots of larger companies that began as start-ups with a cult following, as they’ve become more corporate, they’re unable to take risks and they, therefore, lose lustre. Small businesses create innovation in our economy. They’re able to be disruptive.” Gary Stocker - Screamworks Scare Attraction
👻 “If you use a small business, you get a bespoke offering and while it might not be the cheapest, the product will probably last longer.” Jonathon Fost - Dark Encounters Paranormal Tours
Want to read more small business stories? Head over to Bionic 🦾
📩 JOIN
Get involved with our business community 🔊
Share your thoughts and tips to give other busy business owners a helping hand. Or ask a question to see if anyone can help you out.
🗞 READ
How will climate change affect your small business? 🏭
The Just Stop Oil protests have put climate change firmly back in the headlines, but will it really affect how you run your small business? [SPOILER - it could impact every aspect of our lives - this guide explains it all]
How to get renewable energy for business ♻
Generating your own power is a good way to protect your business against future energy price rises. You might even be able to make money off any extra energy you generate. But renewable tech isn’t cheap, so it should probably be considered a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. Here’s all you need to know.
What are commercial heat pumps for business? 🔥
Commercial heat pumps take natural thermal energy from the air, ground, or water and turn it into heat that can be used for hot water and heating systems. They are an alternative to the traditional gas boilers that are currently used to heat business properties up and down the country. But how exactly do heat pumps work? And can they save you money?
Quick energy-saving tips for SMEs 💡
It doesn’t matter if your business operates with a few staff from a small premise or employs a large workforce over several sites, being mindful of how you’re using gas and electricity is vital when looking for ways to save money on your business energy. Here are 11 simple ways to help your small business save energy today.
📊 BUSINESS
Get your business costs sorted 💷
Bionic - the business price comparison experts - compare a range of business essentials to help you save time, money, and hassle.
Our tech-enabled team will answer all your questions in simple terms, and help you find the best deal on business energy, insurance, phone, broadband, or finance. No jargon. No-fuss. #BeABionicBusiness 🦾
🎧 LISTEN
Playlist 🎶
Billed as songs for the global climate strike, International Climate Strike is a Spotify playlist curated by Fridays for Future. Featuring artists ranging from Billie Eilish to Depeche Mode to Tracey Chapman via John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Michael Jackson. There’s also one you may have missed from The Vines and (of course) Jamiroquai’s Emergency on Planet Earth.
Podcast 🎙
The Big Green Money Show is a BBC podcast about business and the environment - perfect for our first green issue. Hosted by Deborah Meaden, the Dragon's Den judge talks to some of the world's biggest business names about the biggest problem facing the planet: climate change.
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🚫 STOP
Thanks for making it to the end of another Bionic small business bulletin 🤝🏻
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