Why get commited?
WHY?
According to the Paris Agreement, global temperature rise is to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Knowing that small and medium-sized businesses represent over 90% of all Belgian companies, their combined efforts have great potential to reduce emissions and help provide an answer to the climate urgency. Moreover, by cutting their emissions and creating innovative climate solutions, SMEs can offer tangible business value and gain competitive advantage. They are better equipped to manage (climate related) business risks while increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
WHAT?
If - as an SME - you want to make sure that your climate efforts are aligned with the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, it is recommended that you
- halve own and value chain emissions by 2030
- reach net-zero by 2050 (global IPCC standard)
HOW?
Get informed: consult credible resources and learn as much as possible about the importance of climate action for your company. These constitute but a grasp of what is out there:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- 1.5°C Business Playbook : made to prepare businesses for the fastest economic transition in history – and help them drive it
- Greenhouse Gas Protocol: provides standards, guidance, tools and training for business and government to measure and manage climate-warming emissions
- Emission Possible Guide: with this guide, WWF aim to help businesses like yours tackle (and report) their emission
- Global Risk Report (World Economic Forum): tracks global risks perceptions among risk experts and world leaders in business, government, and civil society.
- European Green Deal and European Climate Law
- Belgian Climate Risk Disclosure Barometer
Surround yourself well with recognized support organisations as well as likeminded SMEs
- Belgian Alliance for Climate Action - of course
- Science Based Targets initiative
- SME Climate Hub
- B Corp (Benelux)
Get your team on board:
- Assess within your organization the capacities to design, implement and follow up on climate action and divide responsibilities accordingly
- Let your team be inspired by experiences from other pro-climate SMEs within and outside your sector boundaries
- Attend inspiring events: