Carbon reporting - why do it?

As sustainability becomes more important, SMEs are starting to realise just how critical it is to reduce their carbon footprint. A first step towards this is to understand the current position, via robust, accurate carbon reporting. Whilst reducing emissions alone is a compelling argument, there are a whole host of other reasons why such reporting is a necessity.

We recently spoke to a small consultancy who were looking to work as a supplier for a business, with a contract value that would substantially change their forecast. The business in question had mandated that all businesses on their supply chain provide a current carbon data report. The consultancy didn’t have this, and despite a frantic scramble to pull the report together, they missed the deadline, and lost the contract.

Why Carbon Reporting is a Big Deal

If your business is thinking about working with the UK government in the future, either directly, or as part of the supply chain, carbon reporting with high-quality, auditable carbon data is essential. You read that correctly, if you’re considering working with a business that’s eying up government contracts, you’re going to need to get this sorted to ensure you don’t miss out on key opportunities. Outside of government contracts, businesses are now starting to follow suit, and carbon reporting is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for engagement.

Our low-effort, high-output platform makes it super easy for businesses of any size to track and report their carbon emissions, and you can generate reports directly from the source data to include in an RFP. CRP ensures that you have reliable data, making it much easier to get your emissions data externally verified if you ever need to take that step (whispers…we can also help with that)

Be Ready for the Future

The sustainability conversation is only going to get louder. As the world becomes more focused on cutting emissions, businesses that don’t have their carbon data in check will get left behind. In the near future, being able to prove your business is sustainable will be essential – especially if you want to bid for government contracts or take advantage of other business opportunities. It’s also worth noting that carbon reduction is on the minds of employees and potential candidates.

According to the Hiring Trends Index, which surveyed 3,000 workers and 1,000 HR decision makers in the UK, 30% of workers would change jobs if they discovered their employer was acting unsustainably. A further 73% of workers said they would not apply for a job at a company that attempted to appear more environmentally friendly than it was, and half (50 per cent) were sceptical of companies ‘greenwashing’ (People Management)

Getting your carbon data sorted now is the bare minimum for any business looking to stay relevant and competitive in the years to come.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Complacency could end up costing you a lot of money. Without solid data, you could miss out on key contracts, lose business opportunities, or even face fines for non-compliance. Trying to scramble and get things together at the last minute can also lead to extra costs, such as hiring expensive consultants or rushing to pull data together. It’s a small investment that will pay off in the long run, making sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities. 

In short…

For SMEs, reducing carbon emissions isn’t just about being environmentally friendly – it’s about staying ahead of the game. 

How can we help?

CRP is here to make carbon reporting simple and accessible for SMEs. Our platform offers a low-effort, high-output solution that enables businesses to easily track and report their carbon emissions with high-quality, auditable data. Whether you’re aiming to secure government contracts or meet sustainability standards, we ensure you're prepared for future opportunities. With our tools, you can avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and position your business as a leader in sustainability. By working with us, you’re making a smart investment that will help you stay competitive, reduce costs, and contribute positively to the planet’s future.

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