Lunch and Learn: Navigating the Net Zero Journey for SMEs

Doing business sustainably is no longer optional - it’s essential for securing your place in tomorrow’s supply chains. Larger companies are increasingly prioritising suppliers that can demonstrate measurable progress in reducing carbon emissions, leaving many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wondering how to keep up. With limited resources, budgets, and expertise, taking those first steps toward net zero can feel daunting.

This special Lunch and Learn, co-hosted by Heart of the City and Planet Mark, is designed to help SMEs take meaningful and practical steps toward sustainability. You’ll gain actionable insights into measuring and managing your carbon emissions and leave feeling confident and empowered to implement changes that benefit both your business and the planet.

The event also offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded businesses, share experiences, and collaborate on your journey to net zero.

Why Attend?

• Gain a clear understanding of how to measure and manage your business's carbon emissions in an approachable and practical way.
• Receive expert tips on integrating sustainable practices into your operations without exceeding your budget.
• Walk away with actionable strategies to make your business a meaningful contributor to a more sustainable future.
• Network with likeminded SMEs committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and share ideas, challenges, and solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the difference between net zero and carbon neutral.
• Understand what carbon footprints are And how to measure your scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
• Explore the importance and the business benefits of measuring your carbon footprint and reducing your emissions.
• Explore the various carbon calculators available and learn what businesses need to consider when collecting data.

Agenda:

• 11.45 - Tea & Coffee
• 12:00 - Presentation by Katie Rogers, Climate Programme Officer at Heart of the City (45 minutes)
• 12:45 – Presentation by Roxanna Francombe, Partnerships Executive at Planet Mark (15 minutes)
• 13:00 - Q&A (15 minutes)
• 13:15 – Nibbles and networking

Who should attend?

This session is tailored for business owners, senior leadership, sustainability officers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from SMEs who want to understand the business benefits of reducing your carbon footprint, and how to integrate sustainable practices into your operations without exceeding your budget.

Speakers:

, Climate Programme Officer, Heart of the City

Katie joined Heart of the City in 2022 and is responsible for supporting the delivery of our climate course ‘Climate for SMEs: 4 Steps to Action’.

Before this, Katie completed a Postgraduate Degree in Global Environment Politics and Society at the University of Edinburgh. Katie will share everything you need to know about collecting and measuring carbon data as an SME.

, Partnerships Executive Planet Mark

Roxanna is a Partnership Executive at Planet Mark where she focuses on forging strategic partnerships that drive measurable impact. With an academic background in Zoology and experience in both the non-profit and start up sector, she combines scientific knowledge with practical expertise to help organisations achieve their sustainability objectives.

Accessibility:

We aim to make our learning opportunities and workshops accessible to everyone; if there’s anything you need from us to access this event, please let us know in advance.

If you're looking for guidance on your journey to net zero, our Climate Action Toolkit is FREE and has been designed especially for SMEs in collaboration with sustainability experts.

Host or Publisher Heart of the City