Last month, more than 30 invited guests from across Cumbria and southern Scotland came together for a special event at Eco’s HQ in Annan.

They were there for the launch of a new carbon accounting platform, EcoMetrix, which helps businesses measure, track and report carbon emissions.

The positive, forward-thinking approach of the people in the room showed how businesses are prepared to innovate, change and become early adopters of technology which will make a real difference to the net zero journey.

But most of all it showed the power of collaboration and how businesses can support each other on the transition to net zero through sharing knowledge and experience.

With organisations under ever-increasing pressures from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s reassuring to know that help is out there – whether that is from peer-to-peer learning from those going through the same thing or from specialist organisations who can provide practical support.

The SME Climate Hub 2023 Survey, which was published earlier this year, found that 58% of SMEs worldwide cited skills and knowledge as the top reason preventing them from taking action on climate change. The survey reported that 54% said a network of peer companies to reach out and learn from would help them take greater climate action.

In order to future-proof your business or organisation and maintain a competitive edge, taking meaningful steps to reduce carbon emissions – and report them – must be a top priority.

Carbon accounting enables businesses to measure, track and report their carbon emissions so they can understand what they emit and identify ways to reduce it.

The EcoMetrix carbon accounting platform is compliant with the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, and international carbon accounting standard, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The GHG Protocol categorises carbon emissions into three groups or ‘scopes’, with scope one generated by the business; scope two from indirect sources via energy use; and scope three from indirect emissions generated by the supply chain. While scope one and two is already an expectation for businesses, scope three reporting is becoming increasingly important.

Tools such as carbon accounting, along with a support network of peers, help businesses navigate this often overwhelming new landscape and view the climate crisis as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

While there is no silver bullet to achieving net zero goals, by doing your research, collaborating with other businesses and sharing knowledge, you can make a positive impact on both the planet and your own organisation.

This article was first published in the June 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine