Intermediate
$311
14 hrs
Certificate
2 learners enrolled
Content current as of July 2026
Net Zero Strategy & SBTi for UK SMEs
A practical, jargon-free course designed specifically for UK small and medium-sized enterprises navigating net zero commitments. With over 5.5 million SMEs in the UK accounting for approximately 50% of business-sector emissions, this course addresses the unique challenges that smaller organisations face — limited budgets, lean teams, supply chain pressure from larger customers, and uncertainty about where to start. You will learn the fundamentals of net zero strategy, how to set science-based targets using the SBTi's dedicated SME pathway (which offers a streamlined validation process for companies with fewer than 500 employees), how to conduct a practical carbon footprint using the GHG Protocol's operational control approach, and how to identify the highest-impact reduction strategies for typical SME emission profiles. The course also covers the critical topics of carbon offsetting and credible net zero claims — helping you avoid greenwashing risks under the FCA anti-greenwashing rule and Competition and Markets Authority Green Claims Code — and provides guidance on communicating your sustainability journey to customers, employees, and supply chain partners.
Member Pricing: $311 $249 (Member 20% off) or
$218 (Pro 30% off) ·
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What You'll Learn
- Define net zero in the context of the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard and distinguish it from carbon neutral, climate positive, and other claims
- Navigate the SBTi SME pathway to set near-term science-based targets with the streamlined validation process for companies under 500 employees
- Conduct a practical Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon footprint for a typical UK SME using DEFRA emission factors and the GHG Protocol operational control approach
- Identify and prioritise the highest-impact emission reduction strategies for common SME emission profiles including energy, transport, and procurement
- Evaluate carbon offset and removal options, distinguishing high-integrity credits from low-quality offsets using ICVCM Core Carbon Principles
- Ensure net zero and sustainability claims comply with the CMA Green Claims Code and FCA anti-greenwashing expectations
- Develop a stakeholder communication plan that positions the SME's sustainability journey authentically to customers, employees, and supply chain partners
- Access UK Government and devolved administration funding, grants, and support programmes available to SMEs for decarbonisation
Instructor
RSustain Academy Faculty