S7 Sustainable Business and Net Zero
There are environmental laws and regulations that all businesses must comply with, and others that apply to particular sectors. Beyond compliance, businesses face growing requests from customers, supply chains, funders and public buyers to show their environmental performance. Good environmental practice can cut costs, improve reputation and open new markets. This Standard is about helping businesses understand their impact, act on it in proportion to their size and communicate it credibly.
Who it's for
Business support professionals who help businesses improve their environmental performance and respond to the move to net zero.
What you need to show
- S7.1
Help the client identify the environmental laws, regulations and reporting requests that apply to their business and sector
- S7.2
Help the client assess their environmental impact, including energy use, emissions, waste, water and materials
- S7.3
Help the client establish a carbon footprint baseline using a recognised method suited to the size of the business
- S7.4
Identify practical changes that would reduce the client's environmental impact and costs, and investigate their costs and benefits
- S7.5
Help the client respond to sustainability requirements from customers, supply chains, funders and public procurement
- S7.6
Help the client identify climate-related risks and opportunities for the business, including new products and markets
- S7.7
Help the client build a proportionate plan with targets, responsibilities and review points
- S7.8
Help the client communicate their environmental commitments credibly and avoid misleading claims
- S7.9
Identify sources of advice, finance and incentives for environmental improvements
- S7.10
Encourage the client to review their environmental performance regularly and identify further improvements
What you need to know and understand
- S7.K1
The environmental laws and regulations affecting businesses (for example on emissions, waste, packaging, energy and water) and who enforces them
- S7.K2
Net zero and what it means for small businesses, including the difference between direct emissions, emissions from purchased energy and supply chain emissions
- S7.K3
Carbon accounting methods and tools suitable for small businesses
- S7.K4
Energy efficiency, resource efficiency and circular economy principles
- S7.K5
Sustainability requirements in supply chains and public procurement
- S7.K6
The rules on environmental claims and how to avoid misleading customers
- S7.K7
The physical and transition risks of climate change for businesses
- S7.K8
Green finance and incentives, and how to keep up to date with them
- S7.K9
The business benefits of good environmental practice, including cost savings, reputation, staff engagement, insurance and access to contracts
- S7.K10
When to refer to specialist environmental or energy advisers
Evolved from
Business Support 16 (Help the client to assess the environmental impact of their business).