Small99: Small Business to Net Zero

Are 15-minute cities ruining our lives? Are they a secret government plan to trap us all where we live? Or are they simply a way to make our cities cleaner and more convenient? In this episode, Adam + Simon debunk some of the hype around 15-minute cities and explore the ways they have made cities better places to live. The benefits range from cleaner air to faster transport times to increased prop...

The cost of reducing your Greenhouse Gas Emissions to NetZero can often feel expensive, especially when compared to doing nothing. However, the cost of adaptation is much higher. The cost of insurance is rising, and many places are already facing huge bills for adapting to the Climate Crisis. In this episode, Adam + Simon discuss how the Climate Crisis is already way ahead of schedule and how busi...

Lithium is getting a lot of bad press. Many people are concerned about the ethics of Lithium mining and batteries 'embedded carbon'. But who is behind this rise in concerns? Why do these same people not ask the same questions about the fuel they put in their cars? Fossil fuel PR is working overtime to stoke fear of electric vehicles, and it seems to be working. In this episode, Adam + Simon bust s...

3 billion trees are cut down every year just to make cardboard boxes, which are often single-use. Why don't we reuse the good ones? Jack Good turned this simple idea into a business, Reuseabox. Not only are these boxes up to 50% cheaper, but they also help with reforestation, as Reusabox is planting 1 million trees. This week, Adam + Simon discuss how doing the right thing when making sustainabili...

AI uses a lot of energy. Recently, there have been many headlines about companies' energy usage soaring as they increase their power usage to run AI. Google and Microsoft both recently announced they are now off target for their Net Zero plans and will have to work hard to get back on track. Adam and Simon discuss why AI uses so much power and what is being done to try to reduce it. There are lots...

This week, we're joined by Tom from Sprigg, Glasgow salad bars that is challenging the way the takeaway food business operates. Tom tells us about the challenges of operating a business that relies on fresh produce as the climate changes and pushes prices up and down. He explains how he boldly decided to introduce a reusable bowl scheme and how that has strengthened his brand. He also shares how p...

We're joined by Tim from the Secret Capsite, who decided to think long-term when it came to improving the campsite. Tim explained that wildlife and biodiversity are at the centre of everything they do on the campsite, so when moving the washhouse, the normal concrete solution wouldn't cut it. Working with a local architect, Tim has created a unique structure and combined it with solar PV and rainw...

In this episode, Adam and Simon ask, "Is Net Zero possible for a small business? Following the recent 'roll-back' of the Scottish government on the Net Zero commitments and lots of other big businesses and government seeming to scale back, is Net Zero even possible?

In this episode, Adm and Simon discuss how the emissions in your supply chain are linked to your own emissions and why this matters. They also explain how being part of a big business supply chain will start to impact your small business's need for a carbon reduction plan.

In this episode, Adm and Simon discuss how a recent Guardian headline could be doing more harm than good. They discuss how it might be encouraging, or even justifying, a lot of people to stop taking Net Zero action. What are the consequences of this, and should they have been more responsible? Old Article - https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-inve...

In this episode, Adam and Simon ask how much impact transportation has on a small business. They also discuss how some forms of transport might be higher in emissions than you might think at first.

In this episode, Adam and Simon ask why is energy a main focus of Net Zero? What does energy mean in the context of small business? How can you start to measure and reduce your energy usage?

Adam + Simon Bullshit Busters are back! We're rebooting the podcast to bring you sustainability-focused bullshit-busting. In this episode, we ask why should my small business care about NetZero? They explore some of the benefits to your business that go far deeper than just Net Zero and how the whole process will make your business more sustainable and profitable.

In this episode I sit down with Lewis, a keen advocate for action who has done fantastic work with engaging their supply chain. We discuss the successes and struggles on his Carbon Reduction Journey so far.

There's a lot of concern about electric vehicle batteries and how bad they are for the environment. However, how do they stack up against a petrol car? And what sort of life can you get from one? In this episode I tackle: The Average Lifespan of a EV battery Their Carbon Footprint How much lithium and cobalt they use If they can be recycled What happens to them after they're in a car How they comp...

A common question with an unsatisfactory answer! Basically, measure Scope 1 and 2.  Here are the big 4 I discuss: B-Corp: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ SBTi: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/legacy/2020/07/SME-Frequently-Asked-Questions_July-2020.pdf SME Climate Hub x CDP:  https://www.cdp.net/en/articles/companies/smes-equipped-to-join-race-to-net-zero-with-dedicated-clim...

https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/the-happiest-number-ive-heard-in What are the knock on impacts from going "Green?"

Walk around any urban neighbourhood and you’ll see SUVs everywhere. This is despite them being bad for us – from increased emissions to increased road accidents. Yet they’re more popular than ever. Why is this? And what can we learn from this in motivating more people to take climate action? In this episode we’ll explore what motivates people and how we can deploy this in selling climate action. h...

Trees are great, we all love trees. But how useful are they actually?  In this episode we explore how effective tree planting really is and answer the following: How much CO2 does a tree absorb? How many trees should I plant? What is Carbon Syncing? Who do I plant with? Trees for Life / Ecologi Wholegrain article: https://www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/zero-carbon-synching/ Sources: All About...

In this episode we look at recycling in context: How much does it really make a difference? https://www.ft.com/content/c5e0cdf2-aaef-4812-9d8e-f47dbcded55c https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/is-recycling-worth-it

Thinking of your carbon like a budget is a great way to start being critical of your spend and ensure you're not running an unsustainable business.  I'm still struggling with this topic and how best to explain it, so any feedback welcome!

2030 is 8 years away. What were you doing 8 years ago? How has your life changed in 8 years? Small businesses can make change happen in hours, days and weeks. Years is a big delay tactic and simply not appropriate for most of our economy.  60% of small companies today will not exist in 2030. Challenge their Net Zero targets and make sure they take action today!

Feeling confused and lost with Net Zero in the New Year? Here's some simple places to get stuck into! Start Small - Do anything! If you've got something on your to do list, get stuck in Set a Net Zero Target - A target of 2025 is practical for most businesses, and will give you focus to start working on what you need to do to get there. Make sure to communicate it! Write an Environmental policy -...

We're beyond Climate Denial and into a world of Climate Delay.  There are 4 key areas you need to look out for and not fall into the trap of: Redirection of Responsibility Policy Perfectionism Surrender Technological Optimism In this episode we explore some of the common manifestations this delayism takes, so you can call it out and be aware of it in your decision making. Sources: How discour...

Short answer, yes. It surprised me how quickly electric vehicles undo the historical emissions of existing ICE vehicles.  Sources: Is keeping my old car greener than buying a new EV? Factcheck: How electric vehicles help to tackle climate change Carbon Footprint Calculator Germany - 40,000km for breakeven Electric Vehicle Lifecycle Analysis