As an impact-lender we recognize that climate change could have catastrophic effects on the economy and wider society, and we pledge to take proactive action against this – we hope your business can pledge too!

What is the SME Climate Commitment?
The SME Climate Commitment has three core aims;

1. Halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030
2. Achieve net zero emissions before 2050
3. Disclose progress on a yearly basis

The SME Climate Commitment is recognized as part of the United Nations Race to Zero.

What is in it for you?
Being energy efficient is good for the world, but it’s also good for your brand and your bottom line too. By managing your resources more effectively you could reduce your costs, boost productivity and improve profitability.

Reducing overheads – there are many simple actions you can take to reduce emissions which could save your business money in the long-term. These could include turning the thermostat down a notch or turning off electrical appliances that are not being used.

All of these small actions could add up to big savings on your energy bill. And if you can switch your energy supplier to renewable energy you might be able to save even more – for the first time in history renewable energy is becoming cheaper than fossil fuels, and could soon out stripe traditional fuel source in terms of cost.

Better Brand – 1 in 3 consumers say they have stopped purchasing certain brands because they had concerns about ethical or sustainable values.

But this issue is more far-reaching than just your customers. To build a better brand, you need the best people. Safeguarding the environment is fast becoming a ‘must have’ employer value. Those businesses with environmentally-focus policies will find it easier attracting the best talent.

Get ahead of your competition by taking action sooner rather than later.

A national network of like-minded businesses – being part of the network could offer your business collaboration opportunities and help you to grow your brand within the low-carbon economy.

Why is the SME Climate Commitment Important to SWIG?
As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), social responsibility is in our DNA.

We are a founding signatory of Responsible Finance’s Six Principles Charter, which includes committing to delivering positive social and environmental impacts.

By pledging to the SME Climate Commitment, we are committing to delivering positive environmental impact as set out in the three core aims, this also supports our core values and the Six Principles Charter.

We are proud to be recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign, and join governments, businesses, cities, regions, and universities around the world with the same mission.

How can you make the pledge?
You could begin your journey right now! Visit the SME Climate Hub and make the SME Climate Commitment pledge.

https://smeclimatehub.org/

About SWIG Finance

SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West.

We do this by providing support and finance to Start Ups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.

As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide Start Up Loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/

We also have business loans from £25,001 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/business-loans/

If you would like to have an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930.