A new tool launched by NatWest has been designed and created to help small businesses reduce their carbon emissions while saving on energy bills.
The Energy Help and Support tool will help businesses review their premises’ energy efficiency and obtain tailored recommendations which could help reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
The tool also uses a business’ postcode to offer advice on everything from solar panels to low-carbon heat pumps, including estimated costs, return on investment and help to source suppliers.
The new tool comes as NatWest research found that, with the right support, up to 70% of SME business cases to reduce emissions by 2030 will make financial sense.
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NatWest Group head of business banking James Holian said businesses can “benefit financially” from reducing carbon emissions but there is a “lack” of support to make the “necessary changes”.
“This new tool takes away the guesswork by offering businesses tailored recommendations to improve their energy efficiency,” he added.
“Whether it’s installing solar panels or fitting a low-carbon heat pump, the support will help firms understand the estimated costs and return on investment of the changes. Together, this can enable business leaders to make well informed decisions for their business, both financially and for the plane.”
The new tool follows NatWest’s recent launch of a free retrofit learning platform for the UK’s construction industry in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School.