Free tool helps small firms cut energy bills and go green in under an hour 

LONDON, April 14, 2026 – Small businesses can create a tailored plan to cut energy bills and reduce emissions in under an hour using a new free online tool launched today. 

The SME Climate Hub, in partnership with Giki and supported by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has launched the Climate Action Planner to help firms take practical steps to lower costs and go green. 

Small and medium-sized enterprises make up around 90% of businesses globally and account for about half of economic output, but many lack the time and resources to develop formal climate plans. 

The Climate Action Planner is designed to change that, offering a simple, guided process that produces a customised action plan in around 60 minutes. What might previously have taken weeks — or require external consultants — can now be done in a single sitting.  

Users answer a short set of questions about their business and receive a step-by-step roadmap, drawing on a database of more than 750 actions. The plan is tailored to their industry and business goals, rather than generic, one-size-fits-all advice. 

Pamela Jouven, Director of the SME Climate Hub, said: “For many small business owners, climate action can feel complicated and expensive. This tool focuses on what is practical — helping businesses lower bills and take action straight away. 

“This isn’t just about going green — it’s about staying competitive. By cutting energy waste and improving efficiency, small businesses can reduce costs, protect themselves from volatile energy prices and keep up with growing expectations from customers and supply chains.” 

Key Features of the Climate Action Planner: 

• Free to use for SMEs globally 

• Focus on reducing energy use and operating costs 

• Create a plan in under an hour  

• Tailored to business size and sector, with 750+ available actions  

Jo Hand, Giki Co-founder, said: “We believe every SME should be able to build a climate action plan. For many, time and cost are barriers. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with SME Climate Hub to deliver the Climate Action Planner. Now SMEs can build their plan in 60 minutes, drawing on best practice from companies across the globe.” 

Some small businesses have already been using the Climate Action Planner. 

Helen Tandy, Partner and Co-Owner of financial services company Castlefield, based in Manchester, said: “The implementation plans provide a clear roadmap for action, while the comprehensive database allows us to delve deeper into priority areas such as supplier engagement and office emissions reduction.”  

Nicky Bancroft, Partnership Manager of health non-profit Think Active, based in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, said: “An invaluable timesaver and huge shortcut in our carbon reduction planning!”  

David Matthews, Director of commercial seating company Rhubarb Seating, based in Thame, Oxfordshire, said: “I’m absolutely blown away.  We have been trying for years to set out a plan.  Thank you so much. One of the best and most useful sessions we have ever done.” 

Molly Francis, Client Experience Director of furniture company Addison West, based in the US, said: “It’s in a helpful, user-friendly format. The language makes sense. It’s straightforward to understand the questions and the actions we can use to meet our goals. It talks to someone who is not a climate professional.” 

Lesley Rowden, Head of Operations at the Rose Theatre in London said: “I’ve already highlighted it to our Board and will continue using it regularly.” 

To find out more visit the Climate Action Planner here.  

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Notes to editors: 

For media requests: Liz Posner [email protected]

About  

SME Climate Hub 

The SME Climate Hub drives global efforts to strengthen small and medium-sized business resilience. A strategic initiative of We Mean Business Coalition and The Exponential Roadmap Initiative, the SME Climate Hub has created the go-to platform for SMEs to navigate shifting market conditions and decarbonize their businesses, ensuring they remain prosperous, competitive, and future-fit in the low-carbon economy of tomorrow. 

Giki 

Giki is a social enterprise that helps people and businesses take step-by-step action to reduce their carbon footprint through data-driven digital tools and evidence-based guidance.