UK private companies have a legal responsibility to remain financially solvent, and those limited by their shares also have a responsibility to their shareholders.

All businesses also carry a corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the communities they serve and within which they operate.

It can of course be difficult for some private companies to reconcile their traditional working practices and the related financial implications with the imperatives of climate change – this is the challenge they face. They will probably find that they get increasing support from their employees, who will want to know their jobs are secure in a changing world.

Some actions of course are particular to different industry sectors, but some are more universal.

MITIGATION:

• Move to renewable energy sources where possible
• Make company buildings carbon neutral
• Support home working where appropriate and other actions to reduce the impact of business transport

ADAPTATION:

• Adjust business practices to reflect expected variations on weather patterns
• Consider the economic opportunities offered by climate change, such as the need to produce energy locally and to retrofit houses

CAMPAIGN:

• Lobby membership organisations to take climate change seriously, and provide support and advice
• Work with business organisations to lobby Government for the necessary support to make corporate changes in the light of climate change

FURTHER READING:

• Look at what national organisations like the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are doing and saying about climate change
• In England, see what your Local Enterprise Partnership has to say – there are 38 LEPs across the country.

This page was last updated on 30^th October 2021.