Net Zero Support

Too busy to read it all? Scroll to Section 7 for the 10-point action checklist or book a free 15-minute consultation with Galaxy Region Utilities to start your net-zero journey today.   1 What “Net Zero” Really Means “Net zero” isn’t zero energy use; it’s zero net greenhouse-gas emissions. You still consume power, but you drastically reduce usage and offset what’s left through renewables or certified carbon credits. 2 Why SMEs Can’t Ignore the Target Government regulation — large suppliers now ask smaller contractors for carbon data. Customer demand — 75 % of consumers prefer low-carbon brands (Ipsos, 2024). Cost savings — average GRU client cuts energy spend by 18 % in the first year. 3 Measuring Your Carbon Footprint Scope What it covers Easy data source Typical share* Scope 1 Gas boiler, onsite fuel, company cars Gas bills, fuel receipts 15 % Scope 2 Electricity you buy Electricity bills, smart-meter 45 % Scope 3 Supply-chain & travel Supplier surveys, mileage logs 40 % 4 Quick-Win Measures Under £500 Measure Average cost Annual saving Payback LED swap (50 bulbs) £300 £220 16 months Night-time HVAC clock £80 £140 7 months Draught-proofing doors £120 £70 20 months 5 Bigger Investments and ROI 5.1 Rooftop Solar (30 kW array) CAPEX: £28k after Smart Export Guarantee grant Generation: 27 MWh/yr Grid offset: 5.4 t CO₂e Payback: 6 years at 25 p/kWh avoided cost 5.2 Heat Pumps for a 1,500 m² Office CAPEX: £60k – £65k Renewable Heat Incentive pays back 25 % Annual gas saving: £9k Payback: 7 years 6 Grants, Tax Breaks & Financing (July 2025) Scheme Who qualifies Benefit SME Energy Efficiency Scheme (SMEES) < 250 employees 30 % cap-ex grant up to £100k Boiler Upgrade Scheme England + Wales £7,500 off heat-pump install Super-Deduction (until Mar 2026) All companies 50 % first-year allowance on solar, LED Green Business Loan (NatWest) Turnover < £25 m Prime –1 % APR 7 Ten-Step Net-Zero Action Plan (download & pin on noticeboard) Step Action Cost CO₂e cut 1 Assign a “carbon champion” £0 — 2 Collect 12 months of energy bills £0 — 3 Install smart meters Supplier funded Data 4 Complete free GRU carbon spreadsheet £0 Baseline 5 Swap to LED lighting £/kW 10 % 6 Optimise HVAC timers < £100 5 % 7 Review tariff with Galaxy Region Utilities £0 3 % 8 Explore solar PV quote Free 15 % 9 Train staff (switch-off policy) £0 2 % 10 Offset remaining emissions £10-£15/t Net zero 8 Frequently Asked Questions Do I need to report emissions legally?Only large companies currently report under SECR, but supply-chain pressure means SMEs are next. Start now. What’s the cheapest first step?LED lighting and a competitive electricity contract via Galaxy Region Utilities. Can offsets really make me net zero?Yes, but only after you’ve reduced emissions as far as practical. Choose Gold-Standard or Verra projects. 9 Ready to Start Your Net-Zero Journey? Free Carbon Footprint Review Email your last four energy bills to customercare@galaxy-region.co.uk and receive a mini report with tailored actions. Book a Strategy Call Get a Quote or call +44 208 123 5551 to speak with a net-zero consultant at Galaxy Region Utilities. Together we’ll create a roadmap that slashes carbon and costs, without slowing your growth. Closing Thoughts Net zero isn’t a luxury; it’s the new cost of doing business. By following the steps in this guide and partnering with Galaxy Region Utilities, your SME can cut emissions, save money, and future-proof itself long before 2050 rolls around.