SME decarbonisation is at a crossroads. Despite their major contribution to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, SMEs have been largely neglected by energy and climate policy in the UK and elsewhere. Now, compelled by high energy prices and increasing pressure to act on climate change, many SMEs are seeking to be more proactive.

This webinar draws on a two-year study of the governance of SMEs and Net Zero in the UK to outline the implications of these trends for governance actors. We discuss the role for national and local governments in seeking to coordinate and accelerate action by businesses; the growing influence of sectoral organisations such as trade associations and business networks; and the role of entrepreneurship. Future directions for research and policy include the need to consider justice and inclusion, and coordinate place-based and sectoral efforts.

A Q&A session will follow presentations from the speakers.

Speakers

• Sam Hampton, UKERC | University of Oxford
• Pamela Jouven, Director, SME Climate Hub

Chair

• Will Eadson, UKERC | Sheffield Hallam University