Net Zero Accelerator for SMEs

Course Overview

The Net Zero Accelerator for SMEs is a one-day, practical executive education course designed specifically for SMEs needing to understand, measure and reduce their carbon emissions. For those that are ready to take net zero seriously, this course will address the topic and challenges without jargon, unrealistic targets or unnecessary complexity. 

Within this intensive one-day session, you will gain the practical tools, confidence and credibility needed to begin or accelerate your organisation's journey towards net zero, while aligning with UK regulation, client expectations and commercial realities.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• understand how climate change and decarbonisation can affect business performance, risk and competitiveness
• measure your organisation's carbon footprint and identify high-impact reduction opportunities
• develop practical, realistic and credible pathways to net zero for SMEs
• navigate UK legislation, reporting expectations and incentives
• communicate sustainability clearly and persuasively to business stakeholders. 

The Net Zero Accelerator for SMEs is a hands-on, discussion-based course rooted in real business challenges, rather than focusing on abstract sustainability theory. 

You will be taught by Dr Ioanna Boulouta, Lecturer in Sustainable Business and Director of Birkbeck Responsible Business Centre, and James Barr, General Manager at The Wesley hotel, holder of the Green Tourism Accreditation and a recognised Carbon Champion by the Camden Climate Change Alliance. 

The course is ideal for:

• SME owners, directors and employees
• sustainability, operations or ESG leads
• finance, procurement and facilities managers
• other professionals with responsibility for net-zero initiatives. 

This course is accredited by The Carbon Literacy Trust. Participants based in a London SME will receive a Carbon Literacy Certificate upon successful completion of the accelerator and will open the path for their organisation to receive Carbon Literate Organisation status, which is an increasingly valued business credential across sectors. We also welcome participants from larger organisations or those outside of London if they wish to attend. 

As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.

You will also receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.

This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.