Greg Watts: Why small businesses need to start their decarbonisation journey now

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Greg Watts: Why small businesses need to start their decarbonisation journey now

In a world where environmental responsibility is increasingly valued, the concept of a low-carbon future will shape the way we live, work, farm, and produce goods. Carbon is the biggest story in Australia right now, influencing policies, consumer choices, and business strategies.

Preparing for a low-carbon future is no longer a trend and it’s no longer about compliance; it’s a business imperative.

The push towards a low-carbon future is gaining momentum. Last month, *********** legislation came into effect, requiring large corporations to publish their carbon emissions.

But the trend is not isolated to big business; it’s only a matter of time before similar expectations and mandatory climate reporting apply to smaller businesses like us.

The earlier we can measure and disclose our emissions, the better positioned we will be to navigate and adapt to a lower-carbon world.

Companies, suppliers, and customers are increasingly becoming more environmentally conscious. They are prioritising partnerships with businesses that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.

This shift means that companies must not only adopt sustainable practices but also transparently disclose their environmental impact, particularly their carbon emissions.

Consumers too are prioritising products that are sustainably produced and sourced.

They want to know the origins of their food and fashion for example, and the environmental impact of its production. They also want to know how growers and manufacturers are contributing to the broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions.

This growing consumer demand for transparency is driving a seismic shift across industries. Large corporations are integrating decarbonisation into their operations, not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to align with the values of their customer base.

It’s inevitable that these big businesses extend their sustainability expectations to every link in their supply chain, including the small businesses they work with.

Eventually, regulatory requirements will catch up with us, making carbon footprint reporting mandatory for small businesses as well.

As a small business owner, it’s important we start this journey now. We need to make sure we are ready and can meet future regulatory requirements so that when our customers ask us to supply our carbon numbers, we know what they are and where we are on our carbon journey.

Early measurement and transparency will help us to identify key areas for improvement, set realistic targets, and develop effective strategies for emissions reduction.

Starting early with carbon measurement is more than just a compliance exercise; it’s a proactive step that will position our businesses for long-term success.

What we must not do, is fall into the trap of thinking that sustainability requires complex or costly solutions. This misconception can be a significant barrier, particularly for small businesses that may already be operating on tight budgets and with limited resources.

As small business owners, we have the advantage of agility—we can implement practical, straightforward actions that make a big difference. Simple steps like reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and choosing sustainable suppliers can significantly lower our carbon footprint.

These actions not only contribute to a healthier planet but can also lead to cost savings and a stronger reputation with customers who increasingly value sustainability.

This journey isn’t just about meeting future demands — it’s about leading the way and showing that even small businesses can make a substantial impact.

Greg Watts is the CEO of recycling carbon company C-Wise

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