How Can My Business Achieve Net Zero

How Businesses in Horsham District Can Lead the Way to Net Zero

Achieving net zero isn’t just a national ambition—it’s a local opportunity. Horsham District Council (HDC) has set clear climate goals and provides a wealth of guidance to help organisations reduce emissions, cut costs, and build resilience.

For businesses across the District, now is the moment to align with this direction of travel and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

 

Why Net Zero Matters for Local Businesses

Reaching net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible and balancing any remaining emissions through removal or offsetting. HDC defines this clearly in its climate documentation, emphasising that both direct and indirect emissions must be addressed.

For businesses, the benefits are tangible:

• Lower energy and fuel costs
• Greater resilience to future regulation
• Enhanced reputation with customers and partners
• Improved ability to attract investment and talent
• Contribution to a healthier, more sustainable local economy

 

Steps To Net Zero

Step 1: Understand Your Carbon Footprint

Before taking action, businesses need a clear picture of their emissions. Horsham District Council conducts an annual carbon audit of its own operations—an approach that businesses can mirror. In 2023/24, the Council’s audit identified emissions from buildings, fleet, water, waste, and procured goods and services.

Businesses can follow the same structure:

• Direct emissions: energy use in buildings, company vehicles
• Indirect emissions: purchased goods and services, waste, business travel, leased spaces

Useful starting point:

HDC’s overview of emissions and reduction targets

• Reducing the Council’s carbon emissions – Find out how they are doing it Reducing the Council's carbon emissions | Horsham District Council

Step 2: Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Buildings are one of the largest carbon hotspots identified in the Council’s Climate Action Strategy.

Actions businesses can take:

• Switch to LED lighting
• Improve insulation and glazing
• Install smart meters and energy‑management systems
• Consider heat pumps or hybrid heating solutions
• Review energy tariffs and explore renewable electricity contracts

These measures often deliver immediate cost savings as well as carbon reductions.

Step 3: Rethink Transport and Logistics

Transport is another major emissions source across the District. The Council has already reduced its own direct emissions by electrifying parts of its fleet and switching to cleaner fuels.

Businesses can:

• Transition to electric or hybrid vehicles
• Encourage active travel (cycling, walking)
• Introduce car‑sharing schemes
• Optimise delivery routes
• Reduce unnecessary business travel through digital meetings

Step 4: Reduce Waste and Improve Resource Efficiency

The Climate Action Strategy highlights waste and circular economy principles as key system interventions.

Practical steps:

• Conduct a waste audit
• Reduce single‑use materials
• Reuse packaging and materials where possible
• Improve recycling facilities
• Work with suppliers to minimise waste in the supply chain

Step 5: Review Procurement and Supply Chains

Indirect emissions—those from purchased goods and services—make up a significant proportion of the Council’s own footprint. In 2019/20, procured goods and services accounted for nearly half of its total emissions.

Businesses can:

• Choose suppliers with strong sustainability credentials
• Request environmental data from vendors
• Prioritise local suppliers to reduce transport emissions
• Build sustainability criteria into procurement policies

Step 6: Explore Offsetting (Responsibly)

HDC’s Carbon Reduction Plan acknowledges that some emissions will remain and will require offsetting.

Businesses should:

• Prioritise reduction first
• Use high‑quality, verified offset schemes
• Consider local nature‑based solutions where possible

Step 7: Engage Staff and Customers

Behaviour change is one of the Council’s core “enablers” for climate action.

Ideas include:

• Staff training on sustainability
• Incentives for low‑carbon commuting
• Visible sustainability commitments in marketing
• Customer engagement campaigns

Step 8: Align with HDC’s Climate Action Strategy

The Council’s Climate Action Strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for the District to reach net zero and climate resilience by 2050. It outlines enablers (governance, finance, education) and system interventions (buildings, transport, energy, waste, land use).

Businesses can use the Strategy to:

• Benchmark their own plans
• Identify partnership opportunities
• Understand local priorities and expectations

Further Information from HDC

Here are the most relevant HDC resources for businesses:

• Reducing the Council's carbon emissions | Horsham District Council

Overview of targets, emissions data, and reduction progress

• Climate Action Strategy

The District’s roadmap to net zero and climate resilience.

Horsham District's Climate Action Strategy

• Carbon Reduction Plan (2024–2030)

Detailed actions and pathways for reducing direct and indirect emissions

Horsham-Carbon-Audit.pdf

Final Thoughts

Businesses across Horsham District have a vital role to play in shaping a low‑carbon future. By taking practical steps—aligned with the Council’s strategy and supported by local resources—organisations can reduce costs, strengthen their reputation, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable District.