Wrigley, Stephen and Lambert, Christopher and Rennie, Allan (2008) The development of an innovative SME-focused toolset integrating carbon footprint calculation with lean manufacturing waste reduction techniques. In: 2nd International Sustainability Conference 2008, 2008-08-21 - 2008-08-22.
Abstract
This paper seeks to explore the role that SMEs can play in the drive to reduce UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the recent European Union (EU) targets; a 30% reduction by 2020 and a 60% reduction by 2050 (DEFRA, 2007). In the UK 99% of all VAT registered companies are classified as SME’s and between them they account for 47% of the annual UK turnover (Directgov, 2007) As yet there are no legislative drivers for SMEs to reduce emissions however it is suggested that market forces may be a key driver for SMEs to begin reducing their GHG emissions.