Carbon Emissions Tracking for SMEs: Making Sustainability Accessible
Product, CnerG Stories | Dec/30/2024
The journey towards sustainability has often been a difficult one for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While large corporations have the resources to invest in substantial environmental initiatives, SMEs frequently face obstacles in taking meaningful climate action. Despite this, their impact on the environment is undeniable: recent studies indicate that SMEs contribute to approximately 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions (OECD report)
At CnerG, we recognize barriers to sustainability and have developed a comprehensive solution tailored to SMEs. Our offering includes Carbon Emissions Tracker as part of our Marketplace, and the 1% Program, designed to support SMEs. It provides an easy way to measure their environmental impact and rewards users with free carbon credits worth 1% of their calculated emissions. This approach makes sustainability both achievable and cost-effective for businesses of any size.
Challenges Faced by SMEs in Achieving Sustainability
Small businesses are becoming more aware of their environmental responsibilities, with 60-62% of SMEs viewing net zero as a priority. This demonstrates a strong desire for change. Yet, turning this awareness into action is challenging. Only 54% of SMEs are currently taking action, indicating the need for more targeted support and resources.
For many SMEs, the challenges are multifaceted:
- Limited Expertise: SME owners often understand the importance of sustainability but lack the technical know-how to implement effective initiatives. It requires dedicated time, training, and effort that many simply cannot afford.
- Time Constraints: With limited staff and multiple responsibilities, SME leaders must juggle business operations and profit margins. It leaves little room for sustainability efforts. Climate action, however vital, often takes a lower priority because of the immediate business needs.
- Funding Challenges: Unlike large enterprises, SMEs often lack access to the financial resources needed to make sustainability a strategic focus. Many need external support to meaningfully reduce emissions, but few have access to the incentives and resources they need.
This disconnect between intention and ability to take action leaves many small businesses unable to participate fully in the green economy.
Partnership with Korean SMEs
To tackle these challenges, CnerG has teamed up with the Korea Small and Medium Business Convergence Association, a leading association for SMEs in Korea that actively promotes innovation and collaboration. This partnership aims to make carbon tracking accessible and help small businesses take effective climate action. Through this partnership, formalized via an MOU in July, we are committed to democratizing emissions monitoring for SMEs and helping them overcome sustainability challenges.
Carbon Emissions Tracking Made Simple
We understand that carbon monitoring can be overwhelming for SMEs, so our solution focuses on simplicity, accuracy, and compliance.
Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions Coverage
Our emissions tool covers both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of a company's carbon footprint.
Comprehensive Emissions Dashboard
Our Marketplace includes an easy-to-understand dashboard with a holistic overview of greenhouse gas emissions. The dashboard covers multiple emission sources, including:
- Stationary Combustion
- Mobile Combustion
- Refrigeration and AC
- Fire Suppression
- Purchased Gasses
Automatic Emissions Calculations
Our system automatically calculates emissions aligned with Korean ESG reporting requirements, as well as international standards. This makes compliance easy and reduces the burden on SMEs who may not have dedicated sustainability experts on their teams.
Simplified Reporting Structure
It is easy for companies to handle essential carbon reporting tasks. Users can:
- Set baseline years.
- Track total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Generate standardized reports for stakeholders.
- Modify and update data as needed.
The 1% Program: Free Carbon Credits for SMEs
Our mission is to make sustainability accessible to all businesses, regardless of size. To support this goal, we have created the unique 1% Program, which covers 1% of a company's emissions with free high-quality carbon credits after they complete their emissions assessment on the Marketplace
The program acts as an extra push for those who want to make sustainability a real and integral part of their operations. By covering 1% of emissions, CnerG offers SMEs an affordable pathway to climate action and makes it feasible for them to participate in impactful change. It helps reduce the cost burden of carbon credits and join the global effort to reduce emissions.
Why This Matters
Transitioning to a sustainable economy requires participation from all businesses, large and small. By making carbon tracking and carbon credits accessible to SMEs, we aim to create a more inclusive approach to climate action. We all stand to benefit:
- Accelerated Progress: Every business that adopts carbon monitoring and emission reductions contributes to our shared climate goals.
- More Resilient Supply Chains: Sustainable practices strengthen supply chains, reducing risk and increasing reliability.
- Stronger Local Economies: Empowering small businesses to become sustainable helps build healthier, more resilient local communities.
The enthusiasm we have seen from Korean SMEs so far proves that when given the right tools and incentives, businesses of all sizes are eager to take meaningful environmental action.
Join the Journey
For SMEs looking to take their first steps towards sustainability, CnerG offers a partner who understands the unique challenges you face. Our platform—coupled with our expertise and support—makes carbon management achievable for businesses of any size.
Whether you are just beginning to explore carbon emissions tracking or aiming to enhance your current sustainability initiatives, CnerG provides the tools, guidance, and support to help you succeed.
Ready to start your sustainability journey? Contact our team to learn how we can support your environmental goals.
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