New study on SME decarbonisation for the UK’s Climate Change Committee

The Open University has contributed to a new report, ‘How can policy better support SMEs in the pathway to Net Zero?’, for the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC).

Richard Blundel, Professor of Enterprise and Organisation, was part of a multidisciplinary team led by the Energy Saving Trust, along with Dr Sam Hampton (University of Oxford) and Purple Market Research. The team interviewed small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and managers, plus specialists from selected industry sectors, reviewed existing policies and proposed a series of novel approaches.

The CCC advises the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets, and reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This is the first study that the CCC has commissioned which is focused specifically on policies to promote decarbonisation in SMEs. It was commissioned to inform upcoming reporting on the role of business in a Net Zero UK, due for publication later this year.

 

Upcoming Events

Jun 2

Technology, Inclusion and Esports: Opening Up New Spaces of Participation

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 10:30 to 12:30

Online and and in person at The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This event explores the relationship between technology, inclusion, and esports, examining how digital gaming environments can create new opportunities for participation, connection, and belonging in society and organisations.

Jul 16

Guest lecture: Fraud, Data and Emerging Risks

Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 14:00 to 15:30

Online on MS Teams

This guest lecture with Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, will provide an overview of the types of fraud currently causing the greatest harm to society and examine how advances in AI are likely to affect fraud cases in the future.