Why SMEs Need Tailored Climate Action Now

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of UK businesses—and collectively contribute around a third of the country's carbon emissions. But most SMEs don’t have sustainability teams, net zero consultants, or hours to spare. 

That’s where Giki Actions comes in: a streamlined platform built specifically to help time-poor, resource-limited SMEs cut carbon with confidence. Whether you’re a local shop, design agency, or regional food supplier, Giki gives you actions tried and tested by large companies, sector-specific advice, and all the tools to make climate progress without being overwhelmed. 

What is Giki Actions for SMEs?  

Giki Actions is a tailored platform designed to help small and medium-sized UK businesses build and implement carbon reduction plans. It offers over 600 verified actions, expert guidance, templates, and AI-driven recommendations—streamlining sustainability in a ready-to-use toolkit. 

How Giki Actions Works 

• Assessment 
  Our sustainability pros will start you with a brief assessment to identify key areas—energy, transport, waste, supply chain—where your business can reduce emissions.
• Build & Prioritise 
  The platform generates a shortlist of impactful actions. You can prioritise these based on cost, growth potential, feasibility, and timeline.
• Implementation Tools 
  Receive ready-made policies, templates, and implementation blueprints to get you up and running quickly.
• Reporting 
  Track progress and generate carbon-saving reports—ideal for stakeholders and sustainability credentials. 

Typical Actions Recommended for UK SMEs 

Giki categorises hundreds of potential steps. Here are some common examples: 

• Take action on energy: Conduct “Energy Treasure Hunts”, switch to renewable energy, start green retrofits 
• Travel & logistics: Create business travel policies, find lower carbon freight providers, promote active travel 
• Partner with supply chains and customers: Adopt sustainable procurement policies (e.g. supplier questionnaires), educate customers on efficient product use 
• Switch to sustainable materials: source materials that are better for the environment, create product carbon footprints 
• Waste & packaging: Minimise single use plastic, implement improved recycling programmes 
• Engage employees: Launch gamified challenges, create tailored learning programmes with free resources 

Why Sector-Specific Actions Matter 

While Giki offers a broad range of sustainability measures, nearly half of the 600+ actions are sector-specific. This is crucial—because no two SMEs operate the same way. 

• A retail business might focus on packaging, product sourcing, and store energy use. 
• A hospitality business might focus on food waste reduction, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and sustainable sourcing 
• Construction companies might look at material procurement, equipment emissions, and onsite energy use. 
• A professional services firm might emphasize client travel, office emissions, and digital sustainability. 
• Tailored action sets ensure businesses take steps that are realistic, high-impact, and aligned with their operations—whether they’re a 5-person design studio or a 250-person catering firm. Giki’s platform automatically adapts recommendations based on sector and size, helping every SME build a relevant and achievable carbon reduction plan 

Benefits for SMEs 

• Time & cost savings: Reports indicate over 75% efficiency gain versus traditional consulting; initiatives cut energy costs and waste . 
• Client appeal: Demonstrating sustainability credentials helps win and retain clients — measurable action speaks volumes  . 
• Employee engagement: Participation in challenges and training boosts staff buy-in. 

 Real World Impact 

• Giki Actions has helped SMEs find, on average, 20 action that are right for their sector and size covering everything from renewables to board education. 
• 2/3 of clients recommend us to their peers
• As well as building their plans companies are beginning to implement them – over 90% have shown progress moving forward. 

Getting Started as an SME 

1. Sign up for a call with one of our sustainability pros. 
2. Complete the initial assessment with our help to pinpoint opportunities. 
3. Select priority actions and use the platform’s tools to implement them. 
4. Monitor progress, report results, and update plans annually. 
   

Quick Action Table

Why Choose Giki? 

• Practicality: Built-in guidance and templates ready to use. 
• Customisable: Tailored to SMEs, not generic one-size-fits-all. 
• Evidence-based: Over 600 verified actions from real-world implementations. 
• Scalable: Easy to start small and grow your sustainability programme. 

Summary of SME Steps 

Start with assessment → then prioritise actions → implement via templates → engage teams through challenges → report progress → review & repeat annually. 

Using Giki Actions, UK SMEs can cut costs, drive sustainability, and gain competitive edge—all with minimal time input and measurable outcomes. 

Want help? 

We can walk you through signing up, selecting actions that suit your sector, or strategies to maximise employee engagement. Just say the word!