How SMEs can build resilience through sustainable practices

Part one of a mini-series on the small, practical actions you and your clients can take to improve green credentials, and efficiency.

If the past few years have taught small business owners anything, it’s that uncertainty isn’t going anywhere. Rising costs, new regulations and shifting customer expectations can feel like a never-ending juggling act. It’s easy to wonder which challenge to tackle first.

But what if sustainability isn’t another problem to solve, but part of the solution? Adopting greener ways of working can make your business more adaptable, more efficient and better prepared for the future. It can even help you stand out to clients who increasingly prefer businesses that share their values.

Why small changes make a big difference

Many business owners imagine that becoming more sustainable means massive changes, like replacing every vehicle or installing solar panels on the roof. In reality, progress often starts with small, low-cost adjustments that soon add up.

Simple actions such as using eco-friendly packaging, choosing local suppliers or switching to digital receipts can reduce waste and save costs. They demonstrate your values, showing customers that you are thinking about your impact.

Research from the Carbon Trust shows that more people are choosing businesses that support low-carbon lifestyles. Meeting that expectation doesn’t just help the planet; it helps your brand too.

Five practical, low-cost actions to try today

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with one or two of these simple steps:

1. Improve energy efficiency – Install LED lighting, motion sensors or smart thermostats to reduce energy use and cut bills.
2. Go paper-light – Try e-invoicing, digital receipts and cloud storage to save time and money.
3. Review your suppliers – Look for local or sustainable options that reduce transport emissions and improve transparency.
4. Rethink travel – Encourage hybrid working, lift-sharing or public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Measure your progress – Track your energy use, waste and travel miles using a simple scorecard or spreadsheet.

Starting small builds confidence. It’s important that you communicate that with your customers too.

Learn more

Sustainability Suite, who wrote this article, will be delivering an ESG reporting masterclass for AAT on 15 January 2026. This practical course shows accountants how to collect, analyse and report on ESG data with rigour.

They also recently ran an exclusive webinar for AAT members. To learn more, members can log into the AAT Learning Portal and look for Sustainability – CPD Bitesize for practical learning outcomes on the evolving role of finance professionals.

Read part two and part three, and keep an eye out for more in this mini-series.

Olivia Fisher is a Multi-Channel Marketer at Sustainability Suite and The Green Accountants. She drives digital strategy, builds brand presence, and supports SMEs through Carbon Literacy certification. Accredited in Carbon Literacy, Olivia fuses photography with marketing to deliver compelling environmental communication strategies..