A New Partnership to Drive Carbon Literacy

London, 11th February 2025 — In a move designed to enhance sustainability efforts among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), green fintech company Cogo has partnered with The Carbon Literacy Project. The collaboration aims to support SMEs in becoming Carbon Literate Organisations (CLOs) by integrating Carbon Literacy training into Cogo’s Carbon Manager tool.

With SMEs responsible for 13% of global carbon emissions and 50% of commercial and industrial energy consumption, their role in climate action is critical. Yet, many of these businesses struggle to take effective steps due to a lack of expertise, time, and financial resources. Cogo’s new initiative seeks to remove these barriers, providing SMEs with structured guidance and accreditation opportunities that acknowledge their commitment to sustainability.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Climate Action

Emma Kisby, CEO of Cogo, highlights the importance of this initiative:

“SMEs contribute to 13% of global carbon emissions, and consume 50% of commercial and industrial energy*, so they have the potential to have significant climate impact. However, we know from our work with SMEs that many of them face challenges when taking climate action. Most don’t have a background in sustainability, so they’re unsure where to start.”

For many SMEs, climate action remains a secondary concern due to immediate financial and operational pressures. However, increasing regulatory expectations from larger corporations—particularly concerning Scope 3 emissions—are beginning to place indirect reporting requirements on SME suppliers. This means businesses must start measuring and managing their carbon footprint to remain competitive.

Kisby stresses this point:

“Carbon Literacy and reporting is not just a nice to have, it is fundamental to the continued financial viability of many SMEs.”

The Value of Carbon Literacy Accreditation

The Carbon Literacy training consists of a one-day learning program that equips employees with the knowledge, motivation, and skills needed to make meaningful environmental changes. Upon completing the course and implementing sustainable business practices, SMEs can receive one of four accreditation levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. This tiered recognition system offers businesses an opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability.

Dave Coleman, Managing Director at The Carbon Literacy Project, emphasizes the value of this accreditation:

“Carbon Literacy is not just a desirable skill – it’s a necessity for every business, particularly SMEs navigating barriers to climate action. Achieving Carbon Literate Organisation accreditation demonstrates organisational commitment, embedding Carbon Literacy into the fabric of an organisation’s culture and operations while providing a tangible ‘badge’ of achievement. We are delighted Cogo is recognising the significance of this accreditation by incorporating it into its Carbon Manager tool, and we are confident that our partnership will help empower SMEs to deliver decisive climate action and secure their future in the low-carbon economy.”

A Step Toward a Low-Carbon Future

Cogo’s initiative aligns with a growing push for corporate sustainability across industries. As consumer awareness around environmental impact grows and supply chain expectations tighten, SMEs that proactively address carbon emissions stand to gain a competitive edge. By streamlining the process of Carbon Literacy training and accreditation, this partnership ensures that even resource-limited SMEs can engage in meaningful sustainability efforts.

The integration of Carbon Literacy into Cogo’s Carbon Manager tool represents a strategic move to help SMEs navigate the complexities of carbon reporting and reduction. By providing structured training and accreditation, the initiative offers a clear path for businesses to enhance their sustainability credentials while ensuring compliance with emerging industry standards.

As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, initiatives like this could serve as a blueprint for SMEs worldwide, demonstrating that sustainability and business success are not mutually exclusive. The ability to showcase Carbon Literacy accreditation may soon become a key differentiator in securing contracts, partnerships, and consumer trust.

For SMEs looking to future-proof their operations, now is the time to engage with Carbon Literacy and take decisive steps toward a more sustainable business model.