Helping your small and medium business go carbon-free
We offer a simple and affordable climate action program
to help SMEs go carbon-free. Sign up and start your climate action program today.
The ERC Protocol is trusted by Industry Associations and SMEs
We tailored a simple and affordable climate action program just for SMEs.
In Australia, 98% of all businesses are SMEs - that's 2.4 million businesses. Every business currently produces too many carbon emissions - even yours!
Running an SME is already hard. There's so much to do! So, we need to help SMEs go carbon-free.
Here are five compelling reasons we developed this program for you:
- Environment: High levels of carbon emissions destroy the planet by heating it up.
- Sales: Customers are more and more favouring sustainable businesses.
- Reputation: Cutting carbon emissions is good for your brand.
- Bottom line: Cutting carbon emissions saves you money in energy and resources.
- Staff: Green credentials can attract and retain employees.
The ERC Protocol
We recognise that running an SME is demanding.
That's why we developed a simple and affordable climate action program that Industry Associations can roll out to their members, called the ERC Protocol.
Why should you care?
- Regulations: Stricter regulations are coming. They may require you to have a plan.
- Big clients: Large emitters expect suppliers and service providers to cut emissions.
- Markets: Being sustainable opens doors to new markets and opportunities.
- Selling Point: Set your business apart in the market.
- Investment: Green businesses attract socially responsible investors.
Everything you need in one simple online portal
Once you register, our online system guides you through the five simple stages to develop your plan.
Your subscription as a minimum includes:
- All the tools you need to develop your plan and monitor your progress.
- All the tools you need to communicate your plan, even if you have no website.
- Accreditation logos and badges.
- Help desk and support from real people.
- Personalised emissions estimation report.
With the ERC Protocol, it's easy for SMEs to go carbon-free
Cutting Carbon has been difficult for SMEs because most programs are designed for large businesses.
These programs don't work for SMEs because they are expensive, complex, time-consuming and require specialised knowledge.
We needed to fix this so that SMEs can also be part of the solution and benefit from being carbon-free.
That’s why we have developed the ERC Protocol, which is a carbon emissions action program just for SMEs.
It has the key elements of the programs used by large businesses, just made simple, fast and affordable to do.
Join our monthly ERC Protocol Demo session!
Discover how easy and impactful decarbonising your business can be.
We show you the path - follow the five simple stages
Our program has five simple stages for you to follow:
- Commit: Make a start by estimating your carbon emissions. It's that easy!
- Reduce: Adjust your operations and start cutting emissions, straight away!
- Avoid: Stop using carbon-producing technologies and processes to get your energy.
- Support: Sponsor projects that cut emissions you can't stop making.
- Sustain: Keep going! Maintain your progress in the medium and long term.
Be rewarded for progress - not perfection!
Embark on a journey where every step counts towards you decarbonising your business:
- No need for a perfect climate plan; we'll guide you.
- Progress is key; plans cover both current and future actions.
- Perfect data isn't essential; refine it as you go.
- Efforts are celebrated; stakeholders value your positive direction.
- You've likely begun already; we help build on your existing efforts.
Feel empowered; many find the process simpler and more rewarding than expected.
Collaboration is key-let's team up for our planet.
As a small business part of an Industry Association, they can unite their members under one program and inspire others to develop an action plan.
- Easily form teams and invite businesses to join forces.
- Highlight your impact in a dedicated section of your emission plan.
- Engage with other members' teams, amplifying collective efforts.
- We handle onboarding: join webinars and workshops for guidance and training.
What is the ERC Protocol?
The ERC Protocol includes practical resources, expert support and a workable climate action program designed to get fast and lasting results. It is simple and affordable program designed for SMEs. Learn more about our innovative model by watching our video.
Our solution for your type of business and industry
We offer a simple and affordable climate action program to help SMEs go carbon-free.
We work with all kinds of SMEs to help them on their decarbonisation journey.
We also work with Industry Associations with SME members that want to unite their members under one program.
Micro, small and medium businesses
The ERC Protocol is suited for SMEs of any industry:
- Less than 50 employees
- Are Australian based (for now).
- Unsure where to start but would like to reduce carbon emissions.
Industry Associations
Implement an emissions reduction program for your members.
- You can track and monitor participation and impact.
- We offer grey and white label options.
- Contact us for more information.
Large corporations and value chain providers
Adopt the ERC Protocol as a procurement standard to help your supply chain meet your scope 3 reporting obligations, including collecting primary scope 1 and 2 emissions data.