Green Economy

In June 2019, Kingston Council declared a climate emergency, with the goal of making the borough carbon neutral by 2038. Following this declaration, a Climate Action Plan was launched in 2022. The Action Plan was refreshed and retitled in 2024 and the Climate Action Strategy 2024 - 2030 was published. 

The Green Economy Theme of the Climate Emergency Action Strategy aims to transition the borough's economy into a green economy by supporting and empowering our businesses to eco-innovate and grow while reducing their carbon footprint.

In collaboration with Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingston University, local businesses and other partners, the council set up Kingston Green Business Community in 2022. It is a free-to-join community of Kingston-based businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors, from well-established to start-ups. It aims to help members to save resources, achieve environmental credentials and improve their reputation, as well as reducing their environmental impact and running costs. 

About the Kingston Green Business Challenge

Kingston Council invites micro and small businesses with 2 to 49 employees, which are based in Kingston upon Thames to apply to join the Kingston Green Business Challenge.

The aim of the project is to help businesses save resources, optimise energy and operational efficiency, reduce costs and their environmental impact and become more sustainable. In addition, businesses will be accredited and receive a Green Mark Certificate, which will allow them to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and align with select government and private sector procurement requirements (e.g. NHS SBS Framework).

Number of businesses to be supported: We aim to support 10 - 15 businesses, depending on the size and the sector they come from. Applications, which will be submitted and meet the eligibility criteria, will be assessed on deliverability, carbon reduction and commitment to achieve a Green Mark certificate. 

Businesses joining the Kingston Green Business Challenge, should address at least one of the following objectives:

• Improving resource efficiencies through: 

1. Reduction of energy consumption
2. Reduction of water consumption
3. Reduction of resources used 
4. Transition to circular economy

• Reduction of waste, increased Re-use, composting, 
• Improving biodiversity
• Improving air quality
• Decarbonising transport/a change in modes of transport 

Benefits for businesses

• Use resources efficiently and manage their environmental impacts
• Save money by reducing operating costs
• Improve their reputation and attract customers by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and their quality of life.
• Follow legislation and regulations and avoid fines 
• Attract investment

Who can apply

You can apply to join the Kingston Green Business Challenge II, if your business:

• is established and has been trading for at least 18 months, under private ownership 
• is solvent and stable - not at risk of closure 
• is an independent business based in Kingston upon Thames
• employs 2 to 49 people 
• has not participated in Kingston Green Business Challenge I / Green Mark 

A Step by Step Guide to the Scheme

Your pathway through the scheme is clear and simple, with all the support you need on hand.

Step 1 - Applying to join the pilot scheme

Businesses will be able to apply to join the scheme by completing an online application eligibility quiz (This will not take more than 4 minutes). You will be notified soon on whether your organisation can proceed or not to the next stage and you might be asked for some clarifications. 

Eligible businesses will be contacted by our project partner, Green Mark and/or Kingston Council who will invite you to a webinar. All the businesses, that apply and meet the eligibility criteria, will be invited to attend the webinar.

Step 2 - Webinar

We will explain the next steps of the process through a one hour webinar, which will give you a walkthrough of the online portal you will use to complete a questionnaire, talk you through some of the questionnaire’s requirements, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Step 3 - Initial Audit & Action Report

Businesses should complete the Green Mark Assessment by using the online Green Mark platform. There is a potential on-site assessment if you are an energy intensive business and/or generate multiple waste streams. The Assessment will help you to understand the impact your business activities have on the environment and the processes and action plans that your business will need to establish and develop to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your operations.  The businesses will receive, by email, a General Assessment Report which explains what they did well and what can be improved upon in the Assessment. In the Green Mark portal itself, the businesses will be able to view and, if they wish, download an Excel spreadsheet giving guidance, tips, and examples from the auditor on specific changes required for each question. 

The process itself is designed to engage, educate and help you achieve the first step towards establishing an Environmental Management System in your company. 

Step 4 - Taking Action

The businesses will receive access to a tailored set of actions and guidelines within the online Green Mark portal, which acts as a framework to implement change. The process is fully supported by the Green Mark customer service team. The process typically takes between 4 - 7 weeks. 

Step 5 - Final Environmental Audit

Businesses will upload updated evidence on the Green Mark portal to fulfil the requirements of the relevant Level of Green Mark certificate, using the auditor’s guidance and report to help them. Your final submission will be checked, and, if necessary, your business will receive feedback again on what to improve until it has reached the standard required for accreditation. 

The process will lead to your business identifying areas for improvement, some of which should directly align with the additional funding available. The final submission should provide a credible action plan and outline the potential savings of CO2. 

Step 6 - Receiving the Green Mark Certificate

Upon completion of the Assessment process, the businesses will receive an electronic certificate to help demonstrate their commitment to the environment. 

Green Mark will notify Kingston Council about the environmental improvements which have been made and the potential CO2 savings and the accreditation. 

Step 7 - Celebration event

Kingston Council, in collaboration with Green Mark, Kingston Chamber of Commerce and other local partners will organise an event (in person or virtual) to celebrate the successes of businesses, which participated in the scheme, and share lessons learned.

Examples of actions which could be taken by your business

Theme 1 - Energy

• Replacing conventional bulbs with LED
• Installing energy day-light sensors
• Installing lights with movement detecting sensors 
• Purchase energy efficient office equipment
• Generate renewable energy on site (if possible) e.g., solar, wind etc.
• Imported gas and electricity is sourced through green energy tariffs
• Retrofit building and improve insulation (e.g. install double glazing windows, insulation of walls)
• Convert a heating system to Heat Pumps

Theme 2 - Water

• Replacing conventional taps with taps with movement detecting sensors 
• Replacing existing cisterns with dual flashing and/or lower volume water cisterns
• Replace boilers with 90%+ efficient boilers
• Procure and implement waterless urinals on site
• Water harvesting measures 
• Use of greywater measures

Theme 3 - Waste Management / Minimisation 

• Purchasing bins for recycling 
• Purchasing equipment for food and/or garden composting 
• Remove waste by choosing a sustainable waste handling vendor (to prevent landfill)

Theme 4 - Storage & Handling of Potential pollutants

• Investing in PPE and proper receptacles for any pollutants and / or hazardous waste
• Investing in storage for pollutants and/or hazardous waste

Theme 5 - Sustainable Travel

• Smart driving courses
• Purchasing Vehicle Tracking System to track journey, stops, emissions etc
• Contribution towards a purchase of a cargo/e-cargo bike
• Convert to electric fleet / install electric charging points
• Install bike storage/rack

Theme 6 - Purchase & Procurement

• Purchasing office equipment from local and ethical suppliers

Theme 7 - Biodiversity

• Green Walls
• Planting pots/boxes/hanging baskets within the office space/surrounding grounds (With a focus on wildlife friendly vegetation)
• Planting pots/boxes/hanging baskets within the local Kingston area (With a focus on wildlife friendly vegetation)
• Purchasing environmentally friendly gardening supplies for the upkeep of office/local area plants

Timeline

• Application window opens: 13 June 2025
• Application window closes: 11 July 2025
• Decisions by: 18 July 2028
• Webinars: 14 August 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 18 August 2:00 - 3:00 PM
• First Green Mark Audit to be completed by: 7 September
• Final Green Mark Audit by: 7 November

Important notes for all applicants

Kingston Council will share your contact details with Green Mark.

Supporting information

Assessment & Accreditation: We have appointed delivery partners Green Mark to undertake the Audits and provide you with support during the accreditation process. 

If you have any questions about the application process, please email business@kingston.gov.uk and greenmark@greenmark.co.uk 

Data Protection

Any information you provide will be managed in line with the Council's Privacy Notice, available on our website. 

Unless you ask us not to, we will add your contact information to our business communications list so you are made aware of other issues and opportunities for your business. If you would prefer to opt out of this, please let us know by selecting this in your application form. 

Relationship with Council

Businesses taking part in the scheme enter a relationship with Green Mark, not with the Council. Kingston Council cannot accept liability for any actions taken by participating businesses as a result of their participation in this scheme. Individual businesses must satisfy themselves that they are happy to engage in the scheme as described and must take full responsibility for the actions that emerge from this.