COP26 has wrapped up after a marathon two weeks of negotiations, and while the agreement fell short of the hopes of many nations, almost two hundred countries have signed an outcome document, that, according to the UN Secretary-General, “reflects the interests, the contradictions, and the state of political will in the world today”.

Broad consensus was reached on halting and reversing deforestation, cutting methane emissions and transitioning away from coal, among many other positive steps. However, many analysts have labelled the negotiations as ‘disappointing’. Outcomes can be read in full here.

While governments bickered, business has stepped up, and nearly 500 global financial services firms agreed to align $130 trillion – some 40 per cent of the world’s financial assets – with the goals set out in the Paris Agreement, including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

With world focus shifting, it’s not just major corporations that are taking steps to a greener future. Small and medium business have recognised that consumers are aligning themselves with brands that adhere to their social and environmental values, and investing in equipment like solar panels, water tanks or equipment made by greener companies can help your business meet that expectation, increase customer loyalty, save money and, most importantly, do your bit in the fight against climate change.

While green companies can find the costs of capital investment in equipment that aligns with their values prohibitive, business equipment finance can enable SMEs to acquire necessary equipment with no additional collateral and at reasonable rates, meaning that your company can make greener, more ethical choices without breaking the bank.

Interlease offers equipment financing products for small and medium businesses. Talk to us today about what products would be right for you and your business.