// The ecommerce retailer is launching a set of sustainability focused courses for small scale enterprises
// It comes as part of eBay’s wider sustainability strategy and will help sellers keep their knowledge up to date
eBay is to launch a new training initiative that could help SMEs improve their understanding of sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.
The online retailer’s carbon academy is being created in conjunction with sustainability consultant Climate Partner and aims to give guidance on how to reduce the carbon footprint across firms’ day to day operations.
Modules will include carbon offsetting, the circular economy, climate strategies for businesses, carbon accounting and communicating climate action.
eBay UK general manager Eve Williams said: “Most small business leaders know that reducing their carbon impact should be a priority; becoming a more environmentally conscious business will ultimately help all businesses to become more commercially sustainable in the long run.
“But in reality when you are a small team, it can be really difficult to know where to start and to navigate some of the jargon.
“Small businesses have the potential to make a huge impact. After all, 99% of businesses in the UK are SMEs, so they have a critical part to play when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. We see our role as an enabler to support small businesses to build the skills and knowledge they need to take action.”
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This latest sustainability drive from eBay comes after it created its Circular Fashion Innovator’s Fund last year, which saw it offer up £100,000 to small businesses specialising in pre-loved fashion.
eBay also launched a sustainable homeware hub to tackle the issue of fast furniture last month, encouraging consumers to choose vintage, refurbished and pre-loved pieces in a bid to reduce the amount of furniture going to landfill.
The marketplace has also emerged a driving force in pre-loved clothing and has built awareness via its high-profile sponsorship of Love Island.
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