SMEs in Gloucestershire are now able to develop their own step-by-step roadmap to net zero through a brand-new, free-to-join local accreditation system – PathZero.
Launched by Cheltenham Borough Council's cross-sector initiative, Cheltenham Zero, at the second annual Cheltenham Business Summit this October 2026, SMEs across Gloucestershire can now access tailored support and guidance to help them achieve sustainability, via an intuitive online platform.
With the potential to help businesses save money and future proof their operations – while doing better by the environment – SoGlos rounds up everything local businesses need to know about PathZero, from how it works and the benefits, to how to sign up.
What is PathZero?
PathZero is a government-funded, council-designed accreditation system aimed at Gloucestershire SMEs, enabling them to grow through becoming 'more resilient, sustainable, and future proofed'.
Created in partnership with the Gloucestershire Climate Leadership Group, the online platform aims to help businesses 'demystify' the process of becoming net zero by guiding them through step-by-step, measuring their baseline, setting targets, and ultimately achieving their roadmap.
Cheltenham Zero says the launch of the brand new accreditation signals 'an exciting opportunity for businesses to level the playing field'.
How does it work?
Offering something different to SMEs than larger scale accreditations, businesses progress through four stages – bronze, silver, gold and platinum – by completing actions and achieving carbon reduction targets, aligned with a globally recognised, science-based framework for corporate net zero target setting, SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative).
Businesses begin the process by making a commitment to working towards net zero at Member level. To reach bronze, members need to measure their baseline and set targets, with silver being achieved once they create an action plan for how to reduce their emissions.
Gold stage is reached through annual reporting showing that reduction has been achieved, and to reach the highest level, platinum, businesses need to demonstrate that reduction is consistently being achieved, in line with their action plan.
The benefits to SMEs
PathZero is free to join, with accreditation bringing a range of benefits. Members will receive tailored support from the Cheltenham Zero team to measure their baseline, set targets and develop their action plan, removing the complexity of the process.
Gaining accreditation will allow SMEs to reach a standing from which they can compete with larger corporates, who must report on sustainability for tenders – where a smaller business might lose out because they don't meet the requirements – while reaching net zero itself can also result in a reduction of overheads.
Achieving net zero can also bring security, getting businesses ready for compliance with sustainability regulations which will become a requirement in future.
The accreditation will also bring recognition and respect, both from industry peers and the wider business community, which could lead to increased collaboration with other local companies, boosting the growth of your own business, and the wider economy.
How to sign up
To join PathZero, businesses need to complete a simple sign up form at pathzero.org.uk.
