The climate solutions advantage
A playbook for communicating the economic benefits of climate solutions to Australian mid-tier businesses
The Climate Solutions Advantage is a practical guide designed to help large organisations and industry associations champion climate action across Australia’s mid-tier business sector. Developed by the Centre for Policy Development and The Action Exchange, the guide provides clear, compelling messages to communicate the economic benefits of climate solutions.
While many large enterprises already recognise the financial imperative of emissions reduction, too many mid-tier businesses are being left behind—often due to a lack of tailored, actionable information. A 2023 survey found just 20% of small and medium business owners intend to improve the sustainability of their operations.
The Playbook bridges this gap. Drawing on economic research and in-depth interviews with leading corporate sustainability experts, it equips business leaders with the tools they need to engage mid-tier firms—helping them reduce risk, cut costs, attract investment, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
In this video, the playbook’s co-author Georgia McCafferty explains how the playbook was developed and what its key lessons and tips are for business leaders.
The economic benefits of climate solutions:
Reduced operational costs
Climate solutions can cut expenses and boost profits. Businesses that optimise energy use or electrify operations can improve their margins by up to 60%.
Mitigate business risk
From supply chains to insurance premiums, climate risks are rising. Climate solutions help businesses stay ahead of regulatory, financial, and reputational threats.
Protect market access
With mandatory reporting and global climate rules tightening, companies must reduce emissions to protect their access to domestic and export markets.
Better access to capital
Investors and banks are increasingly taking climate solutions into account in their lending criteria. Realistic, measurable transition plans open doors to more funding opportunities and more investment.
Stronger competitive advantage
Climate solutions provide companies with advantages over their competitors, from increasing shareholder returns and greater investor confidence, to reputational improvements and better market performance.
Greater resilience
Sustainable businesses are more adaptable, agile, and future-ready. Two-thirds of Australian companies already see the link between sustainability and long-term profitability.
Why is the playbook important?
Reaching net zero isn’t just about government policy or big business—it requires action across the whole economy. That includes the small and mid-sized businesses that power Australia’s supply chains, regions, and communities.
While large-scale systems change is critical, so too is change at the ground level. When mid-tier businesses cut emissions, they don’t just accelerate the energy transition—they reduce costs, attract customers, and future-proof their operations.
This is a moment of opportunity. Business leaders and industry associations have a powerful role to play in shifting the dial. By using this Playbook to clearly and confidently communicate the economic case for climate action, we can bring about real change. Because this isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart business.
Communicating climate solutions
We encourage large business leaders and industry associations to harness the playbook messages and strategies to engage, connect, advocate and communicate with mid-tier business leaders and stakeholders.
Engage: develop stakeholder engagement programs that aim to meaningfully engage business leaders
Connect: connect companies with outside experts and advisors that can help them understand how to actively adapt
Advocate: speak at conferences and in the media
Communicate: embed the key messages in regular communications and content.
Next steps:
Download and share the playbook.
Get in touch to request a briefing on the playbook’s recommendations or find out more.
