More and more businesses are realizing that reducing their carbon footprint will directly result in reduced operational costs. Here are some tips to lower your negative impact on the environment.
Reduce Carbon Footprint for Business
Use Less Energy
To use less energy, you can use natural light, buy more energy-efficient equipment, unplug all devices at the end of the day, and program thermostats to only run during working hours. These are simple things that can make dramatic reductions in carbon output and reduce your expenses.
Reconsider your Company’s Travel Policy
In 2020, transport accounted for more than a quarter of US greenhouse gas emissions, data from the US Environmental Protection Agency shows. Reconsidering your business travel policy is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint while benefiting your bottom line and operations.
Your employees can reduce their carbon footprint dramatically by decreasing the amount of road and air travel they take for business. We have recommended some apps that will make your travel experience better. Another option is switching from planes to public land transport. This will benefit the environment a great deal.
Businesses can also encourage carpooling among staff members who go on trips together. That will help minimize individual emissions on a smaller scale.
You can consider the following energy-efficient measures as well:
- Switch to electric or hybrid company vehicles.
- Let staff work from home.
- Use ride-sharing or public transport for business trips.
- Encourage cycling and carpooling to work.
Opt for Eco-friendly Hosting
Most web hosting companies use non-renewable energy, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing green web hosts like GreenGeeks, who put back the energy they consume into the power grid threefold, you can help reduce the internet’s environmental impact.
Use Supplies from Sustainable Producers
Unsustainable suppliers exacerbate the problem of greenhouse gas emissions. Your business could be contributing to this by working with them. You are indirectly responsible for Scope 3 emissions, which are categorized as emissions produced by any entity within your value chain.
To avoid contributing to the problem, look for suppliers with ISO 14001 certification. This shows the company is measuring and working on improving its impact on the environment.
Buy Carbon offsets
Carbon offsets are credits that businesses buy to make up for their emissions. They can reduce their carbon footprint by investing in approved projects. All initiatives are subject to carbon offsets, ranging from reforestation to renewable energy. Your company can choose one depending on your emissions reduction targets and budget.
Cut Back on Product Waste
Commercial waste makes up a substantial part of the total waste generated in the world. Analyze your operations to see if there are any ways to limit waste. Some possibilities include switching from paper documents to digital ones, eliminating single-use plastic, putting recycling bins around the workplace for easy access, and sustainably packaging any products you ship.
Your waste reduction strategy should include recycling as much as possible, reusing products and packaging, and changing product design so you don’t waste materials.
You could also look into alternative, more energy-efficient materials that are less damaging to the environment. Consider a new purchasing strategy to avoid excessive consumption.
Save Water
Water is more than a simple utility bill – a great deal of energy goes into heating and processing it. By reducing water use where possible, you can reduce your monthly bills and make a lot of progress in minimizing environmental impact. Among the measures you can take are repairing leaking faucets and pipes regularly, reducing water heater temperatures, and turning on dishwashers, washing machines, and other water-intensive equipment only when