What businesses can do to manage and reduce carbon emissions

The extreme weather witnessed around the world in 2021 has brought climate change into an even sharper focus. In fact, BBC News reported that the number of days reaching 50℃ or above has doubled since the 1980s.

15 ways businesses can manage and reduce carbon emissions

To limit global warming to 1.5℃, as set out in the Paris Agreement, we must reduce carbon emissions by 7.6% every year – starting now.

With that in mind, here is a list of 15 ways businesses can manage and reduce their carbon emissions:

One. Create a net-zero plan

Having a plan gives you goals to hit and allows you to see what you still need to improve. Yes, getting started is important, but by making a plan of action, you can keep on top of managing and reducing your carbon emissions. Where possible, align this plan with science-based targets that meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Two. Install smart meters

A smart meter gives you a real-time update on the energy you’re using, allowing you to keep track of your usage.

This can help you reduce your energy emissions further during peak times.

Three. Know how energy efficient your building is

Your building should have an EPC rating. If it doesn’t, get one. An EPC rating tells you how efficient your building is, how much energy it’s likely to consume and where you can make improvements.

Four. Switch to renewable energy

Switching to renewable energy will substantially reduce your businesses’ carbon footprint, and it could save you money as most energy providers now offer green tariffs.

Five. Reduce energy wastage

Turning the thermostat down by 1°c can reduce energy wastage by up to 13%. Switch lights off during the day if the natural light in your office is safe and comfortable to work by and encourage your team to wear warmer clothes during the colder months.

Oh, and remind them to switch off lights when they leave empty offices, kitchens and meeting rooms.

Six. Use sustainable suppliers

If your suppliers don’t implement sustainability, it goes against your own business’s carbon footprint. When researching sustainable suppliers, make sure they have an Environmental Policy, an ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification or are actively working towards the standard.

Seven. Recycle and use recycled paper

We all know the importance of recycling, but businesses still don’t take this seriously. By recycling and using recycled paper, you help save:

• 17 trees from deforestation
• 7000 gallons of water
• 380 gallons of oil
• 4000 kWh energy
• 3 cubic yards of space in landfill

In 2019, a study found 73% of office workers want their workplace to improve sustainability. And 24% said they’d refuse to work for a company with a poor sustainability record.

Eight. Invest in green office equipment

To reduce emissions and costs further, invest in:

• LED lighting
• Fridges, microwaves and dishwashers with a high energy rating
• Mobiles, laptops, tablets and PCs with energy and battery-saving power modes

Nine. Invest in solar panels and solar thermal

Solar panels and solar thermal technology reduce your footprint by harnessing power from the sun to generate power. Solar thermal energy really comes into its own during the summer as it can power all of your hot water, meaning you might not have to use an emission-heavy boiler at all during the warmer months.

Ten. Switch to electric or hybrid company cars

With the ban on petrol and diesel cars coming into effect in 2030, now is the time to invest in electric and hybrid vehicles for your fleet of company cars. Where possible, use a renewable electricity supply to power your electric and hybrid vehicles.

Eleven. Create a car share scheme

Car sharing again reduces the number of vehicles on the road, thus lowering your business’s carbon footprint and also helps improve local air quality.

Twelve. Offer cycle scheme and encourage walking

Cycle schemes are a great way to incentivise using a bicycle to get to work – plus, they’re completely eco-friendly. And for staff who live within walking distance, you could offer an incentive for them to walk instead of getting a bus or calling a taxi.

Plus, the bonus of cycling and walking is that they provide substantial health benefits.

Thirteen. Encourage the use of public transport

Public transport, including trains and buses, now emit fewer emissions than before, with many new models built using hybrid or electric engines.

Fourteen. Purchase used office furniture

Used doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. Most used office furniture is of high quality, saves you money and reduces the need to use more of the world’s natural resources. This helps to implement the circular economy in your business.

Fifteen. Get your staff and customers on board

Make your staff aware of your businesses efforts to reduce carbon emissions – and ask them for their suggestions too. By getting everyone on board, they will be more likely to do their bit to reduce their impact on the environment.

Customers also love brands that are serious about lowering their carbon footprint. And many will pay a premium for products and services based on sustainable practices alone.

Need help managing and reducing your carbon emissions?

At Inteb, our experts help you set targets and put a framework in place to meet your targets. And for added peace of mind, we’re accredited to FutureNetZero standard, which means we give practical and accurate advice to companies serious about reaching net-zero.

Start managing your carbon emissions

Let’s get the conversation started – call us now on 0151 601 3476