3 Easy Ways Businesses Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

While fossil fuels are expected to remain dominant in the energy sector for the foreseeable future at least, renewables are growing at a much faster rate. In fact, BP claims the renewables will penetrate the global energy system “faster than any fuel in history”, as they are likely to take center stage over the course of the next 20 years.

This at least partially explains why businesses are focused on reducing their carbon footprint these days, as there is a growing pressure for firms to embrace renewables and minimize harmful emissions.

In this article, we’ll explore this concept in further detail, while asking what practical steps businesses can take to slash their emissions.

1. Take Advantage of Practical Renewable Energy Solutions

The installation of solar panels is an effective tactic for reducing carbon emissions, but this is not accessible to every business-owner.

However, energy suppliers such as E.ON offer two more accessible energy solutions to their commercial customers, including a Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)-backed supply, which will match each business’s consumption and offers certification.

This type of supply offers business-owners assurance that the emissions rate of their electricity supply is carbon neutral, which will instantly reduce their footprint over a sustained period of time.

This is an increasingly important consideration, particularly as UK-quoted companies must report their greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.

2. Reduce your Energy Consumptions

Energy is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of most companies. It usually accounts for over 50% of their contribution.

With this in mind, it’s clear that taking steps to reduce your consumption can dramatically minimize your emissions and save money in the process.

To achieve this, you should start by installing energy efficient lighting throughout your business premises, while making sure that they’re switched off completely when not in use (you can use automatic sensors to do this). Switching off office equipment is also an important step, as leaving computers on overnight can drive consumption up considerably.

This may require you to educate and train your staff members further, in order to challenge their behaviour and raise the importance of environmental awareness.

3. Recycle More and Send less Waste to Landfill

Waste is an often-overlooked contributor to your carbon footprint, particularly produce that ends up in landfill and creates the greenhouse gas methane.

To negate this, you should focus on implementing a comprehensive recycling scheme and considering the benefits of a so-called ‘waste-to-energy’ program.

This applies to all types of business, while retailers in particular should consider liaising with a mixed recycling partner like First Mile. This company uses a low-cost recycling service that can make use of 90% of your waste, which in turn will have a significant and incredibly beneficial impact on your business’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion

It’s beneficial for all companies to aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to our planet. It’s all about taking these goals one step at a time.