The Importance of Making Your Business Maintain a Lower Carbon Footprint

The term carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organisation. These greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere. This causes climate change, which is of eminent concern in today’s world.

This is where using your moral compass comes into play. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the planet’s condition for future generations. Offset your carbon footprint to save the planet.

Being environmentally-conscious is a choice. But as a business owner, it’s up to you to also set a good example for your employees and clients. As well as saving our planet, opting for energy-efficient solutions will save you money in the long run.

The following ways can help to reduce your business’s carbon footprint.

Unplug equipment from the wall

Lower your carbon footprint by forming good habits. The combustion of materials to produce electricity contribute to the greenhouse effect. Standby mode will consume a small amount of power, so unplug equipment from the power sockets when not in use. This also applies to kitchen appliances.

Encourage energy-efficient transport

Air transport is the worst offender for emissions. Where possible, make use of rail, road and sea transportation instead. Switch your company cars for hybrid cars and encourage carpooling to and from the workplace.

Upgrade technology

A great way to reduce emissions in the digital age is to use fibre. It transmits data over longer distances and utilises less energy than conventional copper cables. Plus, this high-speed internet is a great option for productivity in the workplace.

Reuse and recycle

Go paperless to save on waste. With today’s advancements in technology, this is easy to achieve. Have designated recycling bins and collect food scraps for composting. Buy work supplies in bulk from companies that do not use unnecessary plastic packaging. You could also consider buying second-hand items for your workplace. This includes furniture, kitchen appliances and office equipment.

Use solar heaters for both power and water. The upfront cost for solar panels and systems is high, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Use LED and energy-saving bulbs to consume less energy. Not only are they energy-efficient, but their longevity means they will require less frequent replacements. This will also save your business money in the long run. Motion sensor lighting is another great way to save energy.

Decorate with plants

Many offices have wall art or sculptures. Using plants as your office’s art will offset your carbon footprint. Plants absorb carbon dioxide as part of the photosynthesis process.

You could even grow a vegetable and herb garden outside your workplace. Employees could help maintain the garden in exchange for free use for their own lunches.

Work with environmentally-conscious businesses

Work with businesses that offer environmentally-conscious solutions. Choose office or kitchen supplies with minimal plastic packaging or recyclable packaging. There is a huge environmental impact of aviation. With emissions through air transport high in greenhouse gases. So, when purchasing goods for the office or looking for suppliers, choose companies that ship by sea rather than air.

Consider means of ventilation and heating

Air conditioning is an energy-efficient means of cooling a space. However, air conditioning units emit potent greenhouse gases. Where possible, open a window or door for ventilation.

On the contrary, heating a building can use a lot of power. An insulated office will reduce heat loss and the need to heat a space. Be sure to block any drafts that will allow warm air to escape.

Energy consumption of businesses has a huge environmental impact, and little changes go a long way. Adapt your business to the numerous approaches in carbon footprint reduction. Not only will you cut costs in the long run, but you will also be saving the Earth, so future generations can thrive.

Cloe Matheson is a freelance writer from New Zealand. She believes we all play an important part in caring for the environment. Check out more of Cloe’s published work on her personal blog.