Top tips to help your business move towards net zero carbon.
Businesses need to lead the way in moving towards net zero carbon emissions. There is no quick fix so businesses need to start the journey now and move towards the ultimate goal of net zero, over the next few years. Here are some of the changes that you can implement in your company.
Focus on reducing waste.
Wasted paper, water, energy or raw materials contribute to climate change and also cost money.
- Reduce your energy bills by ensuring that all equipment is turned off at night.
- Invest in improved insulation and thermal management of your business premises in order to reduce the amount of central heating that is required, particularly in the winter months.
- Encourage staff to print less and reuse or recycle materials, where possible.
- Embrace new technology such as electronic signatures, reducing your reliance on paper.
Switch to lower carbon suppliers.
Research low carbon suppliers and where possible, switch to using them instead of your traditional suppliers. Even small changes such as using a local supplier rather than an overseas business, will help to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting materials to your business premises. If you only buy from other companies that are taking action on climate change, you will help to further drive the business community towards our shared goal of net zero carbon. Examples could include banks that offer paperless statements, logistics companies that use electric vans or food companies that recycle and use minimal packaging.
Switch to a green energy supplier.
Green energy is generated by renewable sources such as wind, hydroelectric or solar. The more businesses that switch to green energy suppliers the quicker the shift away from fossil fuels such as coal or oil will be. You could also go the full distance and look to have your own solar panels or other renewable energy generation at your business, though this requires a significant upfront investment.
Reduce business travel.
Reducing business travel will help to reduce your carbon footprint. Air travel is responsible for significant carbon emissions so really challenge yourselves on whether meeting objectives can be met via Zoom or Teams. Commuting also contributes to carbon emissions. Encouraging your staff to work from home, some of the time, will help to reduce your carbon emissions. Face-to-face meetings are still very important but it is key to get the balance right.
Switch to electric vehicles.
If your business has a fleet of petrol or diesel vehicles, you could switch across to electric-only vehicles. It is also worth noting that company car drivers who choose an electric vehicle also enjoy a reduced benefit-in-kind, for tax purposes. If you deliver products or services to your customers, showing up in an electric vehicle sends a positive message that your firm is an environmentally responsible business.
Even if you have no company vehicles, you may have staff who are looking to or already have electric vehicles, you could help by having car charging points put into your staff car park. Alternately you could give incentives to encourage employees to use public transport or ride a bike to work.
April 28th, 2022
