We all know, as individuals and as businesses, how important it is to move towards a sustainable future. Reducing your carbon footprint is more important than ever before. In future, green measures will not only benefit the climate, but also further your business aims. Sustainable climate actions by your company and employees will attract customers and reduce your impact on climate change.
An important part of a business’ green strategy is measuring your carbon footprint. Knowing your impact on the environment allows you to measure progress and keep track of the benefits of the measures you take. One strategy for reducing emissions is making employees take climate actions to offset company emissions and also to raise awareness among the workforce and with clients.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Once you have calculated your carbon emissions, it pays to take a detailed look at energy consumption. Even small changes can make a big impact. So, turn down the heating or air conditioning and remember to turn off the lights. Installing lights with timer switches in little-used areas is a good way to reduce energy consumption. Prioritize reduction in energy use.
Once you’ve addressed your energy consumption, look at the green credentials of your suppliers. Switching to a renewable energy supplier is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint and will pay off in the long term. Waste reduction is another important area for your green strategy. While recycling is useful, waste reduction and sustainable purchasing is an even better option.
Ditch The Disposables
Disposable coffee cups and other throwaway items are a big source of waste. Consider banning disposable items in your workplace to reduce your environmental impact. Buying the right equipment can also reduce your carbon footprint. Before buying any equipment, consider the energy rating. Sustainability also means looking after your office equipment so that you don’t need to replace it as often.
It’s also worth taking a look at all your suppliers to see what their environmental credentials are. Choosing the right suppliers will reduce your company’s carbon footprint overnight. Sustainability works in both directions. While finding greener suppliers, it’s important to also raise awareness of climate measures with staff and customers. Introducing green competitions and incentives for employees can make all the difference.
Greener Transport To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Transport is another big factor in a company’s carbon footprint. Encouraging workers to take public transport will make your business greener. Offer public transport discounts or options to spread the cost of season tickets. If you need staff to drive, consider investing in hybrid or electric vehicles. Sustainable transport will reduce costs, as well as emissions, as part of a long-term strategy.
Reducing the need for transport is also an important aspect of carbon-reduction. Consider whether you really need to meet with clients in person. Do you really need staff in the office all the time? If you can make teleworking the norm, then carbon reductions will come with that. Create online strategies for employee inclusion, while promoting climate action from remote workers too.
Promote Climate Actions From All Employees
Carbon-reduction is something that affects all aspects of work and home life. Aim to encourage green climate action in the workforce. Competitions with prizes to be won can promote green strategies for all employees. These events and staff achievements can then be publicised to raise awareness of climate action. This will also raise your company’s profile as a carbon neutral business.
How To Engage Your Workforce To Become Carbon Neutral
Green strategies only work when the whole company is on board. So, how do you engage and encourage staff to carry out carbon action? What’s most important is to recognize and reward staff contributions. Competitions between staff members or departments can create interest in climate action in the workplace. Staff want to be listened to, so reward ideas as well as achievements.
Promote Change Nationally and Globally
While there are many actions you can take in your own business, some issues can only be dealt with at government level. If you’re going to make meaningful changes in your business, it’s worth lobbying the government to reward your efforts. Whether it’s tax breaks for investment in energy efficiency measures or subsidized staff transport, lobbying the government can produce results.
Look out for national campaigns and business groups promoting environmental measures. Join with other companies locally to put pressure on local councils for greener initiatives. Above all, make your voice count. Vocalizing your green strategy will bring others on board. Look for partners in the local community and pair with green suppliers to get your message across. Then promote green policies worldwide.
Bring Climate Actions To The Heart Of Your Business
To achieve success as a green company, you need to adopt climate actions in every aspect of your business. Make sure your strategy is visible and promote engagement with staff, suppliers and customers. Some climate actions will pay back in the short term. Others require longer-term investment. It’s worth campaigning for more measures from the government to support companies making green adjustments.
