Businesses have the ability to work towards making an impact, as corporations are cited as one of the primary creators of greenhouse gas emissions. By measuring current carbon outputs and working to reduce their carbon footprint, businesses can send a message to their customers and the world at large that they understand their role in curbing greenhouse gases. There are several initiatives corporations can enact to reduce their carbon footprint:
1) REDUCE ENERGY AND WATER USE
Energy use typically comprises about half of a company’s carbon footprint. Reducing a facility’s energy use not only cuts costs on energy bills but also decreases the environmental burden for which a company is responsible. Whether that’s installing energy-efficient lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, or switching to a green web hosting company, there are many ways to make small changes. Added together, these small changes have the potential for a massive impact. Another big savings opportunity is in Plants Energy Reduction. By introducing energy and water use reduction to the KPIs of Plants Managers, companies can reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their bottom line.
2) ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Single-use plastics are another large contributor to a business’s carbon footprint. Every time someone throws away a plastic straw, bag, cup, or packaging materials, these products exact a toll on the environment. Almost all plastic products are made from fossil fuels, and refining those fuels into plastics is an energy-intensive process that is driving up global emissions. Items such as cafeteria cutlery, disposable coffee cups, and plastic water bottles can easily be switched to reusable items instead. Opting for reusable replacements reduces a carbon footprint while reducing waste hauling costs, too.
3) TRACK FOR SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY
With so many interwoven pieces, an organization’s supply chain is brimming with opportunities for carbon footprint reduction. Oftentimes, money, time, and resources are wasted through inefficient operations. Directly ask suppliers if they have quantifiable measures on their generated greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the world’s largest corporations have already advocated for increased transparency from their suppliers in order to cut their environmental risks and reduce carbon emissions in their supply chains.
4) EDUCATE EMPLOYEES With the proper training, employees can be the greatest asset in reducing their carbon footprint. Achieving real results requires steadfast commitment from every member of the organization, from top to bottom. Make a public pledge to reduce carbon emissions, water use, and ensure employees understand the reason behind the pledge and what they can do to help. Workshops, webinars, and signage are all effective ways to educate employees. When everyone is involved, a real difference can be made.
5) OFFER A FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE (WHEN POSSIBLE)
Does your organization offer work-from-home days? As commuters drive to work, cars create a large amount of pollution that indirectly adds to a company’s footprint. Whenever possible, offer a flexible schedule where work-from-home days are encouraged. This will lessen the amount of pollution your employees create as a byproduct of their job duties. As an added bonus, a corporation’s company cars can be fuel-efficient or electric models reduce the environmental impact as well.