How small businesses can support the fight against climate change.
Our planet is facing serious challenges. Climate change is a real and ongoing threat. There is no legal requirement for small companies in the UK to publish their climate change efforts.
Arguably there should be, but this should not be about companies being forced to do this, rather companies should want to do this.
Why should companies reduce their carbon footprint?
The devastating impacts of climate change are ever more visible and in turn more widely understood and the negative impacts on our health are well-researched. Over the last 50 years, human activities – particularly the burning of fossil fuels – have released sufficient quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses to trap additional heat in the lower atmosphere and affect the global climate.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted significant risks to our health and the knock-on effect:
Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone.
The direct damage costs to health are estimated to be between USD 2-4 billion per year by 2030.
Employees and consumers are far more aware of these risks and are making active choices about where they work, who they work with, and from whom they buy their goods and services.
Steps companies can take to reduce their carbon footprint
Businesses are increasingly taking a holistic approach to their carbon reduction and making a real impact.
Actions that could be taken include the following:
Flexible working – The Covid-19 lockdown has shown the opportunity for businesses to transition to either a fully remote or flexi-remote working pattern. Enabling employees to work from home can help to cut unnecessary travel by car and public transport. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on keeping data safe when working from home. Where travel is required, encourage employees to use public transport, car sharing, or to cycle if possible.
Think before you print – Engaging with employees on the importance of reducing the volume of printed material is crucial. Paper usage has a big impact on our environment. Printing double-sided and in black and white are simple initial steps. Not printing and using electronic methods for reading, reviewing and sharing documents is the ideal. Where paper is needed, choose recycled paper - paper made with recycled pulp uses 40% less energy than paper using virgin wood fibres.
Switch to renewable energy - For most companies, energy use is by far the largest contributor to their carbon footprint. There are plenty of online comparison websites that can help. And today, many widely used energy providers offer renewable energy solutions that are backed by Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates, which guarantee that the origin of the energy supplied is renewably resourced.
Cut down on waste - According to the Waste Resources Action Programme, a quarter of England’s waste is produced by its businesses. And waste that ends up in a landfill produces harmful greenhouse gases that damage the planet. The primary goal should be to eliminate or significantly reduce the level of waste produced in the first place, for example, not using paper wherever possible, encouraging employees to bring home-made packed-lunches to work rather than buying ready-packaged meals, etc.
Recycle - Where it’s difficult to cut down on waste a recycling scheme can help you lower your carbon emissions by ensuring that any waste produced doesn’t end up in the landfill.
Lighting - Replace old light bulbs and fluorescent tubes with LED lights. This can cut your lighting bill by up to 90%; a change you'll notice in your costs as well as your carbon impact. Fit movement sensors to turn lights on or off automatically. Or simply encourage employees to turn off the lights when they leave a room. Maximise levels of natural light. From investing in better blinds to placing furniture for better light flow, you’ll cut your energy use and improve employee health.
Heating - Reduce the air conditioning levels in your office. Air conditioning units use an enormous amount of energy. Instead of relying on air con, relax your dress code and let your teams dress for the weather and time of year. If you own the building you work in, improve insulation and update the windows. If you don’t own the building, do what you can to block draughts and keep heat in the building, instead of allowing it to escape through doors and leaky windows.
Review suppliers - Do your suppliers have environmental credentials? Many businesses now work hard to ensure that their supply chains demonstrate green credentials.
Summary
Implementing greener practices needn’t be overly complicated. By enlisting the help of technology and spreading awareness about environmentally friendly behaviours, companies stand to benefit not only from the satisfaction of helping the planet but also from associated cost reductions.