C02 Emissions and Carbon Footprints in business

C02 Emissions and Carbon Footprints in Business

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of GHG (greenhouse gases) that are released into the atmosphere due to the way we live our lives and do business. Individuals, businesses, and organisations all have a carbon footprint.

Calculating the carbon footprint of a business is becoming increasingly important and can be done by identifying and measuring emissions and converting them into measurement data, often over a 12 month period.

In 2022 UK businesses contributed to 18.7% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The energy consumption can be broken down into these areas. Energy consumption, transportation, industrial processes, waste management and supply chain.

Energy Consumption – Unless they generate renewable energy themselves, all businesses need energy to power them. If you have a contract with an existing energy supplier then you will be producing carbon emissions.

Transportation – Carbon emissions from petrol or diesel vehicles count when calculating the carbon footprint for your business. No matter your business, transportation that emits carbon will likely be a part of your operations in some way.

Industrial Processes and Supply Chain – Most businesses have suppliers. You must consider the processes for them to supply you. From the products being made, to be stored to being transported. All before they arrive with you.

Waste Management – Every business has waste. This is anything that needs disposal. From food waste to agricultural waste to used oil, to any technology and office equipment that gets replaced. The process of collecting and disposing of waste emits carbon.

Your carbon footprint combines all direct and indirect emissions and is a sum of them all. It is calculated by looking at the total life of a product or service and looking at all carbon emissions along the way.

The main ways businesses can reduce their carbon emissions are by:

• Recycle and Reuse – Making use of waste management systems, removing single-use plastic where possible, opting for sustainable packaging, and having policies in place for recycling tech and other office fixtures will all help.
• Use Sustainable Suppliers – Look at who is supplying you and review their policies for reducing their carbon footprint.
• Invest in renewables – Swapping from traditional fuels to renewable energy options could reduce and even contribute to your business becoming carbon-negative. Systems such as solar panels, microturbines, and geothermal heat pumps can be used to replace traditional methods.

Benefits to your business for reducing your C02 emissions can be seen in cost savings, enhanced brand image, government incentives, and sustainability.

Cost Savings – Saving costs on energy bills and waste disposal by being more aware, cutting waste,  recycling, and using energy-efficient practices will all contribute to this.

Enhanced brand image – In the eyes of consumers and investors, a business that is embracing sustainability and cutting carbon emissions will look far more attractive.

Sustainability – Businesses that adopt sustainable practices now will be prepared for new technology later and futureproofed to adapt to new laws and regulations.

Government Incentives – Not only will adopting new policies now leave you in a better position for future laws and regulations, there are also incentives now like small business grants and reduced rates on green taxes that all businesses have to pay.

This all makes it worthwhile to start the process of reducing your carbon footprint today.