When it comes to creating a greener business, there is no greater behemoth to tackle than your carbon footprint. From the production of Co2 to the use of wasteful fossil fuels, the environmental impact of the carbon use of the average business is magnitudes larger than what private individuals use. However, there are ways you can make a real effort in reducing it.
Give yourself an energy audit
If you want your business to become more eco-friendly, then looking at how you use power is the first step you need to take. From the vampire energy used by equipment left on standby to the use of inefficient heating and cooling, the average office wastes a lot of energy. Hiring a team to perform an energy audit can help you see exactly where you’re being most wasteful, so you can develop policies that prevent it.
Switch to cleaner fuel sources
The source of fuel your business relies on may be somewhat out of your control if, for instance, you’re leasing a floor rather than running your own property. However, if possible, switching to more eco-friendly fuels such as biogas can help you fuel your equipment much more efficiently. A pellet machine can help you produce your own biogas fuel in manufacturing and agricultural businesses. However, briquetting is a much more efficient and convenient way to get more fuel out of your biogas materials.
Send less waste to the landfill
Not only does your carbon footprint involve the energy you use, but also how your waste contributes. Landfills are a huge source of greenhouse gasses, so doing what you can to diminish your contribution to them is essential. It can be as simple as arranging a more regular pick up with green trash collection provider or installing more recycling cans in the office.
Miss your flight
Airplane and car travel are hugely inefficient, but thankfully they are becoming less and less necessary in the running of the average modern business. This is in large part thanks to the rise of teleconferencing. With a webcam, a microphone, and the right environment, you can carry out more and more of your meetings from the comfort of your own office. You might not be able to skip every face-to-face, but you can at least make them a less common occurrence.
Mind your supply
Just as you should think about how your business and your waste contributes to your carbon footprint, you should give the same consideration to your supply chain. While cost-effectiveness might be your biggest concern, there is a growing range of more eco-driven fulfillment companies, for instance. If you’re selling or packing goods, you should also consider switching to more sustainable and recyclable materials. Consumers have shown they’re willing to pay more for them.
If you want your business to proudly wear the “environmentally friendly” badge on its brand, then there’s no quick fix. You need to implement a committed plan to finding the sources of your carbon footprint and continue to reduce it however you can.