The Committee on Climate Change in the UK has reportedly set a net-zero target for 2050.
Although the UK is currently on track to reduce carbon emissions, progress is expected to slow because only 10% of firms have set a carbon reduction target.
Businesses have an obligation to invest in carbon-friendly solutions. Not only does lowering your carbon footprint help protect the environment, demonstrating green credentials is a priority for businesses that want to impress consumers and employees.
A survey shows that 88% of consumers expect brands to be carbon responsible. Below are four options UK businesses should adopt to lower your carbon footprint, save money and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Install Energy-Efficient Boiler
Fossil fuels are said to be one of the leading causes of climate change. As a result, manufacturers have been developing energy-efficient boilers that cut energy use by as much as 88-96%.
Furthermore, the government’s Green Deal for businesses offers incentives and subsidies which are designed to help lower the heating costs of commercial properties and future proof renewable business electricity targets.
Improve Insulation
Insulating your office space with replacement windows and draught-sealing doors that meet energy benchmarks, can reduce the amount of electricity used to power heating systems and air-conditioning units.
Heating and cooling technologies have made great strides in recent years. Implementing temperature controls and sensors that monitor air temperature allows heating systems to self-regulate and adjust room temperature accordingly.
Switch to Electric Vehicle Fleets
A large portion of a businesses carbon footprint is created by travelling to and from the office, to meetings and on business trips. Given one-third of the carbon emitted in the UK comes from petrol and diesel vehicles, eco-conscious companies can make a statement of intent by switching to electric vehicles.
The UK government is also encouraging drivers to invest in all-electric cars by offering various tax incentives on alternative fuel cars. Reduced costs include lower road tax charges, no clean air zone charges and a waiver on BIK tax.
Reduce Waste
It is estimated that 117 billion tonnes of waste are shipped to landfills throughout the UK each year. London alone has a waste disposal bill in excess of £2 billion.
Waste management should be a priority for every business. The government is encouraging shared responsibility and companies can help educate their staff to take the waste problem seriously and instil recycling habits they will pass on to their children.
Even small gestures such as labelling recycle bins appropriately throughout your business and reducing the amount of paper and plastic in the office can make a significant difference. In addition, if your offices have a staff canteen, providing food bins that can be used for compost helps to cut down on transportation costs associated with food waste.
Growing concerns around climate change should prompt businesses to take positive actions in cutting carbon emissions. Other than reducing energy bills and various tax incentives, brands also have to prove you are an environmentally conscious company in order to attract and retain staff that take a serious interest in protecting the environment.
