A Business Owners Guide to Carbon Neutrality

In 2015, the United Nations collectively agreed to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions. This was through the Paris Climate Agreement, and emphasised how much of a high priority it is across the world to cutting carbon emissions. These changes will affect everyone, individuals, families, businesses, corporations and governments across the globe. After all, we all have a responsibility to take the necessary steps towards a sustainable future.

A higher amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has meant that the planet’s surface temperature has almost increased by 1°C since the 1990s. This figure may not seem significant, but scientists predicted back in 2016 that if the Earth’s temperature increased by more than 2°C, human life as we know it would be very difficult to sustain – we’ve reached the halfway point already.

Anyone who’s looking to start a business, or wants to make changes to turn their existing company into an environmentally aware operation, it’s now more important than ever to consider how renewable energy sources and the way we work can help us become more sustainable. More and more firms are turning to green solutions. It’s now easier than ever to find the best deals on renewable energy tariffs from the leading suppliers. Online comparison sites such as Utility Saving Expert allow you to get a free no obligation quote within minutes, as well as giving you all the necessary details you need through their in depth guides.

Being carbon neutral is a process that does not add to the net atmospheric increase of harmful emissions (primarily CO2). To achieve this, businesses will have to take advantage of renewable sources that do not produce harmful emissions. According to the Oxford Dictionary, carbon neutral means: “making or resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, especially as a result of carbon offsetting.”

Carbon neutral companies are those that do not produce any emissions from a net producing point of view. However, how this is calculated is interpreted differently. All areas of the business must be considered to lower the overall carbon footprint. Receiving gas and electricity from an energy supplier that is environmentally sustainable is typically a good starting point. Although, there are a number of other steps that must also be taken.

Any business that adds CO2 into the atmosphere must balance this out by removing the equivalent carbon dioxide. To counteract this, you’ll need to do something called carbon offsetting. By participating in various schemes or funding programmes, your business can compensate for the carbon dioxide it is emitting. Anyone who is unsure about where to invest to offset their firm’s carbon footprint, rainforest preservation and tree planting schemes are a great place to start.

Why should my business go carbon neutral?

Higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are harmful for the planet. Furthermore, 40 billion tonnes of CO2 are released into the atmosphere each year alone. Astoundingly, this is an average of 5.5 tonnes per person. In addition to the environmental benefits to carbon neutrality, there are also other advantages for taking action.

Save money – Improving your business’ energy efficiency will help you save a lot of money. Even simple steps such as turning off lights and computers at the end of each work day have a notable impact. 

Retain and attract employees – By demonstrating a social responsibility that you’re interested in environmental issues can help you motivate your team to work together and combine efforts to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Having a green in-office environment policy, allowing staff to periodically work from home and cycle to work schemes all have a positive effect. You will also attract new recruits as many university graduates and young professionals have a keen interest in the topic.

Attract new customers – It’s not just your current employees that will appreciate your carbon-reducing emission efforts. Potential customers are also attracted to sustainable practices. Research suggests that more than 50% of consumers are willing to pay a higher premium for products and services from an environmentally conscious company. Conscious consumerism is gaining traction across the world as millions of people are voting with their wallets.

How can a business become carbon neutral?

Businesses of all sizes can take the following steps to achieve carbon neutrality:

1. Calculate your total carbon footprint.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint as much as practically possible.
3. Offset any remaining carbon emissions by investing in a scheme or programme that actively reduces carbon emissions across the world.
4. Achieve carbon neutral accreditation.
5. Convey the message that your business is now carbon neutral through your company website, social media, PR or any other marketing tool.

To summarise, a carbon neutral company, in theory, does not produce any carbon emissions. Research and development in new sustainable technologies has helped hundreds of thousands of businesses realise this goal. As for unavoidable carbon emissions, firms can choose to offset these CO2 levels by contributing to various green initiatives.