Climate Change: The Basics Of Getting Started For Businesses

With climate change all over the news right now and COP26 still in progress in Glasgow, I thought I'd take a look at different ways small businesses can make their own contributions ...

"It does add a cost into your budget though!"

So, of course, if the cost of carbon goes up, then a business will want to reduce its emissions in line to improve its bottom line rather than put its pricing up. Not wanting to support an individual scheme, you can do a search on Google and see which one is right for you.

Many business owners realise that their customers want to work with responsible companies. This new corporate awareness is vital to consolidating your bottom line and, in fact, improving it. It is difficult to quantify sometimes, so it can be a confusing thing to think about.

However, there are things any business can do:

- switch to a completely green energy supplier
- reduce overall energy consumption
- reduce waste and obsolescence
- recycle more
- use technology to reduce the need for face-to-face meetings
- allow more working from home for your employees
- encourage employees to use public transport more
- invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and equipment
- ensure your supply chain is also as green as it can be
- offset your existing emissions (see above)

As the governments of the world meet in Glasgow to set economic limits on climate change, it is possible for us as business owners to make some quick wins and play our part.

As a simple example, switching out your fluorescent lighting for efficient LEDs can make a considerable and immediate saving each month and your investment will usually be repaid within a year. In an office, it's a no-brainer, though if you're in an industrial space, think about sensors to switch the lights on and off as employees move in and out of a space.

Don't underestimate your emissions and remember that "what gets measured gets managed" so do find a Carbon Emission Calculator on Google and start measuring your emissions with a view to reducing them.

And finally, if you're into investing, look for green funds that promote environmental responsibility.

If you feel inspired to find out more about anything I've said here, do call me on 01908 774320 or leave a comment below and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.