Climate Change: The Basics Of Getting Started For Businesses
It can be a confusing thing to think about ...
Posted by Roger Eddowes on 08/11/2021 @ 8:00AM
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 reduce their own emissions and contribute to saving the planet ...
Carbon offsetting is the most obvious thing any business can do. The media are quite dismissive of it, but it is an excellent way to understand what your emissions are then do something about it.
"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.
Until next time ...
ROGER EDDOWES Business Godparent
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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