Going green is something all businesses should prioritise, but simple changes can make a big difference

With the journey to net zero underway, businesses have a responsibility to get serious about sustainability. Here are 10 changes you can make to cut your carbon emissions.

Understand your emissions

Before you set goals for your future emissions, you need to know where they are now. Understanding the source and scale of the emissions from your organisation will show you which areas need your attention, and where you can cut back.

Identify opportunities for change

Here is where you can set your targets and make a plan for the future of your business’s energy use. Measuring your emissions over time will help you understand how you are reducing your carbon footprint, setting interim goals on your way to achieving net zero.

Switch to greener energy

Switching to greener energy supply is the simplest, quickest and arguably the most effective way to reduce your emissions and become a greener business overall. Changing from your current provider to a greener one gives you the peace of mind that the energy you are using comes from a renewable source. Be sure to do you research and seek out the necessary support to ensure that you find the best green energy deal for your business needs.

Cut down your waste

Changing the daily work habits of both yourself and your team members can help you cut down the amount of waste your business produces. This plays an important role in reducing contributions to landfill and also minimises demands on manufacturing and distribution (a factor that can significantly cut an organisation’s carbon footprint).

One way to achieve this is by reducing excess consumption of goods wherever possible, going paperless if you can and, of course, making recycling an essential part of your business culture. Disposing of paper, metal, glass and plastic products responsibly will help you cut waste within your business and lessen your impact on the environment. It will also save you money on waste disposal and landfill tax.

Look at business travel

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have adjusted to a remote or hybrid working model. If you’re still getting your employees into the office five days a week, consider moving to a more flexible approach, as it could cut employee travel and therefore help to reduce your emissions.

Connect with your supply chain

No business is an island, and chances are there are other organisations making the effective supply of your products and services possible. These businesses which either supply to you or receive products from you are part of your ‘Scope 3’ emissions, meaning you have a responsibility to work with them to share ideas, develop best practices, and cut down carbon usage.

Diversify fleets

Travel and transport within your supply chain can also contribute to your carbon use. Encourage third party suppliers to invest in more fuel-efficient fleets in order to reduce your carbon emissions.

Consider quality carbon offsetting

While some emissions can’t be avoided, carbon offsetting projects can have positive impacts on global emissions. A click of a button allows you to offset emissions when paying for a meal, booking travel or carrying out other daily tasks.

Stay up to date

Committing to cutting emissions means staying on top of your carbon use over time. From government policies to your own personal carbon footprint, regularly inspecting and addressing sustainability within your business will help you take the necessary steps to going green.

Communicate your plans

Climate change is an important issue for everyone. It’s not enough for you to be invested; you need to ensure that your staff and customers are engaged in the fight to reduce emissions, too. This will help you make the biggest positive difference.

Get in touch with Consultiv Utilities today for energy management support

Our experts will help your business take control of your energy, both by finding the best deal and by supporting you to make operational changes internally. We will highlight greener energy opportunities that can make your organisation more sustainable overall. And we will be with you every step of the way to secure manageable, transparent, and greener utilities for your organisation.

Are you ready to improve your energy outlook? Get in touch with the team at Consultiv Utilities today.