How can Businesses Contribute towards Minimising Carbon Emissions Globally?

We are witnessing a climate emergency, and businesses must take it up as a priority. The melting glaciers, rise of global temperature, and warming oceans testify to the global transformation of climate. While climate change is an inevitable side effect of the industrialised world, it is seen as an imminent threat to others. Therefore, management of carbon emissions and operations sustainability are the most enduring issues.

Irrespective of the cause and severity of climate change, consumers and businesses can extend their hands to protect the environment. Companies can contribute significantly by being the flagbearer of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Corporations can introduce several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions globally. A climate change online course can further enlighten you on the proper steps to take. Before you delve any further, here are the top ways businesses contribute towards minimising carbon emissions globally.

Ways businesses can contribute towards reducing carbon emissions globally

1. Reduce the use of energy
   Energy use comprises half of a company’s carbon footprint. Reducing energy use helps to cut costs on energy bills and decreases the burden on the environment. It involves steps like installing energy-efficient lighting to switching to a green web hosting company. These small changes have great potential in embracing net zero emissions. Turning off lights in the office, lowering the air conditioning, or removing devices from the plugs are actions that can have an impact on the climate. Alternatively, switch to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or hydropower.
2. Recycle
   Recycling at the workplace is one of the ways to improve the relationship between climate change and business. This significantly reduces the number of raw materials that need to be sourced to create products from scratch. Implementing recycling collections at the workplace can nurture a greener work culture.
3. Introduce smart lighting
   Workplace lighting can be optimised to cut your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Make most of natural light, and opt for energy-efficient lighting or alternative power sources such as solar energy. Remember to switch the lights off when they are not required or introduce automatic sensors to save resources.
4. Say yes to smart shipping
   With smart technologies introduced in all facets of life, why should shipping be left behind? Say yes to smart shipping and zero emissions. Do not ship by air as it has lower fuel efficiency compared to ground delivery. Additionally, reduce the total number of shipments by maximising capacity instead of shipping in multiple light loads, which consumes more fuel.
5. Measure greenhouse gas emissions
   One of the most significant ways to reduce carbon footprint is by measuring greenhouse gas emissions and reducing them. Several certified private agencies can measure CO2 emissions. Once the amount is calculated, it must be further analysed to check the activities causing the highest pollutant. This will help companies to consider the right solutions to combat emissions. In addition, CISL Business and Climate Change Course can teach ways to optimise your business toward minimising carbon emissions.
6. Choose sustainable partners
   You are not the only one in the fight. Multiple small businesses cannot maximise their shipments and consider partnering to fill the shipments. Hence, companies can step up by collaborating with companies promoting sustainable practices. When buying company resources, limit shopping to local vendors. This is known as near-sourcing, which aims to reduce emissions caused by transporting resources. On the other hand, embracing sustainability leadership will hold the companies accountable while protecting the environment.
7. Switch to online meetings/events
   The advent of Covid-19 exposed individuals to new working conditions. Most of the UK’s working population witnessed the transition to remote working through the national lockdowns and have embraced this new form of communication. Many companies have found it profitable to switch to online meetings/events instead of travelling long distances. This not only saves your time and expense but also reduces travel emissions.
8. Reduce waste
   This is another significant way to reduce climate footprint. Irrespective of the production material, all companies produce waste, and most of them are clueless about ways to reduce it. Avoiding disposable cups, capsules, and stirrers can be a starter. Be aware of what waste your business operations produce and dispose of it in the best, cleanest way possible. Depending upon the organisation’s operations and daily work, there are several possible solutions to reduce waste. A climate change online course can teach the best ways to reduce waste, helping businesses meet their objectives faster.
9. Introduce greener infrastructure and equipment
   Introducing greener infrastructure is one of the best steps for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Companies can lead by setting up a fleet of hybrid cars to minimise personal vehicles. When buying printers, screens, air conditioners, etc., fix the old ones first. However, choose the most sustainable options available if they cannot be fixed.
10. Buy carbon offsets
    Purchasing an offset helps in funding projects to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets mean compensation for reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere caused by industrial activity or other human behaviour, especially when quantified and traded commercially. While they do not reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, they act as a balancing agent to revoke the carbon. Furthermore, they can also be tax-deductible, which depends on the company you choose to buy the offsets.
11. Get rid of single-use plastics
    Being another prominent contributor to carbon footprints, single-use plastics are a big no-no. To reduce carbon emissions, eliminating single-use plastics also reduces waste hauling costs. Each time a plastic bag, straw, cup, or other material is thrown away, it piles up in the environment. As these products are mostly made from fossil fuels, refining them into plastics is energy-intensive, driving up global emissions. Companies should therefore reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics in their packaging. Business organisations can also adopt reusable coffee mugs, cafeteria cutlery, and bottles to reduce waste hauling costs.
12. Increase awareness among employees
    Employees are a company’s biggest asset and their contributions matter. Employees can significantly help a company reduce its carbon emissions with proper training and education. To achieve the results, however, it needs steadfast commitment from every member. Several measures, such as webinars, signage, and workshops, can be organised to educate employees. A fundamental difference is made with everyone being involved. The University of Cambridge Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions is the ideal choice to increase employee awareness and embrace greener solutions.

Today, more and more consumers are opting for socially conscious entities that take tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For businesses, there are several areas to approach for sustainable measures in the workplace. With companies embracing green solutions, the goal of achieving a sustainable tomorrow becomes a reality. 

A climate change online course is one of the best measures for businesses to make employees more informed and aware of the choices to make. In addition, the studies enlighten individuals on adapting sustainable choices, helping companies step towards minimising carbon emissions globally.

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