Sustainability has become a big part of the agenda for companies, governments and individuals alike. Anthropogenic climate change is now a global issue, and it is up to all of us to try and be aware of what we’re doing and how we can avoid contributing to this potential disaster in the future. As with […]
As businesses become increasingly more aware of the requirements consumers demand for sustainability, so does the community around ensuring the topic is front and centre of discussions in 2017. As there are some great sustainability events in 2017, we’ve compiled a varied list of some upcoming interesting events and conferences for businesses and individuals alike. […]
We see a lot of visitors to our site who are curious about measuring the impact of their, or their organisations, impact on the planet through their carbon footprint. Some of these visitors, though, aren’t necessarily aware of a lot of the technical terminology behind what we do. So we set out to define six […]
Sustainability is all over the media and is attracting the attention of governments, businesses and consumers alike. The planet has, as a whole, made steps towards becoming more sustainable, with the ratification of the Paris Agreement and other global agreements striving to take action. It has now got to the point where businesses cannot actively […]
It’s that time of the year again. A new year, a new you, or at least a new company energy efficiency policy. With the new American administration coming in on the 20th of January, and the most likely eminent likely dissolution of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, we all need to do our bit to […]
For a modern business, one of the most important metrics to keep an eye on is how their work is affecting the environment. Not only is it a common request from stakeholders, but, generally, improving environmental performance can also provide benefits to the bottom line – and perhaps even provide a booster sales point for […]
International environmental certification is a form of environmental regulation in which a company can voluntarily comply to a set of practices and policies set by the awarding bodies. These certifications often carry a logo which make the holders easy to identify for a variety of parties. These certifications exist to provide an incentive for businesses […]
The carbon footprint of different diets This is a fascinating article written by Lindsay Wilson She explores what is the most carbon efficient way of eating, be it; Vegan, Vegetarian, Beef or Meat without Beef. In conclusion I think we will be eating ‘way less’ beef! Even since the FAO announced that 18% of global […]
This is a fantastic video explaining how over time a business that is ‘sustainable’ and ‘environmental’ will double in value! Worth a view? Especially as you are obviously interested in having your business be more environmental. <iframe width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube click here to read.com/embed/y7l5QHRY_AI?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>
Waste in any form, is bad for business. Quite simply; reducing waste, reduces cost which improves a business’s bottom line.
A carbon footprint helps to identify the waste or inefficiencies within a business in terms of energy and raw material consumption. With energy costs increasing and shortages of water and other natural resources predicted, this information is vital for a business to ensure informed decisions can be made to overcome such adversity.
Finding a major global company that hasn’t completed a carbon footprint is becoming a rarity. A global standard for carbon foot printing is the GHG protocol. It has set a global standard for how to measure, manage, and report greenhouse gas emissions. Within this protocol companies need to report scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect) emissions and are coming under increasing pressure to report their scope 3 (indirect) emissions as well. This has shifted the magnifying glass to companies supplying or using services or goods associated with these global companies. This means they are now interested not just in the quality of the service or product within their supply chain but also the effect it will on their carbon footprint.
Carbon foot printing is therefore not just for the big boys. It is for anyone who wants to play with them or even play with those who want to play with them. Put crudely, by carrying out a carbon footprint a business can increase its chances of being asked to play.
Carbon foot printing uses data already collected by a business, such as energy bills and travel expense claims and so does not have to be resource expensive. However, it is not just a tick box exercise that improves a business’s access to this all important group. As already mentioned it helps a business identify ways to reduce cost and risk. Also 92% of young employees prefer to work for organisations with “green” credentials and therefore such companies are able to attract talented individuals who are more likely to stay longer, reducing recruitment and resource costs1. In addition, if a business chooses to publish its carbon footprint, and even better have it verified, it can have a positive impact on its brand awareness.
Carbon footprinting has been around for a while now and may almost seem old school – but out of date it is not. Why? Put bluntly, it is simple to carry out yet provides a variety of plus’s all of which positively affect the bottom line of any business, big or small. Not hard to see therefore, why it has stood the test of time including times of economic hardship.
