With the UK government committed to reaching net zero by 2050, many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The sustainability of a business is also key for many potential customers, with 81% of people favouring brands with a commitment to environmental sustainability. This means that, as a business, reducing your carbon footprint will both help the environment and make your company more attractive to customers.
Recycle
Businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint should not only recycle at the workplace but also use recycled resources.
When it comes to workplace recycling, this is an easy way to reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint. Business owners should look for commercial recycling companies such as Waste Managed, which will collect a company’s waste and take it to a treatment facility where it can be turned into something new. This helps reduce the amount of commercial waste that would ordinarily be sent to landfills, and the demand for new resources will lessen.
Using recycled resources will also help businesses in their quest for sustainability. One such resource that is used every day in the workplace is paper. Using recycled paper products contributes to the reduction of deforestation, which is highly important in the current climate, where animal and insect populations are declining rapidly.
Use Sustainable Suppliers
Using sustainable suppliers will, in turn, aid in reducing your business’s carbon emissions. For example, if you require eco-friendly business cards, then you should look to source them from an FSC-certified supplier, which ensures contribution to the responsible management of forests.
A fundamental certification to keep watch for when seeking sustainable suppliers for your business is ISO 14001, which proves that an organisation manages its environmental responsibilities sustainably.
Buy Used
Due to the cost of living crisis, saving money is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and business is included; buying used furniture saves money and is better for the planet.
Many companies sell ‘gently used’ office furniture, which means that the products will be in good condition but can be bought for a fraction of the cost. Evidence suggests that 80% of the damage inflicted on the environment due to waste products could be avoided if more thoughtful decisions are made. By purchasing used furniture, businesses can help to reduce the amount of landfill waste produced.
Make the Switch to Hybrid or Electric Vehicles
Each year in the UK, around 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide is produced just by cars. As of 2030, the UK is implementing a new petrol and diesel car ban. As such, businesses that have company cars and fleet vehicles should be looking to invest in hybrid or electric vehicles. Making the switch can significantly help reduce a business’s carbon footprint and the nation’s.
