The process of becoming carbon neutral is debatably the biggest issue the world faces, with current trajectories showing irreversible damage will occur to the Earth if there is no significant change within the next 10 years.
This has forced almost every country around the world to announce a climate emergency. The UK was the first major economy to pass a net-zero law, which legally binds the country to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Businesses were originally daunted with the prospect of their survival in a carbon-neutral world and many resisted the change. However, some companies realised that embracing sustainability and marketing it within their business was the driver to a record number of sales.
It is now apparent that companies can use this switch to sustainability as a boost to their revenue as well as doing their bit for the planet. Here’s how your business can become carbon neutral.
Measure your businesses current emissions
“The first step in solving a problem is to recognise that it exists” – Zig Ziglar
To become carbon-neutral the first step is understanding what areas of your business are the most carbon-intensive. Does your company require shipping of your product from overseas? How many vehicles are required in your operation? How energy efficient is your office? These are all questions to initially ask.
You’ll likely become overwhelmed with how large your company’s carbon footprint is, as we have developed a world which runs from fossil fuels. A good idea would be to hire a professional to do this for you to allow you to focus on step two.
Make your carbon-neutral plan and market it
Let your customers know how you plan to make a sustainable switch. Green marketing is now a booming industry with so many customers willing to pay more for sustainably sourced products. Read 4 Green Marketing Strategies Your Company Needs for more information on this.
Arguably, videography is the best method for marketing your new plan. It allows customers to keep up to date with your efforts and provides a ‘behind the scenes’ look into your company. This authentic content will resonate with your audience.
Splento offers a specialised videography service for sustainability where content will be delivered back to you within 48 hours.
Get your business online
It’s time to get rid of all those paper files you kept ‘just in case’. With online storage solutions safer and larger than ever, and eCommerce taking over the world of retail, it has never been a better time to take your business online.
Can your product be sourced locally? Can your operations be digitalised? These are both key questions to ask yourself to become carbon neutral. The more processes are digitised and the more material you reduce, the quicker the process will happen.
If you’re reading this and you still believe your business is dependent on paper, you’re probably wrong but if not, make sure you recycle.
Make travel unnecessary
30% of the EU’s carbon emissions come from the transport sector. By limiting the amount of travel that your employees or product does, you’ll go a long way to achieving carbon neutrality.
Lockdown has proved that remote working works for many businesses. Are your international business meetings completely necessary? Could your employees work half the week from home? Or for the more annoying ones, entirely?
Has your business got a cycle/run to work scheme? If it doesn’t – get one. Both the climate and your employee’s health will thank you.
If vehicles are required for your businesses survival then could your fleet become electric or even hydrogen-fueled? Hydrogen is an exciting opportunity especially for HGVs, as its low weight allows for more load to be carried causing a more efficient logistics system.
Purchase carbon offsets
Unfortunately even from following this blog, it is likely that your company will still have carbon emissions to reduce.
To remove the last emissions you could purchase carbon offsets or renewable energy credits. These allow you to mitigate the most difficult emissions to cut from your company in many different renewable energy or carbon-reducing projects.
Conclusion
It has never been more important or profitable for your business to become sustainable. These 5 ways have hopefully allowed you to start thinking about actionable ways to start your company’s journey to becoming carbon neutral.
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