Sustainability has been a significant buzzword in business for years now and with the dramatic impact of climate change being felt across the globe, the desire for Net Zero is only going to increase in the coming years. But while negating 100% of your businesses’ carbon emissions might once have seemed an impossible feat, it’s never been easier to strive for Net Zero. But just because it’s easier, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
What is Net Zero?
To be a Net Zero business, your operations must reach zero emissions, either by cutting emissions and using renewable sources or by offsetting carbon emissions from your business.
The benefits of going Net Zero with your business
Besides the obvious benefit of helping the earth to heal after hundreds of years of industrial punishment, there are several benefits to going Net Zero. Your PR department will certainly appreciate it, as there is a lot that can be done with ethical branding, particularly if you go far enough to be registered as a B Corp business. Studies have also shown that customers are more likely to shop with more ethical brands, so it also gives you a definite edge over your competitors.
How does it work?
There are three primary routes to Net Zero that should all be followed if you want to achieve that golden 0 sooner rather than later.
Renewable energy – Using renewable energy sources for your business will help to reduce emissions as renewable sources have no emissions. It’s never been easier to invest in renewables thanks to the affordability of solar panels and a variety of schemes that exist to help businesses get off the ground on their renewable futures. If you are in the construction industry, you can even train your employees to fit solar panels, allowing you to use renewable energy and capitalize on learning how to install them.
Reducing energy consumption – Aim to reduce energy consumption by using more efficient devices and equipment and upgrading equipment so that it can run efficiently by using less energy. You could also invest in initiatives such as using electric cars for your work fleet or instigating a no-disposable plastics policy in the office. It’s these little things that will all add up in the end.
Offsetting emissions – While you can try to reduce your energy use as much as possible, it’s impossible to operate a business in today’s world without using any energy. That means the only way to reach a zero or negative carbon emission target is to start offsetting your energy use. This can be done by committing to planting a tree for every sale made or giving money to charitable causes that will work on your behalf to offset emissions.
It’s not easy to completely pivot your way of working but your employees, your customers, and your planet will thank you in the long run.