How can organizations reduce their carbon footprint

The alarm bells of climate change are ringing not so distantly any more but in boardrooms and workplaces all over the world. Businesses of every stripe are coming to terms with the fact that going green is not only right, it's also shrewd. It is all great but how do you make this practical already without causing a commotion to the business? It all starts with little baby steps, and it adds up eventually. Here is a list of practical steps that your organization can take to live sustainability and have an immediate impact in reducing carbon emissions.

1. Rethink Energy Consumption: The Power of Green Energy

A typical office accounts for supporting as much energy as 93 bags of coal or nearly 60% transported. Switching to solar, wind or hydroelectric power — all renewable forms of energy- can significantly reduce the emissions from your organization For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that an increase in renewable technology deployments by 10% can cut global carbon emissions nearly 2 gigatons a year. So, a good way of visualizing the impact is to imagine about 400 million cars being driven!

But, switching to renewables might not be the only solution we have for controlling energy consumption. For example, simple plans around heating and cooling systems or the use of power-efficient appliances or encouraging employees to switch off devices when they are not in use can make significant impacts.

2. Go Paperless: The Digital Transformation

It also is not an eco-friendly option as we move into a world that values digital sharing. However, every office worker uses an average of 10,000 sheets of paper each year. This would equal nearly 4 million tons of paper waste created in one year from the U.S. Literally, if you maintain a digital footprint by way of going all-digital with tools such as cloud storage solutions than your company has better chances to be paperless. Digital signatures to cloud based collaboration platforms Not only do you save trees, but energy and water necessary for paper production.

This is where  peopleHum can make a huge impact. And since our HR platform like peopleHum collects all information relating to employees in one convenient, digital space from onboarding documents and performance reviews — you no longer need a whole forest of paper forms or records for anything. peopleHum drives savings on a large part of this print cost to the businesses by automating document management and providing digital workflow.

For every ton of paper saved, 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water are spared—making this a win for both the environment and your budget.

3. Reevaluate Transportation: Cutting Down Travel Emissions

Even transportation, long a bete noire of the carbon tally (see chart below), has actually slipped but 29% worldwide. Although more expensive, hybrid cars and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream or organizations can adopt policies to minimise travel altogether. Virtual meetings, hybrid work models and an encouragement to remote working can be major players in reducing the carbon footprint from daily commuting.

For necessary travel, should carpooling programs be implemented, incentives for staff to use public transportation or bicycle commuters considered? Based on estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1 metric ton/person of CO2 can be saved by eliminating a single round-trip flight.

4. Sustainable Supply Chain: The Hidden Emission Monster

Did you know that 80% of a company’s carbon footprint can be linked to its supply chain? It’s not enough to green your operations—you need to partner with vendors and suppliers who share the same environmental goals. Conduct sustainability audits, favor local suppliers to reduce shipping distances, and collaborate on reducing packaging waste.

A McKinsey report highlights that companies focusing on supply chain sustainability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. Not only does this position your brand as an eco-leader, but it also mitigates risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

5. Waste Reduction and Recycling: From Trash to Treasure

The waste is not only the things thrown away but also includes all the valuable resources that were wasted in creating it. According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a combination of comprehensive recycling and waste management can deliver 30% reduction in carbon footprint for businesses. Such things can be as simple as implementing proper recycling facilities, composting organic matter and finding creative ways to recycle materials.

One common example is some firms have actually managed to profit from waste by giving away unsold items or reselling scraps as inputs for other companies.

6. Engage and Educate: Creating a Culture of Sustainability

Achieving sustainability is not a one-man battle, it is an initiative in whole. The culture and spirit from top management to the lowest level need to inject a commitment in reducing carbon emissions. Plan regular workshops, reward eco-initiatives, and transparent communication about your brand's commitment to sustainability can create a culture of shared responsibility.

According to Bain & Company, 23% of satisfied people are those engaged in sustainability efforts. When people believe they are working towards something larger than themselves it lifts morale, retention and production.

7. Green Building Initiatives: Designing with the Planet in Mind

This is the right time to go green if you are thinking of new office spaces or renovations. Buildings are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions (including materials and construction) From green roofs to rainwater harvesting, energy efficient insulation: how we can build our way out.

LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings use, on average, 25% less energy and emit up to third fewer greenhouse gas than traditional building designs, as reported by the U.S. Green Building Council source

Conclusion: 

Making your business carbon neutral is the trend of the day but it is also smart investing in a better future. Businesses can contribute to global environmental goals by concentrating on energy efficiency, waste reduction, green supply chains and cultivating a culture of sustainability that fosters their sustainable practices with new growth opportunities. Although the road to sustainability is a long one, every small step gets us closer to being environmentally-friendly and more secure in an uncertain future.

So what will be the first step? The planet is waiting!

Get peopleHum and make our work space green.

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