Let’s first start by answering the question “What is a carbon footprint?”
A Carbon Footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere (“carbon emissions”) as a direct result of the activities of an organisation, individual (or group of individuals) or event. Much of our daily activity causes emissions of greenhouse gases. For example, we produce greenhouse gas emissions by burning fuel when we drive to the office, we burn oil or gas for our central heating and we use electricity to power our office machinery which is derived from coal, natural gas, and oil.
Why are carbon emissions bad?
Our carbon footprint (the total of our emissions) has a negative impact on the environment in multiple ways: It is considered by scientists to be the main cause of climate change, it contributes to air pollution, it can lead to toxic “acid rain”, it adds to coastal and ocean acidification (where our oceans are absorbing the additional carbon dioxide we are producing which leads to lower pH and greater acidity), and it is also responsible for the melting of glaciers and polar ice.
How do I measure my organisation's carbon footprint?
A Carbon Audit from CarbonNow is a written evaluation of your organisation's energy, waste and fuel usage along with its cost. Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol means we can determine and calculate your “emissions factor” and identify your overall carbon footprint. From this baseline reading, we can then provide you with additional tools and tips to ultimately lower your carbon footprint.
What are the benefits of a carbon audit?
The first and perhaps most relevant benefit of an audit given the current economic situation, is that reducing your carbon emissions leads to cost saving and potentially improved productivity. Carbon emissions analysis may highlight inefficiencies in a manufacturing process, for example, that with a small investment could not only reduce a business's energy costs but improve productivity by utilising modern technologies. Simple measures within the workplace such as turning off the photocopier between use whilst small and seemingly insignificant will reduce energy costs and save the business money in the long term. Many older manufacturing sites and distribution units are still using halogen lighting. Replacing these with LED and motion sensors can have an immediate impact on both your costs and carbon footprint.
Secondly, organisations have the sales and marketing opportunities that reviewing their carbon emissions presents. The notion of sustainability is a hot topic - if your business can show that it's making strides to reduce its carbon emissions, it's worth shouting about and will invariably bring customers to the door. Additionally, businesses wishing to tender for public sector contracts will now have to provide environmental experience statements as part of the process. Large businesses, because of the incoming reporting obligations, are starting to ask suppliers to verify their environmental credentials. A Carbon Audit enables a business to provide these details.
The journey to carbon neutrality starts with Measuring your carbon footprint and that's where the Carbon Audit can help. Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation call, today.
Drop us an email on hello@carbonnow.co.uk
Image courtesy of Freepik
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