Know your carbon footprint
The first step to reducing your carbon footprint should be to measure it. It may be more or less than you assumed. You can also benchmark it against your sector for context. Here is a guide from the Federation of Small Businesses on how to calculate it.
Educate team and clients
Explaining to your staff the measures the business is taking, and more importantly why, is a good way to get everyone rowing in the same direction. Showcasing your sustainable practices can also help with clients and attracting the best talent.
Travel less for business
While this change has been foisted upon most businesses over the past couple of years it is essential to reducing your carbon output, even as travel becomes easier.
Go paperless
Eliminate the use of paper documents within the business where possible. There are a plethora of online tools and apps that can ease the transition.
Use sustainable suppliers
Your good sustainable work to reduce your footprint could be in vain if your suppliers are not making a similar effort. A good way to save time on researching your supplier’s green credentials is to look at their sustainable accreditations.
Use green web hosting
There are many factors to consider when choosing web host - cost, support, features, etc -but its carbon footprint should also be considered. Web hosting is energy-intensive but a growing number of services are using innovative methods to reduce it.
Remote working
Remote or hybrid working can reduce your carbon emissions in some ways, such as reduced travel, less paper usage and reduced power consumption.
Buy used office furniture
If your business is still using an office, or is planning to set up a new office, then why not equip it with second-hand/restored business furniture? It will help your bottom line and carbon output.
Minimise single-use plastic and plant trees
Plastic straws, cups and packaging materials exact a significant toll on the environment. Get rid of them where possible. And why not further boost staff morale by planting trees together?
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