- How Business Can Help Reduce Carbon Emissions -
* Today's article was brought to us via Graeme Knights. Graeme is writing on
behalf of Haven Power - Electricity for Business
& Business Energy Solutions
How Are Businesses Helping The Environment With Carbon Emissions?
Reducing
carbon emissions is a responsibility that can no longer be relegated to
individual action. Businesses worldwide are increasingly taking part in schemes
that aim to alleviate environmental problems. What measures are being taken by
British businesses as part of this global effort?
1-
Reducing paper waste
The average amount of
paper used by a business over a year has a carbon footprint equivalent to the
emissions released by a car travelling over 3,000 miles. There are numerous
sustainable corporate practices that can reduce paper waste. Double-sided
printing, using recycled paper, printing only essential e-mails, digitalising
documents and signatures, and sending electronic invoices are some of the most
common measures.
2-
Recycling electronic equipment
Electronic waste is one
of the most toxic elements that routinely ends up in landfills. Telephones,
computer parts, TV screens, keyboards and photocopiers are just some of the
items that can be recycled, thus reducing their negative impact on the
environment.
3-
Being energy-smart
This measure goes beyond
using energy-efficient light bulbs or turning off equipment that is not in use.
Movement-sensitive lights and taps can be fitted in bathrooms and other rooms
that are not frequently used, specialist energy-saving software can be
installed in computers, desktops can be replaced by laptops, and heating
thermostats can be lowered by a couple of degrees. Other measures include
installing automatic doors, using fuel-efficient company vehicles, and ensuring
that any malfunctioning is promptly reported and repaired.
4-
Rethinking business travel
Many UK business have
examined their travel practices and have come to the conclusion that they are
not sustainable. While running a business inevitably involves making journeys,
their frequency can be modified in order to minimise carbon emissions and
environmental damage. Some good practices include videoconferencing instead of
attending meetings out of the office, instituting a weekly "work from
home" day, working with delivery companies that follow green practices,
and encouraging employees to commute by bicycle whenever possible.
Governmental
policies and incentives
The Department of Energy
and Climate Change (DEEC) has implemented a series of policies aimed at
reducing carbon emissions in the workplace. It is now mandatory that British
businesses comply with European directives such as the EU Emissions Trading
System. National policies include the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and several
industry-specific Climate Change Agreements. The latter offer considerable levy
discounts to firms that meet the required targets and significantly reduce
their carbon emissions.
There are also financial
incentives designed to promote a green corporate culture across the country
(and not just reduction on energy usage saving costs on business electricity prices). Tax credits are available to
businesses that restore contaminated or derelict land. Tax relief covers 150%
of the costs incurred. Tax break schemes are also available to businesses under
the name of ECAs (enhanced capital allowances). ECAs are offered to companies
that invest in energy-saving equipment, and they can be claimed for equipment
as diverse as light bulbs, boilers, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps.
The scheme currently offers a 100% allowance during the first year. Full first
year ECA allowances are also available to firms that invest in water-efficient
technologies.
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