Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Last Updated on December 28, 2020 by Work In My Pajamas
Climate change and its impact on the world has become a larger cause for concern recently, with specialists stating that we have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe. What’s more, it’s believed that only 100 companies are to blame for 71% of global emissions, meaning businesses need to reduce their carbon footprint promptly.
How can businesses become more eco-friendly, though?
Of course, going paperless, recycling, and remembering to turn off the lights are all vital when it comes to living a greener lifestyle; however, there is more both businesses and individuals can do.
The following guide focuses on how large corporations, as well as mid-sized organizations and even small business owners, can help reduce their carbon footprint.
In This Post:
1. Green Hosting
Green hosting (otherwise known as eco-friendly hosting) is internet hosting involving green technologies which are powered through renewable energy or carbon offsets. Green hosting companies use the common naturally occurring resources like sunlight, water and wind; they do not use fossil fuels.
But why do you need to use green hosting?
The internet is far from its fledgling years. Now, there is an exceptional amount of content online, which begs the question, how is it all being stored and hosted? The servers that host the content produce a remarkable amount of pollution, as data centers (where the servers are housed) need to be kept cool in a controlled environment.
Companies, big and small, use such data centers when it comes to corporate websites and personal blogs. It is important to reduce our carbon dioxide output, and instead invest in a green hosting company which manages their data centers with renewable energy.
2. Alternative Energy Sources for Power
We’ve heard of solar, wind and even water power, yet there are plenty of other alternative renewable energy sources available. Biomass is the use of biological material derived from plants, etc. Usually, biomass energy is sourced from wood. By using living organisms, you are supporting a renewable source of energy because the wood you use for heating can be quickly replaced, unlike coal.
Companies such as PBE Fuels deliver en1a plus biomass pellets; however, they also maintain, service and install biomass boilers for commercial use. Prices of gas and oil are slowly rising, but the main point is that through biomass fuel, you can help reduce your carbon dioxide output by 9.5 tons on an annual basis.
Tip: Biomass boilers and stoves qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHI). This means you can qualify for periodical payments throughout the coming years. By doing so, this money can be used to help relieve the initial investment of getting a biomass boiler.
3. Invest in Sustainable Suppliers
If you work with suppliers, ensure those you work with are also doing their part for the environment. There are a few factors for you to consider: source goods and services from eco-friendly companies and look towards local suppliers so that your carbon footprint is lessened from shorter travel times. Using local suppliers can also help you and other companies form a collaboration.
Look for sustainable suppliers that are non-toxic in their methods, which also recycle, invest in renewable materials and have low greenhouse gas emissions. Once you have found suppliers similar to your own company’s beliefs, reach out to them and discuss procurement policies and how you can benefit one another.
