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Going green is global. But understanding what it’s all about is not just good for the environment, it can also be a way for businesses to save money.

What is carbon footprint?

The term carbon footprint has become such an intrinsic part of our lives. So much so that it’s now hard to imagine not using it. Its use is widespread and often it’s misused. So, as a business it’s worth knowing exactly what is meant by this fashionable term.

In basic terms, carbon footprint is to do with carbon dioxide; more specifically the amount of it produced from electricity, fuel and energy used by you or your business. This can come from the way you heat your office or the electronic equipment your business uses for example. And it’s measured in tonnes.

Why is it important?

According to British organisation, Energy Saving Trust, the reason people ought to consider their carbon footprint is straightforward: carbon dioxide- also called CO₂- is a greenhouse gas. Other gases exist which also fall under this term such as methane, and having too much of these in the atmosphere can alter the climate, leading to global warming. And when it comes to waging a war on climate change and controlling carbon emissions, CO₂ is considered to an important aspect of this.

Why use carbon footprints?

At its heart, understanding carbon footprints is about being more environmental and taking care of the world. It’s a way for people, homes and businesses to become more energy efficient, reduce energy consumption which both help cut carbon dioxide emissions.

It’s a key issue for businesses and governments around the world with many having set targets to cut these harmful gases. In 2012, the UK’s CO₂ emissions rose by 4.5 per cent, according to The Department of Energy & Climate Change figures. That’s a rise from 458.6 million tonnes in 2011 to 479.1 million tonnes in 2012. More specifically, the amount of carbon dioxide produced by businesses also rose in that year by 4.8 per cent.

Speaking to the Guardian, The Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey highlighted a decline in CO₂ emissions in Britain, with a drop in 26 per cent since 1990. But environmental experts from organisations Greenpeace and WWF-UK reckon the figures don’t go far enough.

How to reduce your business’ carbon footprint

Now you understand the jargon behind it, making your business go green doesn’t have to be complicated; there are several small steps businesses can make which will have an impact on their carbon footprint.

Paper consumption: office based small businesses ought to begin with reducing paper consumption. Not only does it mean less paperwork to file and keep tidy, but it can have a massive impact on being eco-friendly. Every email doesn’t have to be printed out; better inbox organisation does the job for you so consider setting a company policy on this. If print-outs have to be made, use both sides of the paper and use sustainable paper too. And if copies of important files are needed avoid cumbersome boxes, save space and save them online via an external drive.

Switch off: How many computers are left on overnight at work? Get rid of this energy burning habit and save your business money. If they’re not being used turn them off.

Work with green companies: It might be a growing – and fashionable – market but some companies have been going green for years. Take web-hosting firm Memset. It’s been taking its carbon footprint very seriously, becoming Britain’s first Carbon Neutral Web host in 2006. The company instigates a series of green-friendly activities when it comes to its business. For instance the British firm has slashed the amount of electricity their services use by half over the past three years.

Energy Audit: These can help your business become more carbon neutral. Depending on your business size, having an energy audit may or may not be financially viable, but it could save your business money in the long run by saving money on your energy bill. Energy audit companies work out ways to reduce energy consumption – one of the cornerstones of becoming more carbon friendly.

Ben Jones is a technology writer interested in ensuring a sustainable future through digital advancements. Follow him on Twitter or Google Plus. 

About the author
Andreas co-founded Xavier Media® in 1996 and has since been involved in all kinds of development, marketing and making money online.