Going Green In Business
In a world that is becoming more and more environmentally conscious, large and small business owners alike are moving towards greener policies and practices. A trend is being seen, more and more employees are demanding recycling programs, and heads of companies are realizing that going green in their small business ultimately means more green in their wallets.
The Environmental Defense has developed a hierarchy of proactive actions called the “4 Cs.” These include: conserve energy, convert to lower carbon energy, choose quality offsets, and call for action. By following the 4 Cs, energy and cash can be saved. This is good for both a large and a small business.
Here are the details according to them:
Conserve energy. Energy use in buildings – heating, cooling, lighting, etc. – is responsible for nearly 40 percent of U.S. global warming pollution. Simple changes, such as occupancy sensors to control lighting and Energy Star office equipment, can substantially reduce emissions and energy costs. You can save even more by improving efficiencies in manufacturing and corporate fleets.
Convert to lower carbon energy. State and utility incentives can make it cost-effective for companies to install renewable power systems like solar panels or wind turbines. The benefits are long-term emissions reductions, a hedge against fluctuations in energy prices, and a visible commitment to clean energy.
Choose quality offsets. Offsets support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions outside company walls. They don’t replace reducing your own emissions, but they’re a helpful additional step. We recommend purchasing offsets after making all the on-site reductions you can. Offsets have to be purchased each year, and must be carefully assessed to ensure they truly reduce emissions.
Call for action. Corporations are well positioned to influence others – government officials, suppliers, customers and others. Leadership brings a variety of advantages. A national climate policy would create a single set of rules to play by and reward those who act first. Encouraging suppliers to be more efficient can reduce a company’s own costs. Finally, getting out ahead on fighting climate change helps a business improve its reputation in the marketplace.
Leading firms have found that when they reduce global warming pollution, they reap the savings from lower energy costs, they drive innovation, they differentiate their company as a good environmental steward, and they prepare themselves for forthcoming federal regulations. A small business, while it may not run on the same large scale as a leading firm, also has a carbon footprint and makes an evironmental impact. A small business should take the time to evaluate their carbon footprint and find ways to reduce their output. Not only is it good for the planet, it’s plain old good for business!
National policy is coming. Numerous states have already mandated cuts to global warming pollution. Bipartisan support for federal legislation is building in the government. As elections roll around, make sure that your small business won’t be on the butt ends of fines and legislation. Get out in front of it now. Not only will you feel better, your wallet and your employees will feel better, too.
To check out your small businesses carbon footprint go to: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
