Startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, all are being troubled by the carbon emissions they are giving off. They want to live up to the sustainability standards, which is why a growing number of businesses are embracing business practices to keep their carbon footprint to the minimal.
Green consultation, solar panel installation, training staff to adopt eco-friendly practices; businesses
have left no stone unturned to achieve the emission reduction. To help you in this attempt, we have discussed here some of the best hacks for businesses purposed to reduce the carbon emissions.
Say No To Using Paper
Files, records, notes; we have streams of paper oozing out from our workstations. Digitalization have
long eliminated the need to depend on papers, but many organizations are not still adding up to the
piles of papers in the name of record keeping.
Common practices like using: digital reminders instead of sticky notes, scanning apps instead of
photocopying machines, Dropbox instead of files and cabinets, online banking instead of traditional
banking, e-invoices instead of paper bills, can save a considerable amount of paper.
Using LED lights
The “instant on” lights, LEDs have won the hearts of many by their increased energy efficiency and
longevity. And the best part is, it can save pounds of your energy bills, unlike many fluorescent bulbs
and lights.
These lights are bright and small enough to replace the tubes that have been used in the LCD HDTVs
with thinner breadths. Replacing the existing standard filament fluorescent strip lights, LEDs are a more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive alternative.
A 36-watt LED emits an equal amount of light as a usual 84-watt fluorescent. Consuming less energy minimizes the consumption of power plants and eventually, greenhouse emissions.
Transportation
Offices can get rid of gas-guzzling transportation by promoting the idea of carpooling and pick and drop services. By deducting a small amount from their monthly salaries, employees can be facilitated with a van that will take them from the defined point to an office and vice versa. Many companies provide their employees with free transportation service.
Also, encourage maintenance of the vehicle. Proper maintenance and care of your transport will increase its longevity. Traditional bodywork involves using hazardous chemicals like a basecoat, thinner, and paint.
Choose a Paintless dent removal service instead. It is not just light on the wallet, but also eco-friendly. The PDR technicians are experienced in sucking out the dents using specialized equipment.
Unplug chargers
It is quite important for us to keep our phones charged all day long. Many of the employees keep the
chargers plugged in even when they are not in use. Plugged chargers consume a ponderable amount of energy even if they are in idle state but plugged in. Plus, here is why you shouldn’t charge your phone overnight.
Use Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are better than their disposable counterparts. They may cost more, but they
save enough amount of time in the long run. Moreover, they consume 23 percent less energy in
comparison to the non-renewable ones.
Most importantly, disposable batteries are not good for the environment because they are made up of heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and corrosive materials.
Switch to e-newspapers
The side-tables in the reception area and waiting room are usually cluttered with newspapers from
different companies. You can rather provide free Wi-Fi or charging stations. To kill the boredom of
the guests, make sure there is an LCD showing news channel.
Metal Recycling
Search for the metal that is no longer in your use (such as, a damaged copier, vending machine,
electronics, broken laptops, electric wiring, staples, paper clips, etc.), and sell them to scrap metal
recycling companies. They will turn these things into something useful. This way you will contribute to saving the environment and get hard cash instead.
Start Meat-Free Mondays Culture
Since meat takes more time to decompose and emit far more harmful greenhouse gases than other
food items, skipping its intake in your office on specific days can reduce the carbon emissions while
keeping your employees engaged.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service
When choosing a professional carpet cleaning service for your office, make sure they use green cleaning products. Many similar service providers use abrasive chemicals for the cleaning purpose that later on are drained to the ocean water causing water pollution.
Office Gardens
Often known as corporate gardens, the phenomenon involves converting the office space into a green
space to give the employees a fresh environment.
Employees can get a break from the hustle and bustle of their routine tasks to revel in the relaxed environment that office gardens offer. These gardens also improve the air quality and make you environmentally responsible.
Keep Business Trips Minimum
Many business trips, these days, are baseless. If your trip can be substituted with video conferencing,
then what’s the point of traveling hours, spending a fortune, and increasing carbon footprint. There is a variety of video conferencing software available on the internet to choose from.
Conduct Energy Consumption Audit
Many successful energy management programs are effectively working in the reduction of commercial building operational expenses. Usually, these audits unleash the shortcoming in energy consumption, such as lighting, ventilation, HVAC, stream, and so on. Considering the reports, you can optimize your energy consumption and take the necessary steps to use the energy ore rationally.
Implementing a few (or more) practices into your office culture can significantly reduce the carbon
footprint of your company and make your employee behave more responsibly towards the environment.
Author Bio: Stella Holt
Stella Holt is a savvy blogger who has dedicated her exceptional skills solely to writing, reading, and
discovering everything new. Since her passion keeps peaking and touching new heights, Stella has
narrowed her writing and blogging career towards writing for the digital marketing and small businesses, where she writes about almost everything relating to starting a career, building a business or growing a startup.
