Carbon Management and why wee need to reduce our footprint

Global warming is an aspect of climate change, referring to the long-term rise of the planet's temperatures. It is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mainly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and farming.

While we cannot stop global warming overnight, or even over the next several decades, we can slow the rate and limit the amount of global warming by reducing human emissions of heat-trapping gases.

Climate change refers to the increasing changes in the measures of climate over a long period of time – including precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns.

More frequent and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans can directly harm animals, destroy the places they live, and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and communities. As climate change worsens, dangerous weather events are becoming more frequent or severe.

Climate models forecast that global warming will cause climate patterns worldwide to experience significant changes. These changes will likely include major shifts in wind patterns, annual precipitation and seasonal temperatures variations.

The UK government has committed us to cut national greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050 and agreed interim five-year 'carbon budgets' that take the country progressively towards that 100% target at the lowest possible cost.

From 1 April 2019, quoted companies must report on their global energy use and large businesses must disclose their UK annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The government encourages all other companies to report similarly, although this remains voluntary for now.

Producing an environmental report can bring a marketing advantage by demonstrating your business' awareness of its environmental responsibilities. It may also help improve your relationship with key stakeholders, such as investors, suppliers and the wider local community.

An Environmental Management System (EMS) provides your company with a framework through which its environmental performance can be monitored. Most advantages of EMS stem from savings your business can make, increased profitability and better sales opportunities. Other benefits include a reduction in environmental incidents and improved reputation, a marketing advantage, and in many tenders, EMS is now a fundamental requirement. An improvement in regulatory performance and therefore lower risk of fines for non-compliance with environmental legislation.

Carbon management is the process of managing the carbon emissions associated with your business. Carbon management is applicable to a wide variety of business activities, products and services and can vary depending on the size of your business and the sector you operate in.

Change in an organization leads to many positive aspects – that lead to retaining a competitive edge and remaining relevant in your business area. Change encourages innovation, develops skills, develops staff and leads to better business opportunities and improves staff morale.

Becoming carbon neutral involves looking at your complete operation, including your supply chain. Identifying your footprint, reducing it, and neutralising the impact of any remaining emissions are the three steps to becoming a carbon-neutral company.

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether.

Offsetting is a way of paying for others to reduce emissions or absorb CO2 to compensate for your own emissions. For example, by planting trees to suck carbon out of the atmosphere as they grow, or by delivering energy-efficient cooking stoves to communities in developing countries.

Making your business environmentally friendly not only benefits the environment but can also save you money. The brand enhancement that comes with putting sustainability at the heart of business will help companies attract and retain customers and the best talent. But there is also the opportunity for businesses to save money from efficiencies and develop new products and services that get them ahead of the curve.

Our steps to making your business Carbon Neutral.

Step 1: Identify carbon sources to be included (Scoping)

Step 2: Collect and collate data.

Step 3: Choose calculation method.

Step 4: Select appropriate conversion factors.

Step 5: Calculate total carbon footprint.

Step 6: Report on Data normalisation and use, define targets and time scale.

Step 7: Analyse Data to identify reduction possibilities.

Step 8: Recalculate total carbon footprint after reductions.

Step 9: Draw up carbon reduction plan.

Step 10: Implement plan

Step 11: Monitor plan progress

Step 12: Report, review and reassess the plan where required.

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