5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Work-Related Carbon Emissions

Written by: James Ponds

Whether you run a business yourself or are just one of many workers, you may be unaware of the carbon footprint your company is leaving. This refers to the emissions of carbon dioxide that your organization produces. For a greener business, there are adjustments you can make to cut back on carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the size of your carbon footprint. In addition, you can also make smaller-scale adjustments to your own personal choices in and around the workplace to benefit the environment as far as your own carbon footprint goes. Check out five ways that you can reduce your work-related carbon emissions.

1. Making the Switch to Solar Energy

One of the biggest and easiest environmental improvements you can make to a business is switching to solar energy. By exchanging power produced from harmful fossil fuels for the clean, renewable energy that sunlight brings, your business can make progress towards helping the environment.

This change is made by installing solar panels to the outside of your building, which absorb sunlight and power your facilities. Prices vary, so look up the solar panel cost in your area. You will find that the difference this change makes on your business’s carbon footprint as well as its reputation can be well worth the investment.

2. Taking Alternative Modes of Transportation to Work

Since a typical gas-powered car produces harmful emissions, consider alternative modes of transportation to get to and from work, for both you and your co-workers. If possible, you could walk or use a bicycle, which is beneficial to the environment as well as good personal exercise. If this is not an option, public transportation or carpooling cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road, and both are good and efficient ways of getting you and your co-workers to and from your building. Using fewer vehicles to transport more people not only reduces carbon emissions but also reduces traffic. If you still want to drive, consider investing in an electric or hybrid car, which does not produce as much pollution.

3. Reducing Travel

Air travel is a large contributor to your carbon footprint. When arranging business meetings, if possible, reduce the number of flights you and your fellow workers have to take, and seek alternative methods of conducting business. The way meetings work has changed tremendously in 2020, meaning remote work and video conferences have become much more commonplace. By attending meetings remotely rather than in person, you cut down greatly on the number of flights you take, thus reducing the amount of air pollution that flights produce. Keeping this in mind, you can reduce your own personal carbon footprint by traveling by air less often or choosing nonstop flights to reduce the carbon emissions caused by the plane landing and taking off.

4. Conserving Energy

Chances are, your office uses many appliances and electronics that consume large quantities of energy. With a few simple adjustments, however, you can make a big difference in terms of high energy consumption in your building. For instance, simply turning the lights and fans off in rooms that are not in use goes a long way. Also, unplug any chargers after the device in question is fully charged. Any appliances or electronic devices that are not currently in use can be unplugged as well. By keeping an eye on what devices need to be used at the given moment, you can make a difference in energy consumption around the office.

5. Reusing and Recycling

Instead of bringing disposable plastic water bottles to work, bring a reusable water cup that you can fill up. Replace plastic cutlery with silverware in the breakroom. By using reusable items and recycling other disposable items, you will cut down on the waste you output.

These tips are all simple choices. By making these changes, you can cut back on your carbon emissions and make a better impact on the environment.

Related: Can We Use Finance To Make Earth Green?