A 'Carbon Footprint' is the measure of what an organisation's day-to-day activities have on the environment, in terms of Green House Gases (GHGs). Despite a Carbon Footprint considering 6 GHGs, to keep things simple, a Carbon Footprint is measured in the amount of tonnes of CO2 equivalent the organisation produces.
Your Carbon Footprint takes into account both your direct emissions, such as energy consumption, as well as indirect emissions which are not within your control, such as employee commuting.
Measuring your Carbon Footprint
Calculating your Carbon Footprint allows you to manage and reduce your organisation's emissions, which can lead to cost savings as well as lessening your environmental impact. You may find that measuring your Footprint can be mandatory depending on your size and sector, but it's also a way of demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility. More than ever, demonstrating that your business is operating in a responsible and ethical way is proving a business winner.
You can calculate a basic Carbon Footprint figure by using the Carbon Trust's online calculator and following their 6 Key Steps. If you feel you need assistance, there are many consultancy firms out there that can help too.
Reducing your Carbon Footprint
Becoming a greener organisation first requires buy-in. It helps to have 'Green Champions' that can influence the rest of the workforce, as well as a management team that promotes the green-drive. Rolling out an Action Plan with deadlines and responsibilities can help break out the task into manageable chunks.
Unsurprisingly, the use of office equipment accounts for a sizeable proportion of electrical energy used in the office environment. The good news is that simple changes can reduce energy consumption by 70%! The first step is to encourage work colleagues to 'switch off'. Lights, PCs, monitors and photocopiers should all be switched off when not in use. This isn't just overnight, but when people go on their breaks and no-one is using a meeting room.
Office heating is another major cost, measuring and reducing heating can save up to a third. In fact, a difference of one degree can save up to 10% on your heating bill! Again, try to only heat areas that are occupied. Keep on top of housekeeping too, making sure air conditioning and boiler units are efficient and regularly maintained. Be sure to keep radiators clear of clutter and keep in heat by shutting windows and doors. Then it's just a case of encouraging good habits; you should be questioning anyone who has a window open whilst wearing a jumper! Likewise, if people are hot, turn the heat down before resorting to opening up the windows.
Looking for more ideas? See our Eco Friendly Office guide for more way to save energy and cut emissions. For those who which to go further, and demonstrate their environmental credentials through third-party assessment, they seek ISO 14001 certification. Read more in the dedicated ISO 14001 area below.
