6 reasons for conducting a carbon neutral business
Many businesses have difficulties with finding a start to become a carbon neutral business. And it is not always easy to stop using fossil fuels like coal, natural gas en oil. Here we give you more insight in the importance of carbon neutrality. Hopefully this helps you to start your own journey towards a more energy-efficient business, cleaner air and better health for the people around you.
1. The climate change problem
It is now 100% proven that the warming of the earth in the last sixty years is attributable to human-emitted greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The effects of climate change will lead to significant risks as the temperature rises further in most parts of the world. Some regions on earth will suffer from extreme rainfall and storms because of changing climates. Others will undergo droughts and desertification. Even melting of the entire Arctic is thought possible which predicts a sea level rise of 45 to 82 centimeters.
2. Cost
You can save enourmously on your energy bills. For example, by driving more economically (or ride your bike!), through better insulation, energy-efficent lighting and ICT equipment, by using renewable energy and by applying many other measures. By doing this, you’ll inspire colleagues to become aware of their energy behavior which can save your business much money for energy costs each year. It’s time to reduce the consumption of energy in a smart and cost effective way.
3. Marketing
Sustainable business leads to commercial success. Some advantages of sustainability according to surveys are: more customer loyalty, a higher purchase intention and becoming more attractive for new employees. Besides, it causes an increase in morale among personnel, it creates goodwill and a good reputation among stakeholders. Moreover, a sustainable organization realizes brand differentiation in relatively homogeneous markets.
4. Sustainable procurement
Not only governments purchase sustainable products and services. More and more commercial organizations follow this example too. They look at the different aspects of sustainability when purchasing products and services. One of the most important aspects to be looked at is how energy efficient, green or carbon neutral a product or service is produced. The more reduction of CO2 emissions is applied on a competitive product or service, the more attractive it is (assuming other factors such as price and delivery time are approximately the same).
5. The global fossil energy resources
It is predicted that global consumption of all forms of energy will double in 2050 compared to the energy consumption in 2008. It is not yet exactly known how large the world’s reserves of oil, coal and gas are. The question is how these reserves will be drilled in an economically attractive way in the future. However, we can all assume that the supply of fossil fuels will be exhausted at one time. Therefore more efficiency in energy consumption and investments in the generation of renewable energy will lead to certainty of future energy supply.
6. Cleaner air, better health
By reducing the use of petrol, coal, diesel and other forms of fossil fuels, you contribute significantly to a cleaner air. From smog hanging over cities to smoke inside the home, air pollution poses a major threat to health and climate. The combined effects of ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution cause millions of premature deaths every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Start with measuring and reducing your energy consumption. Generate renewable energy yourself and communicate your actions with stakeholders for a better climate (and business).