Tuesday 30 November 2021
4 factors that could affect your carbon management plan
A structurally sound carbon management plan is now essential, if you want to reach your net zero targets. Not only will this help your business to become more efficient and attract eco-conscious customers, it will also lessen its impact on the Earth. While there were many plans proposed during COP26, that doesn’t necessarily mean that actual, consistent change will follow. So, it is vital that everyone work towards their own net zero goals.
A carbon management plan is a business strategy, aimed at consolidating its carbon reduction objectives. By putting in place a carbon management roadmap, businesses can easily track progress and set future targets. This will also help businesses to lower their operating costs, comply with regulations and cut their emissions. But before you can put a plan in place, you must understand how, and where you are using energy and emitting CO₂.
So, what are some of the factors that can help you to identify your emission levels before creating a carbon management plan?
Understanding your energy consumption
Understanding your consumption is the first step towards reducing energy and in turn carbon emissions. Knowing how much energy you use, where you use it, and why, can help you to create an accurate carbon management plan. By conducting regular audits, businesses can consistently measure the impact of their activities. This can help them to identify what infrastructure they need to manage carbon and cut emissions.
Having a grasp of your carbon footprint provides a comprehensive breakdown of these emissions, based on their sources. By identifying high emitting areas, organisations can create an efficient reduction strategy – which is becoming an increasingly valuable factor in this climate-conscious economy. You can read more on how to establish your carbon footprint in our new guide.
Business budgets must now also include a space for sustainable infrastructure and sustainability funds.
Infrastructure changes
Incorporating green infrastructure on your sites will ensure that you are working towards your sustainability targets. Solar panels, wind turbines and other clean tech are all key drivers for growth, employment and a better standard of public health. Implementing low carbon infrastructure, such as LED lighting or heat pumps, can also help to lower energy bills considerably.
Businesses are also becoming increasingly interested in the potential of electric vehicles (EVs). Nearly 300,000 electric vehicles were on the roads at the end of August 2021, and that number is continuing to grow. Switching to green transport can save businesses money, cut emissions and boost green credentials. Get in contact today to find out how we can help you accelerate the progress of your green infrastructure.
To stay competitive, businesses will have to adopt clean energy strategies. By generating energy through onsite infrastructure, businesses can take control of their impact on the planet. The reputational benefits of this, as the UK transitions to a net zero economy, cannot be overlooked.
Investing in sustainable technology can also bring wider benefits, such as helping to generate green jobs. By aiding climate resilience, businesses will also aid economic resilience.
Keeping up to date with carbon compliance
The UK government is continuing to introduce more and more sustainable legislation, in order to reach its ambitious 2050 net zero targets. But keeping up with this constant stream of compliance can be confusing and tiresome. Nevertheless, it is important to get a grasp on legal obligations and your compliance status, to avoid costly fines.
At EIC, we can help ease the route to compliance. And we can do this while simultaneously reducing your emissions, lowering costs and mitigating risks. Our carbon solutions team can help you to better understand your emissions and ensure compliance with carbon legislation.
Focusing on net zero
Creating an efficient and effective carbon management plan will significantly impact a business’s carbon emission levels. Whilst COP26 demonstrated the desire to limit climate issues, change is still inevitable.
Creating a more sustainable workplace will also boost a business’s green credentials. In turn, this will provide an opportunity for businesses to gain a wider range of eco-conscious clients. The environmental, economic and social benefits of green energy will allow businesses to future-proof themselves, as we move towards net zero.
What are the risks of not creating a carbon management plan now?
Having a clear carbon management plan in place will give your business and employees a clear direction. By understanding your emissions levels, you can identify reduction opportunities and boost your low carbon credentials. But choosing not to create a plan could result in your business falling behind its competitors, and you may find it more difficult to become efficient.
Engaging with your workforce over sustainability targets encourages confidence and motivation in the company. It also invites staff to explore different ways reaching net zero targets, and possibly proposing ideas that had not been thought of yet. The constant stream of new sustainability legislation also serves as an incentive to start your plan. Once businesses reduce inefficiencies, they can avoid those enforcements.
Each business is different, as is every carbon management plan. Some plans may be more extensive than others. But monitoring and reporting on emissions will enable businesses to gain a clearer picture of where they are, and where they intend to be, in terms of sustainability.
The earlier a plan is set out, the earlier it can be completed and net zero targets can be reached.
How can EIC help?
Deciding which changes to make, to adapt to the changing climate, can be overwhelming. With several different options, you must make the right decision for your business.
At EIC, we can assist you in creating a realistic and actionable Carbon Management Plan that can also incorporate your net zero goals. Our vast range of services help businesses to better understand their carbon footprint, reduction measures and management plans.
Get in touch today to hear more about how EIC can help you to reach your sustainability targets.
