Ways Businesses Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

Climate change continues to be a concern due to its negative impacts, such as shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, rising sea levels that increase the risk of flood and an overall increase in severe weather conditions. To avert the worst impacts of climate change, the Government of Canada is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving net-zero emissions means the economy either emits no greenhouse gas emissions or offsets the emissions.

Here are a few methods businesses can consider to offset greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their carbon footprint:

• Become a conscious consumer. Most organizations collaborate with other businesses, such as external marketing teams, car rental services, event planners or office product suppliers. When choosing these partners, it’s important to research their business practices to determine if their values align with reducing waste and carbon emissions. By working with companies with the same goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an organization can lower its environmental impact.
• Create more sustainable office spaces. Buildings produce 17 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gases, including emissions for generating electricity and using fossil fuels to heat and cool buildings. To reduce this number, organizations can consider downsizing to a smaller space if possible and use more sustainable energy sources, like solar power and Energy Star-certified products and practices.
• Reduce business travel. The transportation sector contributes 25 per cent of Canada’s emissions. Organizations can help reduce this through smarter business travel. For instance, when choosing to rent a vehicle, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle; consider reducing the number of business trips that involve flying; and allow employees to work from home to reduce the number of people commuting to and from the office.

Organizations will continue to receive pressure to implement practices that will reduce carbon emissions, and it will be beneficial to make changes when possible. For more information about workplace trends, contact CMB Insurance Brokers.

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