5 Steps how to be a Carbon-Neutral Company

With a long pandemic, stronger natural disasters, and global warming in every corner of the planet. Carbon neutrality has become a popular term lately. This concept Is used to describe the state of a company or organization that is compensating or eliminating the number of carbon emissions done during its activities. In other words, a carbon-neutral company is one that has a net-zero carbon footprint. Achieving carbon neutrality, more now than ever,  is an important goal for businesses today, not only for the benefits that come with it, but to help the world in the challenge of climate change and its potentially catastrophic impacts.

What is Carbon Neutrality?

Carbon neutrality is the practice of balancing out the carbon emissions that a company produces by offsetting (compensating) or eliminating those emissions in some way. Carbon emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, etc) which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change, which as we already know are having a huge impact on the planet.

To become carbon-neutral, companies need to measure their carbon footprint, which is the total amount of greenhouse gases that they produce. This measurement includes not only direct emissions from company operations (such as burning fuel in vehicles or heating buildings), but also indirect emissions from sources such as electricity generation, employee business travels or conventions, transportation of goods, and more.

Once a company knows its carbon footprint, then it can take steps to reduce emissions through energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, using recyclable materials in its production, cleaning used water, and other means. Any remaining emissions can then be offset by investing in carbon reduction projects, such as reforestation, renewable energy development, or energy-efficient technology implementation.

Why Carbon Neutrality is Important?

Becoming carbon-neutral is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a way for companies to take responsibility for their impact on the environment and reduce their contribution to climate change. By reducing or offsetting their carbon emissions, companies can help mitigate the effects of global warming, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and loss of biodiversity.

Secondly, becoming carbon-neutral can also be a way for companies to improve their reputation and appeal to customers who are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and solutions. In fact, it is proved that consumers are more likely to choose products and services from companies that are taking steps to reduce their impact on the environment, that the ones with no sustainable actions. Plus, carbon-neutral companies are more successful in terms of income and investment from stakeholders.

Finally, becoming carbon-neutral can also save companies money in the long run. By implementing energy-efficient measures and switching to renewable energy sources, companies can reduce their energy bills and operating costs. On top of that, by investing in carbon reduction projects, companies can often generate carbon credits that can be sold on the carbon offset market, providing a source of revenue.

But how we can start this journey of becoming Carbon-neutral…

Here are the steps that can help you to understand which steps to follow.

Steps for Becoming a Carbon-Neutral Company

1. Measure Your Carbon Footprint: The first step in becoming carbon-neutral is to measure your carbon footprint. There are several online tools and calculators available to help you do this, or you can hire a consultant to conduct a more detailed assessment.
2. Set a Target: Once you know your carbon footprint, you can set a target for reducing or offsetting your emissions. This target should be ambitious but achievable and should be based on a realistic assessment of your company's operations and potential for emissions reduction.
3. Reduce Your Emissions: The next step is to take measures to reduce your emissions. This can include improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, and reducing waste. Many of these measures can also save your company money in the long run.
4. Offset Your Emissions: After you have taken steps to reduce your emissions, you can offset any remaining emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects. There are many options available, including reforestation, renewable energy development, and energy-efficient technology implementation.
5. Communicate Your Efforts: Finally, it is important to communicate your efforts to become carbon-neutral to your stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors. This can help build your company's reputation and demonstrate

Do you want to start now?

Implementing all these steps might take a bit of time, but if you use a partner to do your carbon offset this can be easier and fast. For example, you can use Evergreen to help you plant trees while recognizing the good work of your employees. Do you want to know more?  Book a demo here

‍