Waste is a significant issue for businesses, as they journey towards sustainability. Rather than wasting resources unnecessarily, we must make use of natural and energy-efficient resources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy. Utilising natural resources guarantees a steady flow of energy for businesses. Fossil fuel power, on the other hand, will eventually run dry.

Intelligent energy management provides a more holistic way of reducing waste and increasing efficiency. This approach to energy optimisation typically involves smart metering, identifying inefficiencies and energy-saving solutions. At EIC, we can help you to manage your energy in the most efficient and effective way, uniquely tailored to your business.

Inefficiency also brings a number of disadvantages for businesses. Not only does it add to a business’s environmental impact through excessive energy usage, it can also have an impact on their budget. So, becoming more efficient would bring benefits for both businesses and their wider surroundings.

Assessing your carbon footprint is the first step towards future-proofing your business. By measuring how much CO₂ your business produces, you can put measures in place to reduce or eradicate emissions. Making it a crucial component of any net zero plan.

Essential data to calculate your carbon footprint includes energy, gas, water, and business travel. Each emission source must be investigated and recorded over a consistent period in order to get the most accurate results.

Understanding where your business produces the most emissions brings several benefits. Reducing your emissions can help your business to save money, boost your green credentials and reduce your carbon footprint. But this can only be achieved once you’ve started to report your emissions levels. You can find out more about the benefits of assessing your carbon footprint in our new guide.

Flash floods, hurricanes and forest fires can have devastating effects on countries and communities that are insufficiently prepared. Aside from the destruction of homes and businesses, food supplies and public health can also be seriously affected. The economies of these developing countries could also continue to be negatively affected.

Adverse effects include:

• Less agricultural certainty.
• Reduced worker productivity.
• Slowed investment.
• Damage to public health.

Developing countries suffer 99% of the damage attributable to climate change, according to the United Nations Development Programme. The geography often explains why developing countries are experiencing the worst effects of climate change. With many located on the coast or near large forests, they are more susceptible to storms, floods and forest fires.

Low-income communities also face a much longer and arduous process when rebuilding in the aftermath of severe weather abnormalities or natural disasters. Sometimes these communities are even struck again as they struggle to rebuild. The end result is devastating loss, both in terms of time and resources.

Carbon offsetting allows individuals and businesses to take responsibility for their emissions, by offsetting what they emit.

Reducing your carbon emissions in this way can also give a much needed boost to your green credentials. As consumers become more aware of their environmental impact, they will also become attracted to businesses sharing the same ethos. Demonstrating your commitment to becoming environmentally friendly could also entice new investors, who are looking to work with environmentally responsible organisations.

Investing in carbon offsetting could also help to secure funding for environmental projects that would otherwise struggle to get off the ground. These projects are often in developing countries and contribute to sustainable development, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsetting projects include a 15MW solar power plant in Gujarat, India and a reforestation project in Fazenda Sao Nicolao, Brazil.