Carbon emissions have really dragged the environment towards an imminent doom. According to experts, incessant emissions slowly invite a catastrophic end of our planet.Global rise in temperatures, melting icebergs in the poles, demolition of natural habitats, and extinction of species create pandemonium among the experts. We don’t realize that we have gone too far.
If it goes for long, we as a global community will have to face the repercussions. There needs to be an internal call from the business fraternity to leverage the advantage of climate reporting to audit energy consumption. So there are certain things that businesses can take and can meet climate goals. Let’s start the discussion here.
Facts And Data On Climate Change
Prior to this discussion, we think we need to have a look at the stats and data to understand the gravity of the situation.
- According to the 2020 figures, global CO2 emissions stand at 34.81 GTCo2. The average Co2 emissions per capita worldwide is 4.47 mt.
- The power industry accounts for 37% of the CO2 emissions, and Coal is the most Carbon-intensive fossil fuel. This well crosses the watermark of demolition.
- The USA stands as the biggest Carbon emitter.
- It is projected that the GHG emission worldwide by the year 2030 (based on Cop Pledges) could go upto41.9 GtCo2e.
- Despite Covid 19, the Global Coal emissions still stand at 14 GtCo2 in the year 2020.
These facts and data will help businesses draw a line and maintain a status quo (though not an environment-related term) against restraining material imperialism. And this fight to safeguard an imminent extinction of life on earth must be led by the business growth community. This is because they are the ones that take the lion’s share of the carbon emissions.
Ways Businesses Can Help Meet Climate Goals
Businesses, irrespective of their sector and size, need to design their own climate goals so that they contribute to playing their part in this unified struggle against an imminent doom. Let’s look at the steps that businesses ought to take to curb material footprinting.
1. Measure And Analyze The Greenhouse Emissions
Businesses need to take note of the net emissions they make within one calendar year. This includes Green Auditing and other modes of study. There are private bodies that help companies measure their CO2 emissions. If they do it, they will be able to understand the activities that emit the highest pollutants. This will propel them to take some steps.
2. Reducing Energy Consumption
According to a study by the United Nations, the energy sector is the largest contributor to global greenhouse emissions (35%). The message is clear. Your business ought to reduce energy consumption. There are some steps you could take
Turning off excess lights and restraining air conditioning could be some solid steps. Interestingly, the thermostat setting from 24 degrees centigrade to 28 degrees centigrade during the cooling sessions has proved to be a good way of reducing energy.
Keeping the boiler in check can reduce your energy counts and, subsequently, energy costs to a massive 60%. Go for LED light bulbs and install smart lighting systems that automate lighting intensity.
3. Renewable Energies
Try to use renewable energy to the maximum. Installing Solar panels is a smart way to reduce energy. The initial cost might be high. But later on, this turns out to be highly cost-efficient as well as energy-efficient. What more do you need?
There are other sources of renewable energy like geothermal energy, wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy, and ocean energy. You will be amazed to know that the solar energy intercepted by the earth is about 10000, then the rate at which we consume energy! Could you weigh the abundance and opportunities?
4. Reducing Waste And Fight Obsolience
Waste generation is another source of carbon emission. The SMEs and your small businesses can well take measures to reduce waste. You need to install equipment and technology that will work to reduce waste. Using products made of biodegradable materials could be a great way to reduce waste. Go paperless as much as possible. Also, go for financial auditing at the end of the accounting period.
5. Optimizing Employee Transportation
You will be amazed to know that greenhouse emissions from the transport sector have moved since the 1970s. The percentile increase is around 80%. Ask your employees to avail of public transit. Encouraging them to stay near your company and use cycles. This could be a great idea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that there is no other way but strict norms and practices that could consolidate the levels of emissions. Mouth-filled promises are nothing but empty vaunt. Businesses, especially big businesses, need to take serious strides to ensure that they reduce emissions. Lastly, we all need to strictly follow the practice of Reducing, Reuse and Recycle to attain sustainability in the long term. Carbon emissions have really dragged the environment towards an imminent doom. According to experts, incessant emissions slowly invite a catastrophic end to our planet.
Global rise in temperatures, melting icebergs in the poles, demolition of natural habitats, and extinction of species create pandemonium among the experts. We don’t realize that we have gone too far. If it goes on for long, we as a global community will have to face the repercussions. There needs to be an internal call from the business fraternity to leverage the advantage of climate reporting to audit energy consumption. So there are certain things that businesses can take and can meet climate goals. Let’s start the discussion here.
