Climate Change Strategies for Detroit Small Businesses
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Appendix List of Common Climate Change Business Risks and Opportunities Explanation of one-letter codes appearing below: M = mitigation—reducing climate change and its impacts A = adaptation—coping with unavoidable impacts from climate change
ENERGY: ELECTRICITY, STEAM AND FUEL General • Create “Scope 1 + 2” GHG emissions inventory in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative (www.ghgprotocol.org). M
Facilities/Built Environment • Replace inefficient lighting systems (switch to T5, T8 or LED; install on-only-when-occupied systems). M • Replace inefficient HVAC systems (replace motors, install variable-speed fans, adjust thermostats, ensure efficient airflow, check heating systems for leaks in boilers and pipes, upgrade boilers). M • Check for substandard building insulation and airflow (have building envelope and airflow audited, use white roofs for warehouses, install ceiling fans). M • Integrate solar and/or wind into your energy supply. M/A • Increase natural light (especially in warehouses). M/A • Identify and replace inefficient food service equipment in onsite cafeterias (upgrade vending machines, cold storage, cooking equipment). M • Buy renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset CO2 emissions. M • Install efficient backup generators (in case grid goes down). A
Operations • Replace inefficient/outdated machinery and equipment motors (upgrade/replace). M • Swap out constant-run machinery and conveyors (install idling equipment). M • Replace inefficient materials-handling equipment (consider propane or fuel-cell energy sources). M • Choose EnergyStar® office/service and IT equipment). M
Transportation • Identify fuel-hogging transportation equipment (increase percentage of logistics spend with SmartWay® carriers). M • Look for and change any inefficient transportation routing (upgrade owned/leased assets to latest transportation management systems (TMS) with telematics). M • Eliminate onsite truck idling (create/enforce noidling rules). M • Reduce percentage of shipments by air (improve inventory management/order fulfillment systems, consult with subject-matter expert or third-party logistics on modality choices). M • Reduce percentage of employees commuting alone by automobile, especially during peak hours (offer carpool/bike options, public transportation subsidies, flexible shifts). • Eliminate unnecessary business travel (consider off-the-shelf or dedicated telepresence options). M • Create backup/secondary inbound and outbound routing options (have a second plan in place in case routes/modalities are unavailable). A
CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGIES FOR DETROIT SMALL BUSINESSES | AUGUST 2017
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