The b Issue

How SMEs can make 2022 their year of Sustainability

Brendan Lambert, Marketing Manager, EcoMerit

With all the buzz around COP26 at the end of last year, 2022 is set to be a year where sustainability and environmental performance will become a must when it comes to staying competitive as a business. Carbon taxes will continue to rise, and businesses will be required to have meaningful green credentials – superficial greenwashing won’t cut it. Most businesses are keen to play their part, but it can seem like a daunting task, especially for SMEs that don’t have in-house expertise in sustainability. With more than 10 years’ experience working with a wide range of enterprises, EcoMerit knows that businesses that take a proactive approach to sustainability can reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their financial costs at the same time. For example, members of the EcoMerit community have saved anywhere between €5,000 - €50,0000 per year while reducing their carbon emissions by an average of 9% per annum year-on-year over 10 years, amounting to over 60% in 10 years. One example of this is the cost savings the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Co. Laois made while improving their environmental performance and the average emissions performance of the EcoMerit Community vs Ireland’s average, see graphs below:

Tips for Business EcoMerit are happy to share some tips on how to cut your carbon footprint, reduce costs, and make sustainability a key part of your business in 2022: • Lighting - check your usage Many businesses have areas that are over lit or are lit unnecessarily at certain times. Check controls such as sensors/timers/dimmers as well as encouraging good practice among employees. • Loft Insulation If your loft insulation is less than 300mm this could be a very cheap, easy, and highly effective way of reducing your carbon footprint and heating bill. • LED lighting LED lighting is around 80% more efficient vs standard lighting solutions. This means that they are much cheaper to run and a simple way to make significant reductions in carbon footprint. • Update Boiler Older Boilers (>10 years) are around 10-30% less efficient than modern equivalents. While a sizeable investment, updating your boiler is very likely to save you money in the long run and lower your carbon footprint by several tonnes of CO2/annum. • Clearly Communicate your Business

Sustainability Actions 88% of consumers want brands to support their efforts to be more sustainable. If you are taking action towards making your business more sustainable this should be shouted from the rooftops - people want to know! Whether it’s on your website, social media, your business newsletter, or a press release to local news media, don’t be shy and get the message out there. • Get independent professional support The ‘environmental performance’ landscape is becoming more complex, with a wide range of offers being promoted from lighting to renewable energy. Understanding what is best for your business may not be easy so professional support can help you choose the best options – and avoid costly mistakes. Government support is increasingly available under programmes such as the SEAI Community Grant Scheme and a range of Green for Business schemes. EcoMerit is actively involved with these schemes and would be happy to discuss with any business that is interested. For further information please contact brendan@ ecomerit.ie and visit www.ecomerit.ie. EcoMerit offer ISME members 10% discount on EcoMerit certification, find out more here.