1. Biz Network Nov 1-34.qxp_Chamberlink 27/10/2022 09:09 Page 9
MEMBER NEWS
Top tips for cutting your emissions It’s never been more important for businesses to turn their attention to sustainable practices amid rising costs and increased scrutiny. Charlie Davies (pictured), project manager at Hillside Environmental Services, suggests practical and high-impact methods for organisations can cut emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS Start by assessing your current sustainability policies and processes, including measurement of your carbon emissions. Once you understand your environmental impact, you can set targets for improvement and implement systems to address it. An audit should include, as a minimum, emissions from: • Fossil fuel-based electricity, heat, and steam you purchase from the grid • Fossil fuels you burn in-house to provide energy • Company vehicles such as lorries or cars • Third-party suppliers
THERMAL AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY It’s important to ensure building fabric is adequately insulated so you aren’t using more heat than
you need to and can reduce energy required. Likewise, look at your installed systems like heating and lighting to ensure they use as little energy as possible. Consider becoming ISO14001 and ISO5001 accredited to set up environmental management systems internally and for external stakeholders.
RENEWABLE ENERGY RETROFITS If the capital is available, the biggest reduction of emissions for businesses usually comes from switching to renewable energy sources for heat and power. Retrofit projects require significant outlay but provide great return on investment and can be worked into sensible economic plans. Installing a ground-source heat pump reduces the amount of energy needed to warm buildings.
You can also install solar panels to produce green energy onsite to power the heat pump, plus lighting and other electrical appliances.
ECONOMIC MODELLING Economic models clarify the investment required to reduce emissions and when it will be repaid over time, particularly for bigger projects like energy retrofits. Investment options include private green finance programmes and Government grants. Repayment can come via cost reductions through reduced reliance on the grid and by partaking in market trading of energy you produce onsite.
OPTIMISING ENERGY CONSUMPTION Battery storage and smart energy controls allow businesses to store surplus heat and electricity generated on-site via renewable
systems. This results in buildings not needing to wait for the weather to facilitate solar energy and they can become less reliant on the fossil fuel-based grid. THERE ARE MANY avenues to reducing your emissions and becoming a sustainable business. The good news is there is always a method to suit your organisation and plenty of advice to guide you. Consider getting in touch with an environmental consultant who can point you in the right direction.
November 2022 business network
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