Doing the right thing

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have become a pertinent issue for businesses throughout the UK. The importance of reducing carbon footprints is to save energy and money and reduce the impact of business activity on the environment. A growing number of SMEs and business start-ups are being encouraged to consider their own carbon management strategy and targets.

The case for reducing the carbon footprint of your business is a strong one. Increasingly, consumers are swayed by the ethical and environmental credentials of organisations. Showing you’ve made the effort to cut your carbon emissions will set you apart from your competitors – something that is especially important if you are a new business trying to make your mark.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become something of a buzz phrase in recent years. There have been many arguments regarding whether CSR can actually help companies to improve their reputation and improve profit margins, if it costs businesses money and whether businesses are doing it to genuinely help the environment and society, or if it is solely a marketing technique.

Industrial waste does not need to be written off and sent to landfill or incinerated - new technologies are emerging that can turn byproducts into usable and commercially viable items. With investments in this marketplace increasing, now is a great time to get on board.

The availability of green support and funding has grown rapidly over the last few years. There are now a wide range of initiatives available for start-ups and small businesses involved in eco-innovation, carbon reduction and energy-efficient projects. Applying for green funding can be a complicated process as many grants and loans have strict eligibility criteria.

With the low carbon economy gaining significant traction, now is a fantastic time for businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and promote environmentally-friendly practice. Grants are available from many areas, including local and national Governments, the EU, and energy efficiency organisations dedicated to reducing energy use.