Easy ways to reduce your company’s carbon footprint
People often use the term “carbon footprint” to describe their individual impact on the environment, but now is the time to consider it in a broader context. The industry is doing a lot of damage. As the need to reduce energy consumption and waste becomes more urgent, think about improvements you can make to significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
One approach worth starting with is to conduct an audit to assess in which areas your factory is performing better or worse environmentally. Once you have assessed the situation, try to involve employees in reducing the carbon footprint. Set clear goals so people know what to aim for and reward those who perform well. Financial incentives will generally push people to work their best. Regularly check progress to make sure no one is slacking off.
Not everyone works in the workshop; Don’t forget about those who work in administration, sales and other offices. They can participate by actively recycling waste, using less paper, and not leaving any devices on standby overnight. Modernizing refreshment facilities can also make a big difference. If you still provide disposable plastic or paper cups with your water cooler and coffee machine, switch to reusable equivalents. Be sure to provide clearly marked recycling boxes to encourage people to dispose of each item, such as milk bottles and beverage cans, in the correct receptacle.
When it comes to workshop areas, many production processes require the use of water, which is a scarce resource in some parts of the world. Is there a way to reduce the amount of water used? A filter system can be installed that cleans the water to allow it to be reused.
Heating and lighting are important for employee safety, among other factors. Environmentally, lowering the temperature by just one degree makes a big difference throughout the year, but it doesn’t change much for a person who will quickly adapt their body temperature and can put on an extra layer of clothing if necessary. Install a timer system that turns the heat off at the end of the workday and back on a few hours before employees arrive the next morning. Lighting can be improved by changing light bulbs to eco-friendly models and making sure all lights are off when people go home at the end of the day.
The emissions are a severe pollutant. Install quality industrial air filters to protect the dangerous substances that fill the air and damage the weakened atmosphere and the ozone layer.
If your equipment and machinery are old, they may no longer meet modern environmental standards. Introduce a rolling replacement scheme to avoid having to spend a large sum at one time. When you replace existing equipment, buy new or rent, make sure it is designed according to modern guidelines. Look out for labels that certify products as the most energy efficient and “green.” In Europe look for the EU-wide eco-label, in Australia look for the Energy Rating label with a star, and in China the green HUAN label, among others.
Consider machinery that you often don’t need too much of. In the event of a power outage, for example, you may need to supply backup electricity. Always make sure that the industrial generators you use are highly efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible.