The idea of carbon neutrality might sound like a lot to unpack. But really, we’re talking about only one simple idea: removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air.
What is Carbon Neutrality?
Making or resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, especially as a result of carbon offsetting, is simply being Carbon Neutral.
Carbon neutrality is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal or by eliminating emissions from society.
How can we contribute to Carbon Neutrality?
The healthiest way to achieve carbon neutrality is not to emit more CO2 than can be absorbed naturally by the world’s forests and plants, which act as carbon sinks through the process of photosynthesis – they take in CO2 from the air and turn it into oxygen – helping to reduce emissions.
For example, plants absorb CO2 when they grow, and some types of bacteria can change CO2 into other compounds. These processes are called “natural sinks.”
But natural sinks aren’t enough on their own to keep up with all the CO2 we are currently pumping into the air.
Carbon neutrality in three steps
- Measurement: The measurement process starts with the mapping of all products and processes that emit GHGs. The LCA calculation is a little different for an organisation since emissions must be divided into three groups: emissions generated directly by the organisation, such as factories and offices; emissions caused by the energy supply; and emissions caused by all activities that aren’t managed directly by the organisation, such as travel, waste disposal, investments, logistics and so on.
- Reduction: Reductions are the next step in the analysis. By reduction, say a company chooses more environmental alternatives for their day-to-day business activities. Cutting down the additional waste and managing all the harmful steps for business activities, that impact the environment.
- Offsetting: Emissions that are impossible to eliminate entirely can be offset to reduce the residual amount.
What can startups do to contribute towards / or achieve Carbon Neutrality?
While you can read about a detailed strategy to go carbon neutral here, here are a few tips to get started –
- Go green: There are so many lessons and advice we have learned as kids, plant more trees, don’t waste food, don’t watch too much TV etc. They were not only helping us build some good habits but also helping our environment. So, let’s don’t ignore the inner child within us and take care of our planet by all means.
- Save more energy: Energy usage accounts for around half of a company’s carbon footprint. Reducing a facility’s energy consumption not only saves money on energy bills but also reduces the company’s environmental footprint. There are numerous methods to make tiny adjustments, such as installing energy-efficient lighting, employing energy-efficient appliances, or moving to a green web hosting business.
- Dispose of single-use plastics: Single-use plastics contribute significantly to a company’s carbon footprint. Every time someone discards a plastic straw, bag, cup, or other packaging materials, they harm the environment. Almost all plastics are made from fossil fuels, and converting those fuels into plastics is an energy-intensive process that contributes to increased global emissions. Cafeteria silverware, disposable coffee cups, and plastic water bottles can all be easily replaced with reusable alternatives. Reusable replacements cut carbon emissions while also lowering waste disposal expenses.
- Provide a flexible work schedule: Does your company allow employees to work from home on certain days? Cars emit a lot of pollution as commuters drive to work, which indirectly adds to a company’s carbon footprint. Provide a flexible schedule where work-from-home days are encouraged whenever possible. As a result, the amount of pollution your employees produce as a result of their job activities will be reduced.
- Keep an eye on supply chain efficiency: With so many intertwined parts, a company’s supply chain is replete with opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. Money, time, and resources are frequently squandered due to inefficient procedures. Inquire directly with suppliers to see whether they have measurable data on their greenhouse gas emissions.
- Educate Your Team: People can be the most valuable asset in lowering carbon footprints if they are properly educated and made aware of it. It takes a steady commitment from every member of the company, from the top to the bottom, to generate meaningful outcomes. Make a public commitment to cut carbon emissions, and make sure your staff understands why you’re doing it and how they can help.
BENEFITS OF GOING CARBON NEUTRAL
Achieving carbon neutrality not only helps communities and society as a whole avoid the worst effects of climate change but o benefits communities and society as a whole. They are as follows:
- Environmental pollution will be reduced, and the health of all creatures can be improved.
- A boost to long-term economic growth and green employment creation.
- Lessening the impact of climate change on food security.
- Stopping the loss of biodiversity and improving the state of the oceans.
- Carbon neutrality can also benefit businesses, according to the NGO Carbon Trust.
- It illustrates both the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and its willingness to mitigate any residual effects.
- This allows the company to demonstrate its environmental credentials, making it stand out as an eco-friendly brand.
- People are increasingly looking for businesses that are socially responsible and use concrete strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Let’s make everyone around us go green together as a family.
