Carbon cleansing – tips for SMEs on turning green

Thinking about shifting your business into carbon neutral but not sure where to start?
 

Pressure on big companies to take responsibility for their impact on the environment has resulted in a swelling of the carbon neutral club, with the National Australia Bank one of the latest companies to join the ranks. But business insights firm Dun & Bradstreet says this kind of corporate responsibility isn’t just for the top end of town.

It argues simple steps can be taken by SMEs to implement carbon reduction programs which can deliver D&B suggest this simple step-by-step approach:

• Audit your businesses carbon footprint: find out how much you are emitting – by direct & indirect sources.
• Set your carbon reduction plan: consider annual targets and specific divisional reduction plans.
• Start taking action to reduce your emissions: implement energy efficiency products and practices or consider purchasing carbon credits.
• Encourage staff to join: employee incentives can help foster a more environmentally friendly culture.
   

Here’s some useful resources to start down the path of greening your business:

Dun & Bradstreet “Be Carbon Neutral”

Carbon Neutral: Tools for businesses looking to reduce carbon emissions.   

Greenfleet: Provides information on purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions.

Australian Carbon Trust: Government program aimed at driving energy efficiency in business.