Reducing the borough's carbon footprint is a key challenge for the council and businesses have a large role to play in this.
Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to climate change and it is important that everyone, businesses and individuals, contribute towards reducing the amount that is produced. Carbon emission figures for the borough show that 39 per cent comes from the commercial and industrial sector, followed by 36 per cent from road transport and 25 per cent from homes.
Opportunities are predicted for British businesses if they think now about how climate change will affect them, Environment Minister Lord Henley said recently. The Minister was speaking to promote the Climate Resilience Toolkit designed by Defra and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to prepare businesses for both climate risks and opportunities.
Click here to use this tool to quickly assess areas in your business that could be affected by climate change.
Adapting to an uncertain climate: A world of commercial opportunities
UK Trade & Investment has commissioned a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit which examines how global businesses are adapting to the anticipated changes in the global climate and the potential business opportunities and risks this entails. The report is based on a survey of over 700 global businesses across a range of sectors.
Click here to view the report
Climate Change Survey
A short online questionnaire to help the Local Strategic Partnership and the council prepare and plan for climate change impacts.
Exploring opportunities to work together across the borough.
What can my business do?
There are lots of simple ways in which your business can help make a difference. In fact you might be surprised just how simple it is reduce your carbon footprint and make financial savings.
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reduce energy use by switching off lights, computers, televisions and other electrical equipment when not in use and fit energy efficient light bulbs where you can
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when you are replacing electrical equipment, look for the most energy efficient. Over time, you may save money on your energy bills.
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consider ways to reduce fleet mileage and transport costs. Why not encourage employees to use their car less?
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look at your procurement practices. Do you buy recycled goods? Could you use more sustainable raw materials with less packaging?
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minimise your waste and try to recycle as much as you can.
Further Information
Every business is different, which means so are the changes you can make to become more energy efficient. To find out how your business can reduce its carbon emissions, it's best to take advice and there are plenty of people who can help.
The Carbon Trust can help your business make sense out of climate change and cut your carbon emissions. For further information on the services they offer, please click here
The Environment Centre offers a one-stop shop for environmental information in Southern England and can offer practical support for business. For more information, please click here or call 02380 336172
General information on climate change can be found at The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website. Please click here
Information on what the borough council is doing to address climate change be found by clicking here
