Opinion: Simple steps for reducing energy

That’s why some environmental services companies will help run training and information sessions for employees and help bring them up to speed.

I’ve found that this aspect forms a stronger employee culture and usually employees are excited by the initiatives, even volunteering to oversee many of the initiatives.

Many companies form a ‘Green Group’ or a committee of company employees who are responsible for tracking progress and reporting back on initiatives to the company.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to re-ignite a company culture and bring people together for a common cause.

Studies in the US have found that these types of initiatives generally lead to happier and more productive employees. Employees also report back saying they have changed their behaviour in their personal lives and implemented initiatives at home. The knock-on effects are amazing.

What can’t be reduced, can be offset. Carbon offsets and ‘carbon neutral’ seem all the hype these days, but are also an extremely confusing area for consumers and businesses.

In simple terms, carbon offsets are designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s a way of ‘putting back’ what you’ve ‘taken out’ from the environment.

Offsets are typically generated from emissions-reducing projects such as renewable energy, destruction of industrial pollutants or agricultural byproducts, destruction of landfill methane, and forestry projects.

They’re a great way to further reduce your footprint AFTER you’ve been through the reduction process.

However, reduction remains the most powerful act businesses can take. There is plenty of evidence that shows businesses that take the reduction steps enjoy a range or real-world bottom and top-line benefits.

Firstly, with the introduction of the 2010 Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (formally known as the Emission Trading Scheme), most experts agree on one thing: energy prices will rise.

Businesses that operate more efficiently and get their processes for low-energy operations right today, will be well positioned when the inevitable price rises happen in 2010.

Expect efficiency and reduction of energy consumption to go straight to the bottom line.

This brings me to the second step in the GoGreen Journey, “Reveal”. Reveal your achievements through a well planned and innovative communication strategy.

Businesses today face ever-increasing competition and ever-aware consumers who factor environmental issues into their buying decisions.

When consumers have a choice between several brands or products with similar performance and cost considerations, a company’s environmental policy can be the differentiating factor in the decision process.

By putting together a detailed communication strategy you can generate real business benefits from your new-found environmental policies.

A clear and concise message will differentiate you from your competitors; help attract new customers and business partners; maximise retention of your existing customers and portray a sustainable and ethical brand.

Furthermore, get your achievements into mainstream media and make sure your existing and potential customers know about your initiatives and achievements.

Businesses also looking at attracting investors or floating on the stock exchange will be pleased to hear that most investors and analysts recognise that carbon emissions represent a real business cost.

They look upon carbon assets and liabilities as they would any other item on a company balance sheet.

Businesses that have made positive action towards the environment will be reviewed positively and will benefit from today’s large range of ethical investment funds.

Even though an innovative communication message can bring many of these benefits to your business, be aware of overstating.

‘Greenwash’ as it is referred to is occurring more often and there have already been cases of well-known brands accused of Greenwashing and not communicating their Green message clearly enough.

That’s why having a meaningful ‘Reduce’ strategy first is a must do. Make sure your relevant marketing professional knows this space and is capable of a clear, concise message with substance to back up your claims.

The final step in the GoGreen Journey is “Inspire”. Inspire the people around you to take positive action for the environment.

Businesses rightly should consider the economic factors in becoming more sustainable, but don’t undervalue the impact you’ll have on the people around you.

Be a leader, not a laggard and inspire those around you that a more sustainable environmental policy is not only ethical, but can deliver
real business benefits.

Raise awareness externally and internally and help inspire those you interact with to take a similar standpoint in their businesses or home.

Show your brand represents ethical and social leadership and you’ll find that the rewards will far outweigh the costs.

Collectively, we can make a difference not only in our businesses, but in the global environmental challenges that face us ahead.