Free/low cost actions could save millions
A business carbon footprint calculator, launched by the Carbon Trust, could help businesses shrink their carbon footprints and save millions of pounds.
The Trust says potential savings of over 2.7 million tonnes CO2, worth almost £350 million in fuel costs, could be realised through "cost free and low cost energy saving actions".
Businesses are being called on to take advantage of new resources that can help them to understand what a carbon footprint is, how to calculate it and reduce it.
The Carbon Trust's new business carbon footprint calculator www.carbontrust.co.uk/footprintcalculator enables businesses to quantify their key carbon impacts and understand where action might be required to reduce emissions. It introduces common footprinting concepts in line with widely accepted reporting approaches such as the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol. The tool uses a series of screening questions to ascertain likely corporate emissions. Based on these questions the user can enter details of their energy usage and other potential emissions sources, including fuel usage, vehicle usage, electricity bill data and employee travel.
Businesses can apply online for a free Carbon Survey*, where an expert consultant will carry out an on-site visit and help measure their carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce it. The methodology is intended for use with organisations that are seeking a basic understanding of their carbon footprint.
The Carbon Trust is also running a series of free interactive workshops across the UK which businesses can attend to get an understanding of what is involved in the measurement of their carbon footprint and what specific steps can be taken to reduce it.
Environment Minister Phil Woolas commented: "The case for businesses to cut their carbon footprint is growing fast. Pressure from consumers, the cost of energy, and corporate social responsibility issues all mean that going green is no longer just an add on - it's a core part of doing business. This calculator will provide real benefits to business by enabling them to calculate their emissions and identify where they can make the most effective carbon reductions and reduce their climate impact."
Small and medium-sized businesses can apply for support through the Carbon Trust's £27 million interest free Energy-Efficiency Loans fund. This is designed to help businesses replace or upgrade existing equipment with more energy efficient types. SMEs in England and Scotland, or all businesses in Wales that have been trading for at least 12 months, may borrow from £5,000 to £100,000. Businesses based in Northern Ireland that have been trading for at least 12 months may be eligible to apply for an unsecured interest free loan of up to £400,000.
More information on the carbon survey campaign visit can be found at www.carbontrust.co.uk/carbonsurvey
For more information on the series of carbon footprinting workshops visit: www.carbontrust.co.uk/events
More information on the Carbon Trust's Energy-Efficiency interest free loans scheme can be found at www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans