Solutions - be part of the solution

Without action the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide will more than double pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. However, we can work together to tackle climate change and achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

There are a number of simple, low-cost actions that can be taken by all businesses and these can make a huge difference if we all act together. Many of these actions have additional benefits of cutting costs and improving your business reputation.

According to the Carbon Trust 30% of energy consumed in the UK is wasted, costing business millions of pounds in lost revenue every year. SMEs alone spend £6 billion on energy every year so there are huge savings that can be made.

Becoming more energy conscious and environmentally aware can also give your company a competitive advantage according to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Taking action on climate change can enhance your business reputation, increase customer loyalty and consumers are willing to pay more for products from companies that can demonstrate their green credentials. It will also help you prepare for future legislative changes.

There are enormous opportunities for those companies willing to take action on climate change.

Actions

Below are a selection of possible actions that can be made by businesses of all sizes. Choose those suitable for your business and then make a pledge to take action to show your company is a business climate champion.

• Turn off the lights. Switching off unnecessary lighting can reduce your lighting bill by around 19%.
• Install light control devices such as motion sensors or timers
• Invest in energy efficient lightbulbs. These use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer.
• Make good use of natural light by installing skylights and additional windows.

• Don't leave equipment on standby, this wastes a lot of energy.
• Turn off computers and printers at night and at weekends. Switching off a single computer that's normally left on 24 hours a day can save enough energy to make 35,000 cups of coffee.
• Turn off photocopiers. Leaving one on over night uses enough energy to print more than 1500 A4 pieces of paper.
• Install timers on machines such as printers/drinks machines/water coolers to ensure they are not left on over the weekend and overnight. These can save 70% on energy costs.
• Think before you print. Saving on unnecessary printing saves energy and trees.
• Buy A-rated energy efficient appliances for the company kitchen.

• Insulate your buildings. This helps to stop heat escaping, keeping your buildings warmer whilst using less energy.
• Turn down the thermostat by 1 oC. This can reduce the heating bill of typical office by 10% a year and save enough energy to print over 40 million sheets of paper.
• Turn off heating over the weekend and holidays.
• Close window blinds in the evening to keep in the warmth.
• Fit seals to skirting boards, doors and floorboards to minimise heat loss.
• Fit double-glazing or draught proof windows.
• Be sensible with air conditioning. It is a major expense and can double energy costs. Make sure it is only used when necessary by opening windows first. Avoid having it on at the same time as the heating and ensure it is turned off at night and over the weekend.

Transport

• Encourage staff to use public transport or to cycle or walk to work.
• Encourage lift sharing and car pooling.
• Invest in video conferencing facilities to minimise travel to meetings.
• Minimise flying if other forms of transport are available.
• Improve the efficiency of any company cars.
• Buy local products and materials. This reduces travel miles and also helps boost the local economy.
• Contact your local highway authority's Travel Plans Advisor for free local advice (find your nearest at www.ntwa.org.uk/default.asp?p=370)

Energy

• Switch to a green energy supplier such as Ecotricity or the Npower Juice scheme.
• Install renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines on your buildings or replace your existing boiler with a biomass boiler.

General

• Offset any remaining carbon dioxide emissions. You can do this by calculating your business emissions and then donating to schemes that will either plant trees to absorb your emissions or invest in renewable energy schemes on your behalf.

Be part of the solution - by applying a range of these actions your company will not only be tackling climate change but could also enhance your reputation and competitive edge.

Use the pledge page to show you mean business on climate change!

Together, business will tackle climate change.