Your response to climate change will require assigning responsibilities to a carbon manager in the company. This will be someone skilled at developing carbon footprints, and identifying and implementing solutions to reducing those emissions. It need not be someone with any technical background, and they need not spend much time on this activity, if they make use of the resources on this website.
Management of carbon reduction strategies doesn't end with completion of projects. A key lesson from the building trade is that energy efficiency, carbon performance, etc can change appreciably over time as occupants change and the building and equipment age. Managing a reduction strategy, therefore, requires a system to ensure data on energy use - and hence carbon emissions - are collected throughout the lifetime of your business, allowing adjustments to be made as innovations come into the market or performance fails to meet your expectations.
The key here is ensure smooth hand-off of the responsibility for maintaining the carbon reduction "credentials" of each project in your business so they don't erode over time.
Why create a carbon management system?
The Business in the Community website provides a good description of why you want a system of carbon management in your business, along with excellent case studies from the world of industry and commerce:
- Improved understanding of the carbon dioxide emissions from your business
- Potential cost savings through operational efficiency
- Better ability to react to legislation and regulations
- Means to securing senior level commitment and company-wide support
- Improved reputation and brand enhancement
- Benefitting relationships with others with whom you interact
- Potential to identify new business opportunities
That same website is a valuable resource for ideas as to how you can put such a management system into effect in your business, with advice on:
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Making a company-wide commitment
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Appointing a carbon manager
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Communicating carbon management goals and strategies
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Assessing emissions and deciding on paths to reduction
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Setting targets to reduce emissions
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Setting an action plan to reach targets
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Providing training on carbon management
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Monitoring and reviewing plans
