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GENERAL BUSINESS ADVICE

A third of the carbon emissions in the District come from businesses. Businesses, therefore, have a significant role to play in tackling climate change and are fundamental in promoting the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Some businesses are embracing climate change as an opportunity for increasing resource efficiency, strengthening their current position and developing new business directions.

Larger organisations are likely to be affected by legislation encouraging them to reduce their carbon emissions. Inevitably this will impact on small and medium sized businesses in their supply chains. It is, therefore, worth being prepared for these changes.

Even in difficult economic times it can still make business sense to act on reducing carbon emissions. In many cases taking action will save your business money and it can give you a competitive advantage.

General advice

It can be worthwhile using an Environmental Management System (EMS) to:

• give a structured approach to improving the environmental performance of your business,
• assist with ensuring that your organisation is compliant with relevant environmental legislation.
  

These systems consider more than just reducing greenhouse gas emissions although many of the measures that would be identified through using an EMS would help with this process.

There are several EMS systems such as the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme and ISO 14001. The Acorn scheme is better suited to smaller businesses as it allows phased implementation.

Another option is having a basic environmental survey of your business carried out.

• Several organisations offer this service, often for free.
• The survey identifies low cost measures and the payback period.
• Business Link website has a basic checklist which you can use to generate your own sustainability report with ideas on actions you could take.

Another place to start is by establishing the carbon footprint of your business.

• Understanding where your company’s emissions are generated can allow you to focus on the areas which provide the greatest opportunities for savings.
• The information can be reported to shareholders or customers to show that your organisation is addressing this issue.
• The Carbon Trust provides extensive information on this process and provides a basic tool for calculating your organisation's carbon footprint.

Home-based businesses form an important part of the District's economy. If you have a home based business, we have produced a guide on how you can reduce your environmental impact and reduce your carbon emissions.

The Council also runs a free Microbiz event to provide information for small businesses in the Horsham District, including environmental advice.