business matters
December 2021/January june/july2022 2019 business edge
Benefits of investing in green technology We have all heard it in the news, social media and all over the internet, the race towards net zero emissions is just a reality. Businesses around the world are becoming much more aware of the importance of implementing low energy manufacturing processes. However, the challenge remains how to adapt processes whilst remaining competitive. In this article, Sarim Shehzad, Amplicon Product Specialist, explains how you can take your business towards net zero and the benefits it will deliver. Sarim Shehzad, Product Specialist, Amplicon
What is the Greenhouse effect and carbon footprint? To begin with, we need to understand what the greenhouse effect is and how impactful it is for our planet. The greenhouse effect is a process that occurs when gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat. These heat-trapping gases are called Greenhouse gases and help keep the Earth at a habitable temperature — until there is too much of them. Sadly, carbon dioxide levels are at a record high negatively affecting the planet’s weather and climate systems. The rise of the amount of carbon emissions trapped in our atmosphere is causing global warming, an increase in the average temperature which leads to climate change. A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organisation, service, place or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. The greenhouse effect directly impacts the environment and human health through extreme weather events, pollution, glacial retreat and flooding, desertification, migration of species, food supply disruptions and shortages, spread of diseases and pandemics and many more negative side effects that are dangerous to the planet, to human and animal life, and therefore our future.
The benefits of reducing your business carbon footprint A smaller Carbon Footprint is good for the Planet and your wallet. Each of us can play a part in the race towards net zero. We can make a difference through changes in our daily habits, some will be easy, some may take planning, and others will even help you save money. But how?
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Say for instance, if you have high wattage light bulbs and big old boilers in your company, which consume twice or three times more energy than the modern bulbs or boilers, you could replace the old appliances, which will help you reduce your energy usage and save money. You can also look at how you handle the heating in your business, if you insulate your building and install double or triple glazed windows, you will be looking at less costs associated with your energy usage overall. Another interesting way you can go full green and save money is by installing solar panels, which is more of a long-term investment. Initially, it may cost you a great deal but overtime these solar panels tend to pay for themselves and maybe make you some extra profit as you can sell the electricity you create back to the grid.
How can companies reduce their carbon emissions? Businesses can consider taking small steps to begin their journey to net zero. Below you can find the list of actions that helped Amplicon reduce their carbon footprint by 35% through taking small steps that made a big impact.
Use of energy-efficient appliances:
Monitor and measure our energy usage with smart power meters
A good way to save money and contribute to the environment in by replacing old appliances with modern energy-efficient ones.
Run a car-sharing scheme where employees who car-share to work every day get free parking and those who do not, have to pay a parking fee
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Donate parking fees to the Woodland trust UK Green initiatives around the office: use of low power LED lights, energy-efficient heating, motion sensors, low power thin client pcs, Dyson hand driers, a filter water tap and loads of green plants that keep the air fresh. Strong recycling policy – including plastic, bottle tops, crisp packets, cardboard, clothing and paper, for instance a fully paperless accounts process (E-invoicing) WEEE collection for disposal Triple A rated appliances – fridges, copiers, fans, windows
How can businesses monitor their carbon footprint? Imagine you are at a point where you have done everything you could to go green, how will you monitor your contributions and efforts? The answer lies in technology, and more specifically, in the internet of things. With latest technologies and the “internet of things” you can monitor your Company usage and see historical data to see if there are any patterns. With all the data available to you, you can then analyse it and implement changes to become even more power efficient. In turn, you won’t be just saving money, but playing your role in saving the planet. www.amplicon.com
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