What do green buzz words really mean?

Jun 19 2007 by Helen Logan, Evening Gazette

WELCOME to our comment column in which leading figures from the business community in the region present a thought-provoking view on an issue affecting their company or organisation. Today, it’s the turn of Mark Burrows, resource efficiency specialist at Midas

QUESTION:

‘Carbon footprint’ and ‘carbon neutral’ are words frequently mentioned on the news, but what do they actually mean and how do they affect my business?

ANSWER:

Good question! These are the latest environmental ‘buzz words’ but their actual meaning for you and your company is rarely made clear.

Simply, being ‘carbon neutral’ means that your company does not have an adverse affect on the environment.

This can be achieved by minimising your carbon footprint wherever possible and paying an off-setting company who will compensate for the remainder of your carbon emissions by investing in projects such as tree planting and renewable energy technologies.

Marks and Spencer recently announced that it will become carbon neutral as part of its five year environmental policy, which also includes measures such as making polyester clothing from recycled plastic bottles instead of oil.

A carbon footprint is a measure of carbon dioxide units indicating the impact your company’s activities have on the environment in terms of greenhouse gases.

There are two parts to the footprint, primary and secondary, which measure different emissions of CO2.

The primary footprint is a measure of the direct emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels, for example heating the factory, employee’s transportation to work, lighting and so on.

The secondary footprint is a measure of indirect emissions of CO2, such as emissions from the supply chain including raw materials, office supplies etc.

A carbon label, which shows the carbon footprint embodied in a product in bringing it to the shelf, was introduced in the UK in March 2007 by the Carbon Trust.

Examples of products featuring a carbon label are Walkers Crisps, Innocent Smoothies and Boots shampoos.

There are many ways to reduce your own carbon footprint. Encouraging employees to use public transport, choosing a green energy supplier, using energy efficient equipment, reducing energy consumption, installing renewable energy technologies, choosing suppliers close to your site and recycling as much as possible are just a few good places to start.

Reducing your company’s carbon footprint has a number of business benefits.

Not only will it save money but it will also enhance your company’s reputation by appealing to the increasing numbers of consumers who prefer to buy from companies who are environmentally aware.

It will also demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility to clients and stakeholders, whilst providing an ongoing marketing opportunity to engage with new clients.

Funded by development agency One NorthEast, Midas is delivered by The North East Energy Initiative (TNEI) and is promoted in association with organisations including the Carbon Trust, Environment Agency, Envirowise and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.