Small Changes, Big Impact: 9 simple ways businesses can reduce carbon emissions

By Ann Deeley, Senior Account Manager

In today's world, the importance of even the smallest of changes when it comes to the climate crisis cannot be overstated.

Even as small businesses, we have a responsibility to minimise our carbon footprint and take what steps we can to contribute to a greener future.

While the overarching task of tackling climate change is daunting, implementing a few energy-saving practices across your business can be a good starting point. Consecutive changes can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

At &Smyth, we try to reduce emissions where possible and here are some of the steps we have taken, that can help to reduce your business’ environmental impact too:

Dark mode for digital devices

Using dark mode on devices can help to save energy, especially for businesses that rely heavily on computers and smartphones. Dark mode consumes less power, particularly on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life. A study conducted by Google in 2018 found that using dark mode on devices with OLED screens can save up to 63% of the screen's energy consumption at full brightness compared to light mode, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.

Review email subscriptions and digital detox

Reducing unnecessary email subscriptions not only declutters inboxes but also reduces the energy required to process, transmit, and store emails. Not to mention the satisfaction felt unsubscribing from newsletters and promotional emails that are no longer needed. Additionally, implementing designated "digital detox" days where non-essential digital communication is minimised can further help to reduce energy consumption.

Virtual meetings and events

Utilising virtual meeting platforms for conferences, client meetings, and events reduces the need for travel, which drastically cuts down on the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Embrace the convenience and environmental benefits of virtual communication whenever feasible and when travel is required, try to avail of public transport or biking options.

Cloud computing and server efficiency

Transitioning to cloud-based services reduces the need for on-site servers, which consume significant energy for cooling and maintenance. Cloud computing providers often operate more energy-efficient data centres, leading to overall energy and environmental savings for businesses.

Energy-efficient, refurbed IT equipment

Invest in energy-efficient computers (be sure to look out for energy efficiency ratings with A-F, with F being least efficient), printers, and other IT equipment, prioritising second-hand or refurbished options whenever possible. Not only does this extend the lifespan of electronics, reducing e-waste, but it also promotes circular economy principles. Additionally, encouraging power down on devices when not in use can help to further conserve energy.

Remote work and flexibility

According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as of 2019, transport accounted for around 20% of Ireland's total greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the largest contributors to Ireland's carbon footprint. Promoting remote working, bike to work schemes and flexible scheduling reduces the need for daily commuting contributing to these already high emissions figures.

Fewer employees in the office can also mean lower energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. If WFH or remotely co-working spaces offer the opportunity for businesses to share resources, such as office space and amenities, reducing overall energy usage and carbon emissions while fostering collaboration and networking within communities.

Sustainable packaging and shipping

If your business involves product shipping, opt for sustainable packaging solutions and practices. Use recyclable or biodegradable packaging whenever possible and choose shipping carriers with strong environmental commitments.

Green web hosting and design

We are always looking at ways to improve and one of the areas we are currently working on is researching web hosting providers that prioritise renewable energy sources for powering their servers.

Green web hosting companies such as GreenGeeks, utilise energy-efficient infrastructure and offset their carbon emissions, making them a better choice for hosting your business website. Additionally, if considering a site redesign - implementing sustainable web design practices can help to optimise your website's performance and reduce its environmental impact. This includes minimising file sizes, using efficient coding techniques, and optimising images and multimedia content for faster loading times and lower energy consumption by visitors' devices.

Continuous improvement and employee engagement

Finally, we recommend regularly assessing your business operations to identify areas for improvement in energy efficiencies and overall sustainability.

Employee participation can be encouraged by asking for feedback and on reducing carbon emissions and the companies environmental policies and activations. This will help towards building a culture within your business that fosters a sense of collective responsibility and drives ongoing progress.

By implementing these small yet impactful measures, businesses big or small can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future.

For more resources and information on how to make a positive impact on the environment as a small business check out the rest of the articles on our Climate Hub, here: www.andsmyth.ie/climate-hub