2 Reasons Why Businesses That Care About Carbon Are Leading the Pack - Guest blog from the 8 Billion Trees Team.

Climate change awareness continues to increase. And as more information becomes available about ‘carbon footprints’ and how they are generated, many companies, governments and individuals are opting for greener solutions that can make a real and direct impact.

Although there are a number of factors to consider when businesses look to incorporate sustainability in their everyday operations, there are two major reasons that not only make long-term fiscal sense, but help ensure the planet’s health as well!

Reduce Operating Expenses Means Reducing Footprints .By utilising technology and recent innovations, companies are able to reduce the carbon footprint generated by everyday operations, and many of these new developments significantly reduce fixed and variable costs.

Green (aka renewable) electricity offers the biggest impact by eliminating the greenhouse gases produced by electrical use, since a large portion of the carbon footprint is energy use. 

Many sustainable practices also reduce waste, eliminating the costs associated with the garbage that ends up in landfills—which generates huge amounts of greenhouse gases—water usage, and other operations. Cloud technology helps significantly lower the reliance on paper, and upgrading taps, fixtures and toilets can reduce water consumption.

Switching to LED light bulbs will immediately save about 10 percent on electricity costs, and they last about 40 percent longer than traditional bulbs.

These and other sustainable practices combine to lower operational costs over time, leading to a healthier planet and bottom line.

Ultimately, while some of these options may have higher up-front expenses, over the long term they become significant ways to reduce operating costs...while allowing companies to take a bold action-oriented approach to environmental responsibility.

Utilise the power of social causes to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement.

With the widespread use and dependence of the internet, consumers are more knowledgeable than ever before. Many buyers deliberately choose companies that support environmental best practices, and look for businesses that go the extra mile to help protect and maintain natural resources.

Furthermore, having a strong focus on environmental responsibility and the social causes that accompany it (such as reducing extreme poverty in developing countries) can be powerful at giving companies the edge that ultimately drives consumers to side with the option that not only satisfies their needs--but helps save the planet as well.
Having a sustainability program in place is the first step, but supporting organizations and groups that work to combat climate change through tree planting and conservation activities have also been shown to create a favourable impression among consumers.

In 2007, about 50 percent of consumers said they prefer to buy from socially conscious, green companies. That number jumped to 88 percent in 2018 (source: Futerra)! In fact, more and more customers want to know the carbon footprint of the business they patron.

Introducing and carrying out greener practices don’t have to be super complicated. By making changes in small ways, businesses can improve their margins and know that their operations are doing their part to ensure that the planet stays healthy for future generations.
 
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