Reduce Your Company's Carbon Footprint

When it comes to carbon footprints -- estimations of the amount of carbon you, your business or a product add to the atmosphere -- smaller is definitely better.

But how do you shrink your company's footprint?

The first step is reducing your greenhouse-gas emissions. In order to do so, target a few key areas of your company's operations: energy use, commuting and business travel.

Energy Use

For most small businesses, energy use is second only to travel as the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint. To reduce your energy use and slash your electricity bills, follow these guidelines:

Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use. Even when they're off, many appliances continue to draw power. Try plugging your computer, printer and scanner into a single power strip, then turn the power strip off when you leave for the day.

Turn your thermostat down in winter (between 65 and 68°F during the day and 60 - 65°F at night) and up in summer (between 70 and 80°F during the day and 80°F overnight).

Switch to energy efficient bulbs such as CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

Upgrade your appliances to Energy Star-certified models, and consider investing in EPEAT-registered computers. EPEAT criteria require that registered computers eliminate materials such as cadmium, use a minimum amount of post-consumer recycled plastic and be Energy Star-certified. The manufacturers of EPEAT computers must offer take-back services for used computers and demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility.

Another way to reduce your company's carbon footprint is by switching to green power. Many utilities allow users to pay a small premium (e.g. 12 cents per kilowatt hour) to buy electricity from solar arrays, wind turbines or low-impact hydro-electric dams. Check with your utility company to see what options are available.