A4.14 Carbon Management
Climate change is primarily attributed to the emissions of Carbon Dioxide and many now consider carbon management as being at the heart of tackling climate change.
There is also a business case for carbon management, due to legislative requirements, as a process to mitigate risks imposed by changing energy prices and as part of an overall environmental performance strategy. Through carbon management, businesses can also reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency and gain a competitive edge.
Reducing carbon is often related to reducing energy use and there are many simple ways to get started. For example:
- Ensure equipment is maintained and in good working order.
- Ensure industrial motors are high efficiency and with variable speed drives.
- Use compressed air at the lowest possible operating pressure.
- Ensure walls and lofts are insulated.
- Turn down the thermostat.
- Switch off lights when not in use.
- Leave space around radiators to allow the air to circulate.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Buy products with less packaging.
- Use public transport, walk or cycle.
- Drive a fuel efficient car and car share where possible.
- At home, put clothes outside to dry rather than using a tumble dryer.
- Grow your own fruit and vegetables.
- Buy local produce.
For an organisation to manage its carbon, it must know what carbon it produces. A widespread tool to achieve this is the Carbon Footprint.