After a company or organization’s greenhouse gas emitting activities have been identified and calculated, the next step is to implement reduction measures. Simple initiatives can actually make a big difference without necessarily requiring a big investment, and many actions actually benefit the bottom line.

Some options available to most organizations are included below:

Energy

• Having an energy consumption audit will help the organization identify what the energy consumption and costs of the facility are.  This information can be used to identify potential savings associated with this consumption and to develop measures to minimize costs. This can help increase the organization's energy supply security and reduce damage to the environment associated with energy waste and inefficiency.
• Committing to a renewable energy target: Nowadays more and more companies are getting aware of their carbon emission footprint and what it means for the environment. Switching to 100% renewable energies is one of the most popular actions companies and organizations are adopting.  Over 150 companies have made a commitment to go "100% renewable." Learn more about who these companies are and what actions they are taking to reach this goal.

Transport

• Allowing certain assignments to be done from a home office, in particular for staff members who live far away from work. According to research led by The Carbon Trust, working from home triggers a carbon footprint reduction from employees only if the commute between work and home is more than 7km (4 miles) by car, 11km (7 miles) by bus, or 25km (16miles) by train.
• Subsidizing public transportation: several cities have urban transportation systems that offer reduced prices to students and people who work. Having a reasonable discount encourages employees to take public transportation instead of using their own vehicle to get to work. 
• Using video conferencing instead of business trips: remote communication video conferencing platforms have rapidly become a regular necessity for different types of workplaces. Substituting business flights with a video conference can help a company save large amounts of money and emissions on air travel, with the benefit of meetings taking place in real time with more people present.
• Organizing carpooling initiatives between staff members living in the same neighborhoods. Additional to the individual reduction of carbon emissions from the vehicle, it helps reduce the amount of vehicles in circulation, reducing traffic and longer commutes for other travelers.

Management

• Adopting an environmental management system to create an environmental culture in the workplace in an organized way. Complementing this action with a voluntary certification enables the visibility of the organization's commitment of meeting its environmental responsibilities.
• Giving the office an energy upgrade with simple actions such as switching to energy-saving lighting, choosing energy efficient appliances, ensuring a good isolation and having regular maintenance of cooling and heating systems.
• Favoring digital files and signatures to avoid the use of paper. Common drivers and file clouds can substitute bulky filling cabinets and the need for printing. Sending e-mails and utilizing scanner apps can also cover the need for a fax or scanner machine.

Want more ideas?

Visit our Global Climate Action Platform to learn about hundreds of initiatives already happening in multiple sectors and countries. Find yours - or register!