In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, businesses across all industries are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint. This commitment to sustainability isn’t just about altruism, it’s a strategic move that can attract and retain customers, and also help when procuring contracts.
In the tourism industry, like many others, the spotlight is on carbon emissions. Global tourism is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 8% of the world’s total. Consequently, businesses both big and small in this sector have a vital role to play in the shift toward sustainability.
Collective impact of small business
While individual small tourism businesses may have relatively small carbon footprints, collectively, their impact is substantial. These businesses together can significantly influence the planet’s health and work towards the global climate goal of halving emissions by 2030.
Sustainable procurement
Sustainable procurement involves incorporating environmental, governance and social aspects of corporate responsibility into procurement procedures and choices. Its primary goal is to minimise environmental impact and maximise positive social outcomes.
An example of sustainable procurement can be seen in companies such as Microsoft who are mandating their suppliers to disclose comprehensive emissions data across their operations as part of tendering for contracts.
But this is more than just using paper straws over plastic in your business.
Competitive advantage through sustainability
Demonstrating a reduced carbon footprint not only aligns with environmental goals, but also offers a competitive edge in the market. Increasingly, customers are prioritising sustainable practices when choosing where to spend their money. Businesses that visibly commit to sustainability initiatives are more likely to attract those environmentally-conscious consumers.
Reducing your carbon footprint
There are a number of ways that you can look at reducing your business’ carbon footprint, but first it may help to calculate your carbon footprint.
Carbon Halo have put together a handy Quick Business Carbon Calculator that you can use. You could also choose to engage a sustainability consultancy firm to help you work through your footprint.
One of the major ways that a business can reduce their carbon footprint is through harnessing the sun’s energy, with the implementation of solar power.
The benefits of solar
Unlike fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and pollutants when burned for energy, solar panels generate electricity without emitting harmful emissions, significantly reducing carbon dioxide and other pollutants that contribute to climate change.
Having solar installed on your business premises also minimises your reliance on centralised power grids and fossil fuel-based energy sources, giving you the added benefit of resilience against power outages and disruptions.
Over time, solar energy also offers cost savings in your business as your reliance on the power grid diminishes and your power bills decrease.
Reducing carbon emissions is a collective responsibility, but the importance of demonstrating this in order to gain a competitive advantage is something that businesses can’t ignore for much longer.
If you’d like to chat about how solar energy could work in your business, please get in touch: https://www.p4bsolar.com.au/contact/
