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Energy reduction has the potential to make a dramatic change in an increasingly demanding world.

Your business can help green initiatives as a matter of public policy while saving money. And the good news is you can start making some of these changes pretty much right now.

Making Small Changes

There is no overall huge change you alone can make. But your business can take smaller steps and make minor adjustments that, as a whole, will make a big difference. You can audit your energy usage to see where these changes need to be made. Yet even switching to LED high bay lights at your office will use up to 75% less energy than standard fluorescent commercial solutions. Of course, all companies are different, so this begins at the ground level moving on.

Company-Wide Efficiency

Once you have assessed your needs as a business, you can begin to implement company-wide policies and changes on your green journey. Some common policies that small and large companies alike have adopted include using device energy-saving features, natural insulation and cooling, and low-usage plumbing systems. Additionally, companies can explore renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to reduce their carbon footprint further. Of course, almost all changes come with an added cost initially. But the idea is that they save energy and money in the longer term. Businesses can also consider developing a comprehensive bid-winning Carbon Reduction Plan to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Such a plan usually outlines specific goals, strategies, and actions to reduce carbon emissions across various operations. By implementing a robust Carbon Reduction Plan, companies not only contribute to environmental conservation but also gain a competitive edge in securing contracts and partnerships with eco-conscious clients and stakeholders. Furthermore, businesses can explore sustainable transportation initiatives, such as encouraging carpooling or providing electric vehicle charging stations for employees. Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, as well as promoting eco-friendly procurement practices, are other viable options to incorporate into a company’s sustainable plan.

Energy Reduction and the Road to Net Zero

There are some that doubt net zero is even possible. If you aren’t sure what it is, it simply means completely replacing reliance on fossil fuels with sustainable, clean energy production. The aim is that the amount of carbon produced is equal to that of natural occurrence, negating all human-produced carbon dioxide. You can make changes in your business, such as using electric vehicles, programming heating systems, and signing up for energy efficiency programs.

Some Incentivised Changes

Like most things, your government will pay you for trying to make changes based on unrealistic goals they set. The UK government is a perfect example. As it stands, the UK is on track to miss every net-zero goal it has set, such as becoming net-zero by 2050. Yet it still offers incentives to go green to any business that waves its hands in the air. And you will pay 0% road tax on EVs. At the same time, you are penalised and punished for minor infractions such as plastic waste.

Make the Most While It Lasts

As mentioned, you will pay no road tax on any electric vehicles, private or commercial. This is a tempting offer and incentive to make the switch. But like Disney’s recent behaviour concerning first-party releases, this is something of a bait and switch. You see, the free road tax initiative is only set to last for another 2 years, after which you will have to pay. So coming into the game this late means you have lost out on the previous years worth of free tax and other incentives.

Summary

Your business will benefit from energy reduction and demonstrate commitment. Small changes can make a big difference towards net zero. But the best reasons and incentives are set to end.

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