Tips For Preparing Your Business For Climate Change

Thursday 11 October, 2007

by NSW Business Chamber

The benefits of early action on climate change are reduced costs, improved public image and reduced impacts of future compliance requirements. As importantly, it will mean profits and growth, and gaining a competitive edge.

1. Review where the business uses electricity and for quick wins, you can:
   
   
   • Turn lights off
     
   • Install motion detectors and lower voltage lighting
     
   • Activate ENERGY STAR on office equipment, which can reduce energy use by 50%
     
   • Replace regular computer monitors with flat-screens
     
   • Ensure new equipment has high energy efficiency
     
2. Consider what customers and consumers think when they see your premises: does it look like you use more water, electricity or produce more water waste than you should?
   
3. Ask your employees what they think about climate change; if someone has an interest or passion in the subject, get them to assess the risk and opportunities your business has.
   
4. Discuss the segregation of recyclables with your waste service provider and implement initiatives (e.g. more recycle bins, staff training etc.)
   
5. Consider fleet and transport issues such as engine size, travel routes and geographic location
   
6. Itemise areas where resource inefficiency occurs (including raw material waste, internal recycling and re-work streams etc.) and involve staff in considering how efficiencies may be improved.
   
7. Ensure fuel fired equipment is regularly serviced.
   
8. Research how customer preferences or supplier requirements in your industry may change and take early action to be prepared.

Source:ceoonline.com