Top 10 tips to reduce carbon footprint

There is a common goal among building owners, facilities managers,
executives and real estate developers - to have a building that works more
efficiently, sustainably and profitably. Reducing the company's carbon
footprint is a sure way to reach an important part of that target, writes Phil Gregory,   Senior regional executive Johnson Controls Global Workplace Solutions middle east & Africa

The benefits of operating efficiently and sustainably are increasing. Not
only does it improve an organisation's carbon footprint and its impact on
the environment but it also improves the corporate image. And by recognising
the importance of operating efficiently and implementing steps to become a
'green' organisation, the company immediately becomes a more desirable
business partner. Additionally, there are financial benefits achieved by
saving money through lower energy and operational costs.

The first step is to quantify the organisation's carbon footprint. Online
tools enable users to enter information about electricity, gas and diesel
fuel usage, fleet size and vehicle fuel consumption, and renewable energy
generation. The consolidated data then provides an accurate measurement of
the organisation's total carbon footprint.

The next step is to develop and implement a carbon management and
sustainability strategy. Installing more efficient heating, cooling and
lighting systems, building state-of-the-art central utility plants, and
deploying renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) solar
panels can all contribute to reducing energy consumption, fossil fuel
dependence and carbon emissions.

Another way to reduce an organisation's carbon footprint is to reduce the
real estate footprint. This can be done by consolidating where possible and
eliminating unneeded facilities. By reducing the square footage, the energy
usage and carbon emissions are reduced. Numerous other programs can be
implemented to conserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions - such
as recycling and using less paper.

Here are 10 ways to reduce an organisations carbon footprint to minimise its impact on the environment: 1.Consider investing in renewable energy technologies to become less
dependent on the grid - this is good for the economy, environment and energy
security. Using renewable energy technologies can increase owner revenue,
revitalise rural communities and reduce dependence on the power grid - all
without consuming natural resources or emitting pollution or greenhouse
gases.

2. Promote recycling - establish a recycling programme and distribute
recycling containers around buildings and/or campuses to encourage
separation of waste and recyclable items.

3. Make cleaning and maintenance greener - reduce the environmental
impact of in-building operations such as cleaning, pest management, and
maintenance by using more environmentally-friendly cleaning products and
organic, synthetic filters for equipment.

4. Host meetings with minimal environmental impact - host
environmentally friendly meetings that encourage telemeetings. In-person
meetings should be held at green hotels that serve pitchers instead of
bottles water, reuse name badges, and donate unused food to local food
pantries.

5. Offer telecommuting options to employees - establish a telecommuting
programme allowing employees to work from home 1-5 days a week.

6.Institute flexi time - encourage flexi time which will stagger
start/end times so that employees can avoid getting stuck in rush hour
traffic, use less gas and reduce carbon emissions.

7. Increase employee and student awareness - set up education sessions
for employees/students to share home/work trips to reduce their individual
and collective carbon footprints.

8. Support green vendors - use vendors and suppliers who embrace green
practices, i.e., buy local, purchase used office furniture, etc.

9. Modernise your fleet - update fleets with more environmentally
friendly vehicles where applicable and consider switching to electric and
hybrid vehicles.

10. Promote environmentally friendly commuting - establish carpool
initiatives for employees. Provide mass transit passes for employees. Reward
hybrid car owners with preferred parking.

Contact: 
Philip Gregory
,Senior Regional Executive,
Johnson Controls Global Workplace Solutions
Tel: 011 438 1600
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