Young Entrepreneurs Forum

[acquija]

In these tough economic times, is Going Green a luxury that should be avoided? No. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Customers and other businesses are increasingly speaking in terms of sustainability from their suppliers and service providers. Being sustainable and ‘going green’ is an advantage in these times, when people are increasingly aware of climate change and the warnings of global warming. Green brands are rising, and benefiting from relations with other like minded businesses and loyal customers.

Sustainability can also lead to greater efficiency and lower costs, causing greater fiscal returns. Decreasing your carbon footprint does not have to cost money. In fact, any initial outlays will be quickly reimbursed through energy savings and lower running costs. If a business’s energy costs are $10,000 per year, and the same business could save 40% of that cost, they would then only be paying $6,000 per year. It only costs an average of $800 for a retail or office business to offset their emissions. A business can ‘go green’ AND SAVE!

What is Carbon Trading?

Carbon trading, or carbon offsetting, is a way to balance or compensate for carbon emissions in one geographical place, with a reduction in emissions in another. Since it doesn’t matter where Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are emitted, as their effect on climate change is global, reducing emissions in Brazil or Italy is as effective as doing so locally. ‘Carbon emissions’ refers to carbon dioxide (CO²), and are a form of GHG, as is methane and nitrous oxide, but for most of us it is easier to think in terms of carbon emissions.

It’s completely voluntary, but in 2011 it will become compulsory for some industries. While we do need to reduce our personal carbon emissions and stop being wasteful, some emissions are currently unavoidable, so carbon offsetting is the way to compensate for those emissions we cannot stop.

There are many different kinds of carbon credits. Certified carbon credits are created by government approved abatement projects. These include projects such as harnessing landfill gas, reforestation and sequestration, and electricity consumption reduction.

Beware: because there are plenty of people claiming to produce carbon credits, but they are in fact not accredited, nor are they even measured properly. You might be paying someone for nothing.

And how much does it cost? Generally, a carbon credit is $20, though this will probably rise. The Government will be setting a cap on its carbon credits at $40. So, currently, if an average Australian small business emitting 20 tonnes of CO² wants to go ‘carbon neutral’, it would cost $400 per annum. The equivalent would be to plant about 80 trees.

What does Carbon Neutral mean?

Being ‘carbon neutral’ means that you have calculated your carbon footprint, and then eliminated the Greenhouse Gas you produce by purchasing carbon credits to offset your emissions.

But being ‘carbon neutral’ takes a little more responsibility than just offsetting. To become carbon neutral, especially for businesses, you need to reduce your carbon footprint first, and commit to continue reducing your emissions.

Check out the Australian Institute of Carbon Trading website at http://www.carbonneutralnow.com.au and get an accreditation for your website when you complete your offsetting.

[beerbelowzero]

Going green may not be an easy task but it can be done by taking one step at a time. Businesses should be engaged in the advocacy for this would benefit them greatly in the future.

[lisa]

Hi! I totally agree, going green is and will be growing in importance. In fact, being environmentally friendly is part of CSR of many companies, and I've read some empirical studies on how being socially responsible may win a company loads of new customers who will be willing to pay high prices for products made in good working conditions and not harming the environment. Moreover, apart from being a marketing strategy, going green may lead to real improvements in production processes etc., as shown e.g. by IKEA.

[summer55]

Start right, by going green is such a good thing, since it upholds sustainability that everybody needs in the future. So, companies or businesses who are doing this is such a great practice.

[barbaragabogrecan]

Green is that not an easy tasks you can face many problem. You have patience to take any decisions.

[barbaragabogrecan]

A Green Business is something to be proud of. By establishing such a business you are contributing to the well being of the Planet and of your fellow man. It doesn't matter if you are a consulting firm that advises others on the best ways to Go Green or if you sell merchandise that is "green", by adding your voice and your resources to the Eco friendly movement then you are doing the world a great service.

[sssallylane]

Becoming a green business is a great idea; I think that everyone will agree that the world is in bad shape environmentally, and we as corporate employees should all do our part. In the BPO industry, for instance, many companies are practicing green efforts in order to make their businesses sustainable. Here's an article that explains why call centers should go green, and what they can do to get started:

http://www.icmi.com/Resources/Articles/2010/April/Going-Green-Minimizing-the-Contact-Center-s-Carbon-Footprint.aspx

[barbaragabogrecan]

A Green Business is something to be proud of. By establishing such a business you are contributing to the well being of the Planet and of your fellow man. It doesn't matter if you are a consulting firm that advises others on the best ways to Go Green or if you sell merchandise that is "green", by adding your voice and your resources to the Eco friendly movement then you are doing the world a great service.

[Henry_Jakson]

I am agree with your discussion at carbon trading and your post is informative .You too can get in on the act by investing in 'green' business. Thanks!

[smith360]

This is true. Keep in mind that your growing concern for Mother Earth doesn’t need to become your brand.