From Volume 3 Issue 1 of Connected.
As the world becomes more aware of the impacts of climate change, individuals, businesses and governments are turning their attention to the concept of carbon footprint reduction. Reducing this footprint is not only an environmental imperative but also a step toward creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
A carbon footprint represents the sum total of all the greenhouse gas emissions that had to take place in order for a product to be produced or for an activity to take place, according to National Geographic. This concept encompasses emissions generated during various stages of a product’s life cycle, including production, transportation, consumption and disposal. Often, it is mistakenly viewed as an individual’s responsibility, but it should be considered on a larger scale, focusing on organizations and industries. This holistic approach helps us understand the true environmental impact of products and activities. National Geographic notes that the carbon footprint is not merely about what steps individuals can take but should be the concern of organizations as well.
Understanding the carbon footprint is vital for several reasons. It allows organizations to identify and comprehend their major sources of emissions, which is the first step toward minimizing emissions effectively. This knowledge is crucial in the broader context of mitigating climate change. Measuring a carbon footprint helps identify an organization’s challenges and potential opportunities for improvement. This process not only raises awareness but also provides a roadmap for change. Companies that take steps to reduce their carbon footprint can benefit from cost savings, improved public image and a competitive advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Reducing your carbon footprint requires a multifaceted approach involving collective action, structural change and conscious consumer choices. Strategies to reduce carbon footprints may include energy efficiency measures, transitioning to renewable energy sources, waste reduction and other environmentally conscious initiatives.
Energy-Savings and Efficiency
WHAT IS IT?
Utilizing more efficient methods of energy production and consumption allows manufacturers to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency while maintaining production and reduce overall energy expenditure on power. Improving energy efficiency leads to cost savings that allow each dollar spent on energy to go further than before, lowering carbon footprint and increasing plant utilization for power consumption. With the newest implementation of environmental standards in reducing energy-related carbon emissions, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that renewable energy and electrification can reduce 75 percent of CO2 emissions related to energy.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Nonrenewable resources such as oil, gas, coal and fossil fuels are finite in their capacity. As time goes on, these resources will become scarcer and cost more to harvest and consume. These traditional methods, while effective for power and capability, are ineffective for long-term sustainability and cost-saving initiatives. Renewables may have greater upfront costs to consider, but over time there is a significant reduction in overall energy consumption and more efficient energy production and utilization. Compared to some estimates, efficiency could reduce industrial energy consumption by up to 34 percent in many sectors. Implementing this initiative and utilizing clean energy equipment can translate into more efficient operations with higher cost savings. Clean energy equipment and practices will require less maintenance and operate at peak performance longer since the equipment will require less energy to complete the same function.
STRATEGIES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
One way to reduce carbon footprint with energy saving practices is to switch to more energy-efficient equipment. The more efficient the component/facility is, the less energy it consumes — ultimately resulting in energy and cost savings that help the bottom line. Updating obsolete equipment, improving heat dissipation and upgrading components such as drives, lighting and HVAC systems are all ways to allow components to run more efficiently and consume less energy. Upgrading high energy consumption components to more efficient versions will also reduce energy consumption and costs.