Reducing your business’s carbon footprint isn’t just about saving the planet. It’s also about saving money, building a brand people trust, and staying competitive in a world that’s moving toward sustainability fast. In this guide, we walk you through 30 key benchmarks that every business should know and aim for. Each benchmark gives you insight into how businesses can make real progress toward reducing their emissions—along with clear, actionable advice you can apply today.
1. Businesses are responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Why this matters
It might sound surprising, but businesses worldwide are the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases. From how companies produce goods, power buildings, transport items, and manage waste—every part of operations can add to carbon emissions. That means businesses also have the biggest chance to make an impact.
What you can do about it
Start by knowing your numbers. Calculate your current carbon footprint across all operations—offices, logistics, travel, supply chain. You don’t need to do it all manually. Use tools like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or partner with a sustainability consultant.
Once you have the data, identify high-emission areas. Is it energy use in your buildings? Travel? Production processes?
Set targets that are clear and achievable. Maybe reduce emissions by 10% in the first year. Make a roadmap that includes every department. Hold team leads accountable for progress.
Also, build a green culture. Encourage your employees to take part. Reward departments that meet sustainability goals. Share updates publicly—it builds trust with customers and shows you care beyond profit.
2. A typical office building can reduce its carbon footprint by 30% through energy efficiency alone
Why this matters
Buildings consume a lot of energy. Lights, HVAC systems, computers running all day—it all adds up. The good news is, office spaces can become much more efficient without big investments.
What you can do about it
Start with an energy audit. Many utility companies offer free or low-cost audits. They’ll tell you exactly where energy is being wasted.
Upgrade lighting. Switching to energy-efficient LEDs can cut electricity use fast. They last longer and reduce cooling needs too.
Get smart thermostats. These help regulate heating and cooling better, reducing energy waste when no one’s around.
Fix the basics—seal leaks in windows and doors. Insulate your ceilings and walls. Replace old windows with double-glazed ones.
Use power strips with timers. These turn off idle devices after work hours.
Talk to your team about turning off lights and equipment when not in use. Set up automatic lighting and computer sleep modes.
Make a checklist and update progress quarterly. Small changes add up quickly.
3. Switching to renewable energy can reduce a company’s emissions by up to 90%
Why this matters
Energy from fossil fuels is one of the biggest contributors to emissions. If your business relies on traditional power sources, you’re adding a lot to your carbon footprint without realizing it.
What you can do about it
Switching to renewables is easier today than ever. Start by checking with your current utility provider. Many now offer green energy plans. Even if it costs a little more, you make up for it in long-term savings and brand reputation.
Install solar panels if you own your building. Federal and state incentives can offset much of the cost. If you rent, talk to the property manager. If enough tenants are interested, they might consider shared solar solutions.
You can also buy Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). These prove you’re investing in green energy, even if it’s not powering your building directly.
Keep your team informed. People like working for sustainable companies. Highlight these changes in your marketing too—customers care.
4. LED lighting retrofits can cut lighting-related emissions by 50-70%
Why this matters
Lighting can eat up a large chunk of your energy bill, especially in large offices or warehouses. LEDs are a simple swap with a big payoff—not just in cost savings but in carbon reduction too.
What you can do about it
Walk through your space and take note of every light fixture. Then plan a retrofit project—replace old bulbs and fixtures with LEDs. Choose ones with the ENERGY STAR label.
Consider motion sensors in areas not used all day—like restrooms, storage, or conference rooms. Lights turn off automatically when no one’s around.
Don’t forget outdoor lighting. Parking lots and entrances often use outdated lights that suck up power. LEDs work better, last longer, and provide clearer lighting.
Work with an electrician or facilities manager. They can help you pick the right brightness and tone for each space.
Calculate the savings. Many LED projects pay for themselves in a year or two. Add that data to your sustainability reports.
5. Cloud computing reduces carbon emissions by up to 98% compared to on-site servers
Why this matters
Running your own servers takes a lot of power—cooling them, maintaining them, and keeping them running 24/7. But when you switch to the cloud, you’re tapping into systems that are way more efficient.
What you can do about it
Move your systems to trusted cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. These platforms are optimized to use energy wisely and run on renewable power.
Before making the move, map your data. Know which files, apps, and systems need to go to the cloud. Then migrate them step by step.
Make sure your IT team is involved. Choose cloud options that auto-scale resources based on demand. This reduces energy waste.
Use cloud-based software for email, project management, data storage, and even finance. You’ll not only reduce your footprint but also improve team flexibility and data security.
Train your team. Make sure everyone knows how to use the new tools properly so you don’t end up duplicating storage or wasting resources.
6. Transportation accounts for about 25% of business-related emissions
Why this matters
Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions for businesses. This includes company vehicles, employee commutes, and shipping products. Whether it’s flights, delivery trucks, or commuting cars, it all adds up fast. The good news is—there are clear ways to lower this number without hurting productivity or customer experience.
What you can do about it
First, take a look at how people and products move in your business. Are employees driving to work every day? Are delivery trucks running on fuel-inefficient routes? Is air freight your go-to for shipping?
Encourage remote work or hybrid models. Even two days of work-from-home per week can make a big dent in emissions. Offer commuting perks like bike storage, shuttle services, or public transport subsidies.
If your business relies on vehicles, start phasing in electric ones. Look into leasing EVs for your fleet—it reduces maintenance costs and cuts down fuel expenses too. You can also explore fuel-efficient options while you transition.
Rethink your delivery model. Can you batch orders? Partner with greener courier services? Use local suppliers to shorten distances?
If you fly frequently, use video calls instead. Save flights for only critical trips and choose airlines that invest in biofuels or carbon offsetting programs.
Track and measure everything. Set a goal to reduce transport emissions by a certain percent in the next 12 months.
7. Remote work can reduce a business’s carbon footprint by up to 54% per employee
Why this matters
Remote work isn’t just good for flexibility—it’s powerful for cutting emissions too. When people don’t commute daily, there’s less traffic, fewer cars on the road, and significantly lower fuel consumption. Multiply that across hundreds or thousands of employees and the numbers are staggering.
What you can do about it
If your team can do their work online, create a remote-first or hybrid policy. Start with two or three remote days per week. You’ll likely see happier employees and lower overhead costs too.
To make it work well, give your team the tools they need. Laptops, cloud software, secure logins, and strong communication platforms like Slack or Zoom.
Set up clear work expectations and check-ins. Remote work doesn’t mean less productivity—it just needs structure.
Consider the carbon savings and include them in your sustainability reports. You can even create a calculator for employees to see their personal impact by skipping the commute.
Also, look at reducing your office space if most people are remote. Downsizing means less energy use, fewer resources, and lower emissions.
8. Electric vehicles produce 60-70% fewer emissions over their lifecycle than ICE vehicles
Why this matters
Gasoline-powered cars and trucks release a lot of carbon—not just while driving, but in the production and maintenance process too. Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) helps you reduce long-term emissions, especially as the grid gets cleaner.
What you can do about it
If your business owns or leases vehicles, EVs are a smart upgrade. Start by identifying which vehicles are ready to be replaced. Focus on those with the highest mileage or fuel costs.
Look into incentives—many regions offer rebates, tax breaks, and grants to businesses for buying EVs or installing charging stations.
Plan charging infrastructure. If your team parks at your facility, install a few chargers. Some suppliers offer installation at little or no cost if you lease a set number of vehicles.
Train your drivers. EVs perform differently, and teaching people how to maximize battery efficiency can go a long way.
If you rely on delivery or transport partners, ask about their fleet. Partner with vendors who are also transitioning to electric.
Track the data. Show how fuel costs dropped. Show how emissions dropped. Use this in your marketing too—it sends a powerful message to customers.
9. Energy-efficient HVAC systems can cut emissions by 30-40%
Why this matters
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use a huge chunk of energy—especially in big offices or warehouses. Older systems are not only inefficient, they’re also expensive to run. Upgrading can make a big difference to both your carbon footprint and your utility bill.
What you can do about it
First, get an energy assessment of your current HVAC system. If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s probably due for an upgrade.
Install high-efficiency units that carry ENERGY STAR ratings. These systems are designed to use less energy without compromising performance.
Use smart thermostats. They learn your patterns and adjust heating or cooling automatically. You’ll avoid wasting energy during evenings, weekends, or in unused rooms.
Make regular maintenance a priority. Clean filters, check for leaks, and ensure the system is calibrated properly. A well-maintained system can reduce energy waste dramatically.
Look into zoning systems. These allow different parts of your building to be heated or cooled separately. That means you’re not blasting cold air into a room no one’s using.
Lastly, train your employees. If someone’s using a space heater under their desk in summer or opening windows when AC is on, it’s a sign your HVAC system needs a tune-up.
10. Green building certifications (like LEED) can reduce operational emissions by 35%
Why this matters
LEED and other green building certifications aren’t just for show. They follow strict guidelines that ensure buildings are energy-efficient, resource-smart, and environmentally friendly. Certified buildings use less power, water, and materials—all of which translate to lower emissions.
What you can do about it
If you’re building or renovating a space, aim for certification. Talk to your architect or contractor early about LEED, BREEAM, or WELL standards.
For existing buildings, start with a green retrofit. Use low-flow plumbing fixtures. Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting and HVAC. Use materials with recycled content. Make sure your building is properly insulated.
Track water and energy usage. LEED requires detailed reporting, which helps you monitor your performance over time.
Involve your employees. Add green signage to remind people to turn off lights, recycle properly, and report leaks.
Also, let your customers know. A LEED-certified space isn’t just a badge—it’s proof that you’re committed to sustainability. Use that in your messaging, job postings, and investor communications.
11. Paperless offices reduce emissions by an average of 1.45 tons of CO₂ per year per employee
Why this matters
Paper might seem harmless, but printing, storing, and transporting paper documents adds up quickly. Every ream of paper uses trees, water, chemicals, and energy. Going paperless is one of the fastest and simplest ways for businesses to cut emissions—and improve efficiency at the same time.
What you can do about it
Start small. Identify where paper is being used most—billing, contracts, HR, or internal memos. Then explore digital alternatives for each.
Switch to cloud-based document storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. Use e-signature tools like DocuSign or HelloSign to eliminate printed contracts.
Train employees on new systems. Set a company policy that encourages digital over print. Let people know they won’t be penalized for not printing meeting notes or reports.
Stop printing internal emails. Most of them are outdated by the time they’re filed. Use communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to cut down even more.
Digitize old records. Use a scanner and OCR (optical character recognition) software to create searchable files from paper archives.
Make printing inconvenient. Remove personal printers, set printers to double-sided mode by default, and track printing habits with print management software.
Reward teams or departments that reduce paper the most over a quarter. Recognize these efforts to motivate others.
12. Carbon pricing leads to an average 12% reduction in emissions across firms
Why this matters
Putting a price on carbon forces companies to think twice about their emissions. When emissions come with a cost, businesses find ways to cut them. Whether through internal programs or government-led systems, carbon pricing creates accountability.
What you can do about it
Even if your business isn’t in a region with official carbon pricing, you can introduce your own internal carbon cost. Assign a dollar value to each ton of CO₂ emitted and include it in project evaluations.
This makes departments rethink travel plans, equipment upgrades, or energy use. It helps teams understand the hidden costs of emissions.
Use this pricing to guide decisions. When comparing two suppliers, factor in their carbon impact. When planning product lines, consider emissions per unit sold.
You can also invest that money in your sustainability projects. For example, if your internal carbon price generates $50,000 in theoretical “costs,” allocate that toward solar panels, EVs, or employee training.
Track emissions reductions quarterly. Share the numbers with your team. Show them that the system is working and driving better choices.
If you’re in a region with carbon taxes or cap-and-trade, make sure you’re compliant and explore ways to lower your liability.
13. Circular economy practices can reduce industrial emissions by 45% by 2050
Why this matters
A circular economy keeps materials in use longer. Instead of the old take-make-dispose model, businesses reuse, refurbish, and recycle. This reduces demand for raw materials, lowers waste, and slashes emissions across the entire value chain.
What you can do about it
Start by examining your products. Can you design them for durability, repair, or reuse? Look at packaging. Can it be returned or reused? Can it be made from recycled materials?
Rethink your waste. What’s being thrown out that could be used again or sold to another business?
Partner with vendors who follow circular practices. Use recycled inputs, compostable packaging, or refurbished parts. Share these changes with customers—they love brands that are smart about waste.
Set up product take-back schemes. Encourage customers to return used goods for recycling or reuse. Offer discounts or loyalty points as incentives.
Train your design team to think circular. Every new product launch is a chance to rethink the way you use materials.
Keep track of how much waste is avoided, how much material is reused, and how much emissions are saved. These are powerful metrics for investors and customers.
14. Carbon offsetting through verified projects can achieve up to 100% net emission reduction
Why this matters
Even after making all possible changes, most businesses still have some unavoidable emissions. That’s where carbon offsets come in. They let you support projects that remove or reduce CO₂ elsewhere—like reforestation, wind farms, or methane capture.
What you can do about it
Use offsets as the last step in your emissions strategy—not the first. Always reduce what you can internally first.
Choose verified offset providers. Look for Gold Standard, Verra (VCS), or Climate Action Reserve certifications. These ensure the projects are real, measurable, and effective.
Decide what kind of projects align with your brand. A coffee company might invest in agroforestry. A logistics firm might support clean cookstoves in developing countries.
Calculate your remaining emissions accurately. Don’t guess. Use tools or consultants to get a reliable number.
Offset on a regular basis—monthly or annually. This keeps your sustainability plan consistent and transparent.
Share the story. Let customers know what projects you’re supporting. Create visual content or case studies that show the real-world impact.
Eventually, work toward becoming carbon neutral or even climate positive.
15. A 1°C increase in data center cooling efficiency can result in a 4-5% energy savings
Why this matters
Data centers are the backbone of modern business—but they also use a lot of power, especially for cooling. Small tweaks in temperature can lead to big savings without putting your systems at risk.
What you can do about it
Check your server room or data center temperature settings. Many are set colder than necessary. The recommended range for server rooms is 18–27°C (64–81°F). Aim for the higher end of that range if possible.
Use blanking panels and hot/cold aisle setups. These manage airflow more effectively and prevent overcooling.
Install sensors to track temperature and humidity in real-time. Adjust cooling as needed rather than using a fixed system all day.
Consider air-side or water-side economizers. These use outside air to cool your servers during cooler months, cutting down mechanical cooling use.
If you use a colocation facility or cloud provider, ask about their energy efficiency measures. Choose vendors that use green power and efficient cooling systems.
Track energy use before and after making changes. Share results with your team—it builds a case for future upgrades.
16. Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions) often account for up to 80% of a company’s total footprint
Why this matters
Scope 3 emissions are the ones you don’t directly control but still influence. This includes everything from supplier emissions to customer product use, business travel, waste disposal, and even employee commutes. For many companies, these emissions are the largest piece of the puzzle—yet often the least managed.
What you can do about it
Start by mapping your Scope 3 emissions. This can seem overwhelming, but break it down by category. Use the GHG Protocol’s Scope 3 Standard as a guide. Look at your purchases, how your products are used, how waste is handled, and how people travel.
Talk to your suppliers. Ask about their carbon practices. Choose partners who use clean energy or reduce packaging. If your biggest supplier has poor environmental practices, it becomes your problem too.
Rethink business travel policies. Encourage virtual meetings. Set emissions targets for travel-heavy departments. Offer alternatives when flying isn’t necessary.
Make your products more energy efficient. The longer and more efficiently a product is used by a customer, the less its carbon footprint per use.
Educate your customers. Encourage them to recycle or reuse packaging. Provide product take-back programs or repair options.
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Pick the top three categories with the highest emissions and focus there first. Track progress year-over-year.
17. Lifecycle emissions of plastic packaging are 3.8 times higher than reusable alternatives
Why this matters
Single-use plastic packaging might be cheap and easy, but it’s one of the most carbon-intensive choices out there. From production to disposal, plastics rely on fossil fuels, and many end up incinerated or in landfills. Reusable alternatives drastically lower these emissions over time.
What you can do about it
Audit your packaging. What materials are you using? How often are they single-use? Where do they end up after customer use?
Switch to reusable or refillable packaging. This might include returnable containers, durable shipping boxes, or even deposit-refund systems.
If reuse isn’t practical, use recycled or biodegradable materials. Avoid plastic blends that are hard to recycle. Stick to one or two materials per package to keep it simple for recycling systems.
Design for minimalism. Less material used means less carbon emitted. Aim for light, strong, and simple.
Work with your branding team. Make eco-packaging part of your message. Let customers know their purchase isn’t adding to plastic waste.
Test new materials in pilot runs. Track performance and customer feedback. Refine and scale what works.
18. Supply chain emissions can be 5.5 times larger than a company’s direct emissions
Why this matters
Your business might run on clean energy and efficient buildings—but if your suppliers don’t, your overall footprint is still massive. Supply chain emissions are usually invisible until you dig into the data. And once you do, they often outnumber everything else.
What you can do about it
Start with transparency. Ask suppliers about their energy sources, emissions policies, and environmental targets. Make sustainability part of your procurement criteria—not an afterthought.
Use supplier questionnaires or sustainability rating platforms. Set expectations for carbon reporting in contracts. It helps you collect data without chasing emails.
Consolidate your supplier base. Fewer, better suppliers mean better oversight and more influence.
Prioritize local sourcing. Shorter supply chains mean less transport, faster turnaround, and lower emissions.
Create a supplier code of conduct. Include environmental performance metrics and goals. Provide training or tools to help smaller suppliers comply.
Reward top performers. Feature them in your annual report. Offer longer contracts or better terms. Positive reinforcement works.
19. Teleconferencing instead of business travel can reduce emissions by 94%
Why this matters
Flights, hotel stays, taxis—it’s all carbon-intensive. Business travel is one of the easiest areas to cut emissions fast. With modern video conferencing, many trips just aren’t needed anymore. And you don’t have to sacrifice relationship-building to do it.
What you can do about it
Audit your travel over the past year. How many trips were essential? How many could’ve been calls?
Create a travel policy that prioritizes virtual meetings first. Set a rule: if a meeting can happen effectively online, it should.
Use reliable platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Invest in good webcams and mics for your team. The better the experience, the more people will choose it.
Encourage remote conferencing for conferences too. Many events offer hybrid attendance options. You’ll save money and emissions.
Track the carbon saved. For example, skipping a domestic flight saves roughly 500 kg of CO₂. Multiply that across your team.
Still need to travel? Offset the emissions, choose non-stop flights, fly economy, and book with airlines using sustainable fuels or practices.
20. Sustainable procurement policies reduce emissions by 10-30% in the supply chain
Why this matters
Every purchase your company makes has a footprint. From the paper in the printer to the machinery on the floor—procurement decisions shape your emissions profile more than you might expect. Adopting a sustainable approach gives you control over that footprint.
What you can do about it
Build a sustainable procurement policy. Start with clear goals: prioritize low-carbon materials, recycled content, ethical sourcing, and low-waste packaging.
Work with procurement and finance teams. Make sustainability part of the cost-benefit analysis. What may cost slightly more upfront could save on emissions, disposal, and reputation damage later.
Create a preferred vendor list with sustainability standards baked in. Vet new vendors based on environmental performance, not just price.
Communicate expectations. Let suppliers know that eco-conscious practices matter and will be considered during contract renewals.
Set minimum standards for key categories—like using FSC-certified paper, ENERGY STAR-rated electronics, or ISO 14001-certified manufacturing partners.
Review and update your policy annually. Technology, materials, and standards change. Stay ahead.
Track improvements over time. Look at the carbon impact of your top 10 purchases. Set a goal to reduce emissions from those items year after year.
21. Using recycled materials can reduce emissions by 30-80% depending on the material
Why this matters
The process of extracting and refining raw materials takes a lot of energy—and that means a lot of emissions. Recycled materials use far less energy to produce, making them a powerful tool for businesses aiming to cut their carbon footprint.
What you can do about it
Start with a materials audit. What are you using in your products, packaging, and operations? For each material, check if recycled alternatives are available.
Paper, aluminum, steel, and plastic are easy wins. For example, recycled aluminum uses about 95% less energy than new aluminum. Recycled paper cuts energy use by around 60%.
Work with suppliers that specialize in recycled content. Ask for proof of material sourcing and look for certifications like FSC, Recycled Content Standard, or EcoLogo.
Design with recycled inputs in mind. Recycled materials often behave differently than virgin ones, so test your prototypes early and tweak designs accordingly.
Use labels to tell your story. Consumers respond well to products made from recycled goods. Make it visible on packaging and in product descriptions.
Track progress. Set targets for increasing recycled content year over year. If you’re at 20% now, aim for 50% over the next 2 years. Every bit helps.
22. Improving logistics and routing can cut fleet emissions by 10-20%
Why this matters
Whether you’re delivering goods or managing field services, your fleet’s routing strategy can make or break your carbon footprint. Unoptimized routes waste time, fuel, and money—and increase emissions unnecessarily.
What you can do about it
Start with route optimization software. These tools analyze real-time traffic, delivery windows, and vehicle capacity to find the most efficient routes. Tools like Routific, OptimoRoute, or even Google Maps for Business can work wonders.
Train your drivers in eco-driving techniques. Smooth acceleration, avoiding idling, and steady speeds can lower fuel use significantly.
Track vehicle performance. Use telematics to monitor fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and driver behavior.
Schedule deliveries to reduce peak-hour traffic. The less time your trucks spend stuck in jams, the less fuel they burn.
Keep your fleet maintained. Proper tire inflation, regular engine checks, and oil changes all improve fuel efficiency.
Combine deliveries where possible. If one vehicle can handle what two used to, you instantly halve the emissions for that job.
Measure your fleet emissions monthly. Celebrate drops, investigate spikes, and set stretch goals.
23. Corporate sustainability reporting is associated with an 11% lower carbon intensity
Why this matters
Transparency drives action. When companies report their carbon footprint publicly, they tend to improve faster. That’s because it creates accountability and invites scrutiny from customers, investors, and regulators.
What you can do about it
Don’t wait for a legal requirement—start reporting now. Begin with a simple sustainability or ESG report. Outline your goals, your current footprint, and what actions you’re taking.
Use frameworks like GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) or SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) to structure your report. These are recognized globally and offer solid guidance.
If you’re just starting, focus on your most material emissions—typically energy use, travel, and purchasing. As your reporting matures, add more categories like water, waste, and Scope 3 emissions.
Set measurable goals. “We aim to cut emissions by 20% by 2026” is more powerful than “We care about the environment.”
Publish your report on your website and share it with employees and stakeholders. Update it annually, and track your year-over-year improvements.
Use the report as a foundation for carbon reduction strategy, budgeting, and internal communications. It keeps the mission front and center.
24. Carbon capture technologies can reduce industrial emissions by up to 90%
Why this matters
For industries that can’t eliminate emissions entirely—like cement, steel, and energy—carbon capture offers a promising solution. These systems trap carbon dioxide at the source and store it underground or reuse it, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
What you can do about it
If you’re in a heavy-emission industry, stay up to date with carbon capture options. New technologies are becoming more scalable and cost-effective each year.
Partner with research institutions or startups exploring capture and storage solutions. Many offer pilot programs or partnership opportunities.
Check if government grants or tax incentives are available for installing carbon capture systems. Several regions support innovation in this space.
Explore carbon utilization. Some captured CO₂ can be used to make products like concrete, fuels, or even carbon-negative plastics.
Train your team. Operating capture systems requires technical expertise. A skilled workforce makes implementation smoother.
If you’re not ready to install systems yourself, invest in carbon capture projects through verified offsets. It’s not a permanent solution—but it’s a step in the right direction.
25. Solar panel installations reduce grid electricity emissions by 90% per kWh used
Why this matters
Solar energy is clean, abundant, and increasingly affordable. When you power your business with solar, you dramatically reduce your reliance on fossil-fueled grid electricity—and your emissions go way down.
What you can do about it
Start with a solar feasibility study. Evaluate your building’s roof size, orientation, and sunlight exposure. Solar installers can do this quickly, often for free.
Check for incentives. Many governments offer tax credits, grants, or rebates for solar installations. These can cut your upfront costs by 30–50%.
Decide on ownership. You can buy panels outright, lease them, or use a power purchase agreement (PPA) where you pay only for the electricity produced.
Combine solar with battery storage. This lets you use solar power even when the sun isn’t shining and offers backup during outages.
Monitor your system with solar dashboards. Track how much energy you generate, how much you use, and how much you save. Share the stats in your sustainability report.
Promote your solar use. Add signage, website updates, and window decals. Customers love to support businesses that invest in clean power.
26. Energy management systems can reduce consumption by 20% on average
Why this matters
Many businesses use more energy than they need—often without realizing it. Lights left on overnight, machines running at half capacity, inefficient heating schedules—it all adds up. Energy management systems (EMS) provide the visibility and control needed to fix that.
What you can do about it
Install an EMS that tracks your energy use in real time. These systems can monitor lighting, HVAC, machinery, and more. Look for ones that provide dashboards, alerts, and automation features.
Once installed, use the data to identify waste. Are certain areas using energy when no one’s there? Are some machines consuming more than expected?
Automate what you can. Set up schedules for lights, HVAC, or water heaters. Install occupancy sensors. Use smart plugs for equipment that doesn’t need to run all day.
Involve your team. Share insights from the EMS with your staff. Let them see how their actions impact energy use. Set friendly challenges or goals for departments to reduce their consumption.
Use the EMS to build a baseline, then track improvements over time. Share results with stakeholders. It shows progress, saves money, and builds your brand.
27. Switching to plant-based catering can reduce food-related business emissions by 50%
Why this matters
Food has a footprint—especially meat and dairy. Events, cafeterias, and staff lunches all play a role. By offering more plant-based options, you can slash emissions without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
What you can do about it
If you provide meals or host events, start by offering plant-based alternatives alongside traditional options. Partner with caterers who specialize in vegetarian or vegan menus.
Educate your team. Host a plant-based lunch day or bring in a speaker to share the environmental benefits of a plant-forward diet.
Stock your kitchen with plant-based staples—non-dairy milk, veggie snacks, meat-free frozen meals. Small switches make a big impact over time.
If you run a cafeteria, clearly label low-emission meals and promote them. Use creative names and descriptions. People are more likely to try new things when they sound appetizing.
Track the uptake. See how many employees choose plant-based meals. Survey satisfaction and tweak the menu as needed.
Celebrate wins. If your team avoids 100 pounds of beef in a quarter, translate that into saved emissions and water use. Make it tangible and rewarding.
28. Employee engagement programs in sustainability can reduce emissions by 5-10%
Why this matters
Your people are your biggest asset—and they can also be your secret weapon in reducing emissions. When employees feel involved and empowered, they come up with ideas, make smarter daily choices, and inspire others to act.
What you can do about it
Start by forming a green team. Invite volunteers from across departments to brainstorm and lead sustainability projects. Give them a small budget and time to meet regularly.
Run challenges or campaigns. For example, a “power down” week where everyone turns off unused devices. Or a “low-carbon commute” month with prizes for biking or using public transport.
Educate through workshops, webinars, or guest speakers. Help your team understand the connection between their work and the environment.
Recognize contributions. Give shoutouts in newsletters. Offer incentives or awards. People are more likely to stay involved when their efforts are noticed.
Let employees pitch ideas. Maybe it’s a composting bin in the breakroom or a more efficient printer setup. Implement the best suggestions and give credit where it’s due.
Keep the conversation going. Share updates regularly. Make sustainability part of your culture, not just a one-off campaign.
29. Smart building technologies can reduce energy use by 10-25%
Why this matters
Smart buildings aren’t just for tech giants. From sensors to automated systems, even small businesses can adopt smart solutions that optimize energy use and reduce emissions—without needing a complete renovation.
What you can do about it
Begin with lighting. Install motion sensors in areas like restrooms, hallways, and storage spaces. Add daylight sensors that dim lights when there’s natural light available.
Use smart thermostats that learn your patterns and adjust heating and cooling automatically. They can also respond to occupancy, weather, and energy prices in real time.
Upgrade to smart plugs and power strips. These can turn off devices overnight or on weekends without manual intervention.
Consider building automation systems (BAS) if you manage a larger space. These systems control HVAC, lighting, and other systems from a central dashboard.
Monitor usage trends and tweak settings. You’ll often find opportunities to save more by adjusting based on real-world behavior.
Integrate with your EMS and sustainability reporting. Show how smart tech investments are paying off—financially and environmentally.
30. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) leaders report up to 20% lower emissions intensity than peers
Why this matters
Companies that take ESG seriously don’t just talk about sustainability—they build it into every decision. That holistic approach leads to lower emissions, better resilience, and stronger reputations.
What you can do about it
Develop a robust ESG framework. Start by identifying your material risks and opportunities. Engage stakeholders, review industry standards, and map out a roadmap.
Set bold, clear emissions targets. Align them with global benchmarks like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Publish your progress in an annual ESG report.
Make ESG part of executive strategy. Tie executive compensation or team KPIs to sustainability outcomes. This ensures follow-through at every level.
Engage your board. ESG oversight should be regular, strategic, and tied to long-term value—not just compliance.
Join ESG rating platforms like MSCI, Sustainalytics, or CDP. These scores impact how investors, customers, and partners view your business.
Build trust with transparency. Share not just wins, but challenges. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Conclusion
Reducing your carbon footprint isn’t just an environmental gesture—it’s a smart business strategy. Every one of the benchmarks you’ve just read proves that sustainability and success go hand in hand. Whether it’s switching to LEDs, embracing remote work, optimizing logistics, or building a culture around green values, each step lowers emissions and adds value.
