HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN TAKE ACTION

5 actions businesses can take to mitigate climate risk

and capitalise on opportunities.

1. Set targets for reducing emissions

The first step towards reducing your carbon footprint is to measure it. There are online tools available to help you measure and analyse your carbon emissions.

Once you know your organisation’s emissions level, you can set a target to reduce your impact on the environment. Identify which activities are producing the highest pollutants and consider solutions to reduce emissions.

Setting ambitious goals, tracking progress, and maintaining momentum can establish a business as a sustainability leader, motivating employees and building consumer trust.

2. Improve energy efficiency

Enhancing energy efficiency in the office and business operations is another key climate action to lower your carbon footprint and save on power bills.

This may involve installing energy-efficient lighting, switching to electric or hybrid company cars, optimising air conditioning use, choosing greener equipment, and implementing energy management systems.

Explore commercial solar for your business to reduce your electricity costs while lowering your carbon emissions. Regional businesses can also find out more about switching to renewables.

Businesses today also have the unique opportunity to leverage technology to save energy, and more companies are adopting energy-efficient practices such as teleconferencing and work from home arrangements.

3. Cut down on waste

There are many ways businesses can help contribute to a more sustainable and less wasteful future for WA.

This can include reducing water consumption and improving water conservation such as utilising best practice water-efficient technology and educating staff. Learn about saving water and becoming a waterwise business.

Generate less waste by maximising reusing and recycling materials. Avoid unnecessary packaging or redesign products to use biodegradable packaging instead.

Get involved with Containers for Change at your workplace or business to reduce your environmental impact.

WA’s Plan for Plastics is banning a range of single use plastics to help reduce landfill and litter in the environment. The website provides a roadmap and resources for businesses to prepare for using less single-use plastics and adopting more sustainable alternatives.

4. Source sustainably

Sourcing sustainably can not only help tackle climate change but also contribute to the local economy. By choosing to source products and services from local suppliers, businesses can support local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses, which in turn can boost the local economy.

Consider adopting green procurement policies to encourage suppliers to implement sustainable practices. This can include choosing products made from recycled materials or that are manufactured using renewable energy, and avoiding products that contain harmful chemicals.

Support eco-friendly local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and promote responsible resource management, which could provide cost-savings in the long term while contributing to sustainability.

5. Educate and engage employees

Educating employees on climate change can promote a culture of sustainability within the workplace. When employees understand the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices at work as well as in their personal lives.

By communicating your climate actions and encouraging sustainable initiatives, you can demonstrate the business’ commitment to addressing climate change and stand out in a competitive job market when hiring new talent.