Reducing carbon emissions isn’t a trend that’s going to be forgotten in six months. It’s now become one of the biggest focuses of any responsible business. From the biggest tech companies to small, local companies, businesses big and small are always looking for new and creative ways to cut their carbon footprint, prove their commitment to sustainability, and try to meet the expectations of increasingly eco-conscious customers.

The Push Towards Net Zero

Governments all over the world are talking about net-zero targets… but in most cases, businesses aren’t just complying, they’re actually the ones leading the charge, and consumers are now more interested in looking for brands that are more about sustainability than cheap services and products. In fact, a recent Deloitte survey found that more than 60% of people would actually go out of their way to spend money at an environmentally responsible business, which just goes to show that making eco-friendly choices isn’t just good for the planet; they’re good for the business.

Renewable Energy as the Standard

More companies are also starting to look at shifting over to renewable energy. Tech companies, manufacturing plants, and even hospitality businesses are starting to move away from the use of fossil fuels – and solar panels and wind turbines are quickly becoming the norm.

And everyone is jumping on board! Take the online gaming world, for instance. The data centres that power things like live streaming, gaming servers and even casino slot games take up massive amounts of electricity. More and more operators are now using renewable energy to keep everything up and running while minimising the impact they’re having on the environment.

Smart Recycling

One area that’s really changing is tech recycling – an industry we know well. The world’s biggest electronics manufacturers are investing huge amounts of money to develop closed-loop recycling systems. This essentially means that old smartphones, laptops, and servers aren’t just thrown in a landfill and ignored. They’re stripped of all the reusable parts, rare metals are extracted, and, where possible, components are given a second life.

And even smaller companies are doing their bit. Lots of SMEs are partnering with certified e-waste recyclers to responsibly dispose of outdated equipment. For businesses that rely on large data centres, energy-efficient servers, smart cooling systems, and modular hardware upgrades all help keep emissions down.

Green Office Spaces

Offices are also getting a bit of an eco-makeover. Companies are investing in more energy-efficient lighting, better insulation, and smart thermostats. Lots of companies are also putting into place hybrid working arrangements, which means there are fewer people commuting, so there are fewer cars on the road and lower emissions.

Offices are also now expected to be paperless thanks to inventions like digital signing software, cloud storage, and online collaboration tools… which save both trees and energy at once.

Sustainable Supply Chains

Companies are also greening up the supply chain. Big brands are starting to partner up with those who meet the highest and strictest sustainability standards. In the fashion world, for example, lots of labels are now starting to insist on organic fabrics, ethical sourcing, and reduced water usage during production.

The world of packaging is also being revolutionised, with companies cutting the use of single-use plastics and finding more innovative ways to get their products to customers with less waste.

Offsetting What Can’t Be Avoided

Of course, you can’t eliminate every emission, which is where offsetting comes into it. Companies are investing more in projects like reforestation and renewable energy projects. And although it’s not as good as proper emission reductions, they’re better than nothing!

The Road Ahead

Realistically, there’s no one, single action that’s going to magically cut out emissions overnight, and a real, long-term change needs an ongoing and consistent approach. But the good news is that more and more businesses than ever, big and small, are serious about the challenge and are dedicated to the cause. Customers, employees, and even shareholders are now starting to hold these companies accountable… demanding serious results and transparency.

For businesses, there’s one clear message… going green isn’t just about getting good PR, it’s good practice, and those companies that lead the way on sustainability today will be the ones leading the way in business tomorrow.