Reducing the carbon footprint in companies: key to the environment

Jun 17, 2024 | Articles

Reducir la huella de carbono en las empresas, clave para el medio ambiente

Reduce Your Company’s Carbon Footprint

Reducing the carbon footprint in companies is now a crucial step toward building a sustainable future. Despite this, in 2022, only 40% of businesses in Spain had committed to cutting their emissions, according to the United Nations Global Compact. Without stronger action, global temperatures could rise by 2.6ºC by the end of the century, highlighting the urgency of transformation in sectors such as energy, industry, transport, construction, food, and finance.

Although 58% of surveyed companies claim to have environmental policies, only 41% implement effective measures. If your company hasn’t started yet, this article offers practical guidelines to measure your carbon footprint, define goals, and take meaningful action.

Understanding the Carbon Footprint Impact in Companies

Among greenhouse gases (GHG), carbon dioxide (CO2) has the most persistent effect, staying in the atmosphere and oceans for centuries. Other impactful GHGs include methane and nitrous oxide. Since 1990, these gases have increased radiative forcing—the imbalance between incoming and outgoing solar energy—by 43%.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), CO2 is responsible for 80% of this increase. In 2018, its concentration reached 407.8 ppm, setting a new record.

The carbon footprint quantifies all direct and indirect GHG emissions from individuals, companies, or products, expressed in CO2 equivalent (CO2e). This metric is key to understanding climate impact and aligning with global goals like the Paris Agreement.

Steps to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Companies

Reducing emissions is a vital part of environmental strategy. Here’s how your company can start:

Create a GHG Inventory

Start by documenting your organization’s emissions and absorptions through a GHG inventory. Use tools like the MITECO Carbon Footprint Calculation Guide. Emissions are classified as:

  • Direct (Scope 1): Controlled or owned by the company.
  • Indirect (Scope 2 and 3): Originating from energy use or external activities.

Define the operational and time boundaries of the inventory, often starting from a base year to track progress effectively.

Calculate Your Emissions

Two common methods help companies measure emissions:

  • GHG Protocol: An international standard covering six GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6). It promotes transparency and consistency and requires annual reporting.
  • OECC Tool: Provided by MITECO, this tool offers national emission factors and allows conversion into CO2e. It is especially useful for organizations not covered by the Carbon Footprint Registry.

Set Science-Based Targets

Establishing measurable and achievable goals is essential. Use frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), backed by the UN Global Compact, to align your emissions reduction with climate science. Only 20% of Spanish companies have public sustainability goals, so there is plenty of room for leadership.

Implement Carbon Reduction Measures

Once emissions are calculated and goals are set, implement concrete actions such as:

  • Energy Efficiency: Optimize processes and equipment to consume less energy, especially in sectors like food processing or pharmaceuticals.
  • Renewables: Transition from fossil fuels to solar, wind, or biomass energy sources.
  • Transport: Promote electric vehicles and teleworking to reduce travel-related emissions.
  • Waste Reduction: Launch recycling programs and reduce waste to lower emissions from disposal.
  • Carbon Offsets: Invest in reforestation or conservation projects that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

Monitor and Report Continuously

Carbon footprint reduction requires ongoing evaluation. Set up monitoring systems to track progress and adapt strategies when needed. Transparency in reporting enhances your company’s credibility and builds stakeholder trust.

Ultimately, reducing the carbon footprint not only helps combat climate change but also strengthens brand reputation and can lead to economic savings. It’s an investment in your company’s sustainable future.

Intersam: Helping Companies Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

At Intersam, we design and manufacture high-efficiency refrigeration and air conditioning systems for industrial and commercial use. Our technologies—air-water, water-air, and air-refrigerant—ensure optimal performance with minimal environmental impact.

We use eco-friendly refrigerants, recycle raw materials, and manage resources like water and energy responsibly. Our commitment to sustainability helps