Planning for Net Zero emissions is a comprehensive and long-term endeavour for any business and involves reducing or offsetting your organisation's greenhouse gas emissions to achieve a Net Zero carbon footprint. We have complied a list of the best ways to reduce your business’s impact on the planet.

Commit to Net Zero
Pursue a net zero emissions goal. This commitment is essential to drive change throughout your business but you need to make sure all of your staff know the long term plan for your sustainability. You should create or develop a strategy that outlines how you will achieve this goal and  should include a combination of emissions reduction and offsetting measures.

Assess Current Emissions
Conduct a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions report to understand your organisation's current carbon footprint. This should include emissions from energy use, buildings, transport and supply chain impacts.

Set Clear & Manageable TargetsO
nce you understand where your organisation is producing carbon emissions, you need to set specific, measurable and time-specific targets to achieve net zero. These  targets should align with the government’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2030.

Immediate Reduction of Emissions
Identify and implement measures to reduce emissions straight away, such as:

• Increasing energy efficiency in buildings and operations.
• Transitioning to renewable energy sources.
• Promoting sustainable transportation options for employees.
• Reducing waste and adopting circular economy practices.
• Implementing sustainable supply chain practices.
• Identify and invest in credible carbon offset projects that can help compensate for emissions that cannot be eliminated internally. These projects might include reforestation, afforestation, renewable energy projects, or methane capture initiatives.

Invest in Innovation
Explore innovative technologies and practices that can further reduce emissions and improve sustainability within your business, such us new manufacturing processes, computers with better preforming hardware and electric vehicles.

Continuous Improvement & Certification
Net Zero is an ongoing commitment that requires you to review and update your strategy to incorporate the latest best practices and technologies. Consider obtaining third-party certifications to demonstrate your commitment to Net Zero emissions and provide transparency to key stakeholders.

Reporting
Publish annual sustainability reports or disclosures to provide transparency on your emissions reduction progress and your journey towards Net-Zero.

The costs associated with Net Zero cannot be underestimated and business capital spending is set to become the highest in the next 10 - 15 years to enable organisations to help build a Net Zero economy.

Our loans can help set you on the path to Net Zero by enabling your business to invest in key areas such as new technology, building renovations, eco-friendly equipment and electric infrastructure.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you, https://www.bls.scot/contact-us/

Calculate your potential loan term and repayments here: https://www.bls.scot/loan-calculator/