CRUNCHY CARROTS NET ZERO MISSION: COMPLETED
You may have heard the term Net Zero being thrown around recently, but what does it actually really mean? Simply put, going Net Zero will be achieved when there is a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it. To prevent worst case environmental damages, the governments across the globe aim to be completely Net Zero by 2050. We reach that goal when the amount we add, and the amount taken away, is balanced.
After attending events at COP 26 in 2021, our managing director Scott became interested in the concept. After speaking to experts from the University of Strathclyde (supported by the ERDF). He thought, f**k it, it’s the right thing to do and let’s get it done.
So that was how Crunchy Carrots has become net-zero, about 27 years in advance!
CRUNCHY CARROTS TAKES A BITE OUT OF ENERGY BILLS
Want to find out more about our journey? Take a look at our Managing Director, Scott, sit down and discuss going Net Zero.
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THE JOURNEY SO FAR
We embarked on our journey last year, and it was not a quick and easy task, however, we were committed to doing our bit for the climate. By achieving this, we would hopefully lead by example in the hope that other small local businesses would follow.
To kick off the journey, Business Energy Scotland assessed our efficiency here at our headquarters in Falkirk. After an audit, they recommended improving our energy efficiency, allowing us to reduce our GHG gasses and obviously reduce our bills! The suggested changes for us were to improve our insulation, double glaze our windows and door and install an air source heat pump.
See our Crunchy Carrots full footprint for reference.
By doing this, we reduced energy costs by a whopping 75%, reducing our CO2 emissions by 1.1 tonnes per year.
We have worked to bring down our carbon outputs to the lowest level possible and use offsets to reverse any damage done by our leftovers.
"f**k it, it’s the right thing to do and let’s get it done"
After a full audit by Strathclyde University, we now emit only 4 tonnes per year of carbon into the atmosphere. We did not want to stop there, so we have no offset our remaining carbon by planting trees, which account for 25 tonnes per year of carbon. Ultimately, we are carbon negative, which helps out other companies who may struggle to meet the net-zero goals.
Going Net Zero now is a no-brainer! Sustainability is a growing concern that is affecting the way consumers think and if you’re not doing your bit, your customers might go elsewhere. Around 19% of people have stopped purchasing from a certain brand because they do not practice sustainability. For many, being sustainable is an important factor when it comes to shopping and even applying for jobs.
For any other small businesses looking to go net-zero, our advice is go for it!
It is better to act now before legislation forces you. The process may seem daunting at first, but with the right resources and help it can be fairly straightforward. Not only does becoming Net Zero help the environment, but it also comes with advantages for your business-like saving costs.
Leading the way with immediate action comes with opportunities to capitalise on running an environmentally conscious business.
Big thanks to Renewable Heat, SDM Electrical, MF Decorators, Orchard Timber, Falkirk Carpets, Strathclyde University, Business Gateway and Business Energy Scotland.