Now every business can calculate its carbon footprint

The Carbon Trust unveiled its online carbon calculator for businesses, which it said would allow companies to quickly work out their main carbon impacts and how they could reduce emissions.

The tool uses a series of screen-based questions which help the user to enter details of their energy usage and other potential emissions sources, including fuel usage, vehicle usage, electricity bill data and employee travel.

According to the Government-funded Trust, businesses could save almost £350 million this winter (December to the end of February) through cost-free or low-cost energy-saving actions such as energy-efficient light bulbs or opening blinds to utilise natural light.

Savings of more that 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 were possible, claimed the Trust, equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Liverpool.

Free survey

As part of the initiative, businesses can apply online for a free carbon survey - with expert consultants carrying out on-site visits to measure and help reduce emissions. The Trust is also running a series of free interactive workshops around the UK.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust said: "Today's initiative is a timely reminder that acting on CO2 makes perfect business sense.

"We want all businesses to take advantage of our new, free online carbon footprint calculator to help them measure and ultimately reduce their carbon emissions."

He added: "Businesses that act will quickly reap the multiple benefits of improving their bottom line while increasing their overall competitiveness."

Knowledge gap

Environment Minister Phil Woolas commented: "The case for businesses to cut their carbon footprint is growing fast. Pressure from consumers, the cost of energy, and corporate social responsibility issues all mean that going green is no longer just an add on - it's a core part of doing business.

"This calculator will provide real benefits to business by enabling them to calculate their emissions and identify where they can make the most effective carbon reductions and reduce their climate impact."

Michael Roberts, director of business environment at the CBI, also welcomed the initiative. He said: "Leading companies are already tackling their emissions and increasingly expect their business partners to do the same.

"But many firms also lack the knowledge, time or resources to take the first step. This package of support aims to help address that."

The carbon footprint calculator, along with further details of the initiative, is available via the Trust's website - see link above/right.