The climate crisis – how each of us can reduce our carbon footprint
The current climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges we face today, our world has reached it’s limit and needs each of us to play our part in driving forward change.
It is vital that we limit global warming to 1.5% to reduce the risk of severe, irreversible climate impacts such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, loss of ecosystems and extinction of some species. Science has shown us that we are on track to exceed a rise of 2%, however by taking action now, together, we can turn it around and make a difference for a healthier world.
The built environment plays a significant role in the climate change crisis accounting for 39% of all the carbon emissions in the world. In an industry that for too long has been a part of the problem, we recognise the role we play in shaping a safer, sustainable future.
In response, we committed to becoming a net zero carbon business by 2030, however, whilst construction and buildings will play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis, the world needs each of us to act as individuals to make a difference collectively.
Here are a few ways each of us can reduce our carbon footprint:
Reduce travel emissions
The way we travel has a significant impact on our carbon footprint. Where possible reduce travelling by car individually and use alternative methods of transportation such as walking, cycling, public transport or carpooling. If you do need to drive, it is worth considering switching to an electric car which has zero tailpipe emissions and much lower carbon dioxide emissions than a petrol or diesel car.
Air travel is the most environmentally damaging way of travel so where possible avoid flying, fly less frequently and fly economy. Business class accounts for three times the emissions than flying economy would where emissions are shared amongst passengers. Travelling by train is a great alternative to air travel as it is far less polluting and reduces emissions by 90%.
Renewable energy
Switch to renewable energy
One of the main ways we can reduce our carbon emissions is from the generation of electricity by switching to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal and biomass energy. Renewable energy comes from natural, sustainable sources such as the air, sun and sea and are far more environmentally friendly than burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Whist nuclear energy isn’t a renewable energy source it is also a great alternative as it generates low or zero carbon emissions.
Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle
Embrace the 4 R’s wherever possible to avoid waste such as plastic as not only will does the production of it produce lots of carbon emissions, the waste we produce also causes huge damage to the environment. The less amount of waste we generate, the better it is for the environment. Before buying something its important to be mindful if it is really necessary and if there is a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Refuse – Refusing waste such as single use plastics is one of the most effective ways of preventing waste. It is important to make decisions when shopping to avoid buying anything that is wasteful such as single use plastics. It may only seem like 1 straw or 1 cup but it adds up when millions of people buy them.
Reduce – Reducing the waste you produce requires assessing the items that you by and use that could be disposable and avoiding using them or finding alternatives that are reusable. This requires a little more planning and organisation as often the waste we are able to reduce comes from convenience such as buying a takeaway coffee or using a plastic shopping bag. By planning ahead and taking a reusable cup or reusable shopping bag we can quickly reduce the amount of waste we produce.
Reuse – Reuse is an easy one to incorporate as there is usually a reusable alternative to single use items such as straws, bags and cups. Here, it is really important to break away from the throw away culture that has become normalised. By using a little creativity it is possible to reuse almost anything such as using plastic food containers for storing leftovers or cardboard boxes for storage.
Recycle – Last of all, recycling is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of waste disposal by preventing waste going to landfill for where it is not possible to refuse, reduce or reuse. Cardboard, paper, plastics, aluminum and glass are all common items that can be recycled in the work place or at home.
Reduce carbon emissions from food
Reduce carbon emissions from food
By buying locally or organically, we can reduce the number of carbon emissions that we produce from food that results from transportation when buying food that comes from further away. Eating less meat and dairy can also play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions as raising livestock requires a lot of resources as the land they use to graze is often a cause of deforestation which has a significant impact on climate change.
