There are many ways that businesses and organizations can reduce emissions. Reducing emissions is best done after gathering information on the various sources of emissions created by an organization and on the volume of emissions from these various sources. Sometimes this is called an emissions inventory, or a carbon footprint (if it casts a wide net to include supply inputs). With emissions inventory and/or carbon footprint information, organizations can gain insights into where and how to reduce their emissions.

Many organizations are now estimating the emissions produced directly (e.g., burning fuel oil or gasoline) and indirectly (e.g., purchasing electricity) by their activities. See below for some first steps that any organization can take. Many companies and organizations are also identifying ways to reduce emissions. In some cases, choices can influence how business is or can be done in the future. Reducing emissions can also present new opportunities of various kinds, including reducing expenses and the possibility to develop new lines of business. This of why some of the big oil and gas companies that now support renewable energy and green fuels, as well as technology development in areas that are far removed from producing and selling fossil fuels.

If you would like to estimate emissions associated with your organization, refer to to the First Steps for Do-It-Yourselfers below.

If you would like to buy VERs to offset your emissions, please do so through our corporate partners that bundle carbon credits with their products and services. Finally, learn more about how you can use our Climate Club program to educate and increase awareness among your customers by calling us at 800.393 6210.

First Steps for Do-It-Yourselfers

Many organizations are taking steps to manage their carbon, and even their broader ecological footprint(s). If you are just starting to research "what to do," and if your organizaton wants to take a very broad approach to managing emissions and its environmental footprint, you may wish to visit GEMI, where you can find tools and information to help businesses achieve environment, health and safety excellence.

If you want to focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from your organization, read on. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development, in partnership with the World Resources Institute and many companies have developed some popular tools for estimating emissions and emission reductions to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from business activities, such as:

• Allocation of Emissions from a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plan
• CO2 emissions from business travel
• CO2 emissions from fuel use in facilities
• CO2 emissions from transport or mobile sources
• Emissions from employee commuting
• GHG emissions from stationary combustion
• Indirect CO2 emissions from Purchased Electricity, Heat, or Steam
• Measurement and Estimation Uncertainty of GHG Emissions
• Waste Management (wastewater and sludge treatment)

More Advanced Tools for Specific Industries

If your organization is operates in a specific industry, you'll need more specific calculators and tools. These WBCSD/WRI calculation tools are widely-referenced and highly regarded throughout the world. Note that if you need help with footprinting and using these tools, or need something more specialized, please let us know. We have worked on the development of a number of these and other tools, as well as on new methodologies for estimating emissions (and reductions) from various types of projects, busiensses and programs around the world!