What are some quick ways to become carbon neutral?

1. Understand your current carbon footprint

Before you can reduce your emissions, you need to know where they’re coming from.

Start by:

• Calculating your Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (direct energy use and purchased electricity)
• Reviewing energy bills and consumption patterns
• Identifying high-consumption buildings, equipment, or processes

You can’t improve what you don’t measure, and even high-level data can help highlight where to start.

Also read: How to manage your energy data effectively

2. Reduce energy waste

One of the fastest ways to cut carbon is to cut energy waste. Look for:

• Systems operating out of hours
• Inefficient lighting or HVAC settings
• Old equipment running unnecessarily
• Poor building control schedules

AI-powered tools like EMMA AI can help identify these inefficiencies automatically, so you can act fast without needing to comb through data manually.

See also: What is an AI energy management system?

3. Switch to renewable electricity

If you haven’t already, switching to a green electricity tariff is one of the quickest ways to reduce your Scope 2 emissions.

Look for suppliers that offer:

• 100% certified renewable electricity
• Clear reporting on carbon intensity
• Guarantees of origin (GoOs or REGOs in the UK)

This can make a major difference to your reported emissions with minimal disruption.

4. Offset what you can’t reduce (yet)

Carbon offsetting isn’t a complete solution, but it can be used to balance out unavoidable emissions in the short term. It’s especially useful while working on longer-term reductions.

Choose verified schemes that support:

• Reforestation and conservation projects
• Renewable energy development
• Community carbon reduction programmes

Make sure your offsets are certified by reputable bodies like Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

5. Engage your team

Empowering your staff to make carbon-smart choices is a quick win that builds long-term impact. This could include:

• Running awareness campaigns
• Offering carbon literacy training
• Encouraging energy-saving behaviours
• Setting departmental challenges or goals

Read next: Why energy management is important

Start now, build momentum

Carbon neutrality isn’t achieved overnight – but there’s plenty you can do today to move the needle. From reducing energy waste to switching suppliers and engaging your people, it all adds up.

Want help identifying your quickest wins? 

Get in touch to see how Optimal Monitoring can support your carbon goals.

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