Claims of big savings for firms using carbon calculators to slash emissions

BUSINESSES can reap massive savings by using a new online carbon calculator to help slash their emissions, the Government claimed yesterday.

The free Irish-developed carbon management tool allows companies to monitor their CO2 output and make more effective use of water, energy and waste management.

Environment Minister John Gormley said firms should no longer view reducing their carbon footprint as a burden, but an opportunity to save money.

“Every organisation can save money through knowing its carbon emissions and taking steps to reduce them through more effective energy supply and usage, improved travel policies and effective water and waste management,” he said.

“The carbon management tool will provide the knowledge and the resources that can help businesses and organisations learn that when you cut carbon, you cut costs.

“The tool demonstrates that taking measures to reduce your environmental impact need no longer be seen as a burden to business, but can be viewed as an opportunity to reduce operating costs and increase competitiveness while contributing to the challenge of tackling climate change.”

The tool is available on the Government’s climate change awareness website, change.ie

Mr Gormley said all businesses can benefit from the scheme and potentially save thousands of euro, from corner shops to large manufacturing plants.

It allows companies to calculate emissions from energy, transport, water and waste using data relevant for Ireland, including information from Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Guidance is given on ways organisations can better carbon manage their operations in line with advice from Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr Gormley added: “Tackling climate change has to be a collective effort. Government and many large and multinational businesses are taking significant measures to lower emissions but we all need to work together.”