This agreement was followed by the Dutch equivalent, in which the government, companies and civil society organisations agreed to emit 49% less CO2 by 2030 compared to 1990.

Without SMEs, which account for 71% of employment and 63% of added value in the Netherlands, and 61% and 52% in the UK respectively, the Agreement has little chance of success. Fortunately, becoming carbon neutral is an increasingly serious goal in both the private and public sectors, and calculating CO2 emissions is becoming increasingly popular as a result.Calculating your CO2 emissions and carbon footprint is a very complex issue and is sometimes used for greenwashing: blowing our sustainable credentials when, in reality, nothing comes of it. However, this is the exception rather than the rule, and calculating and ultimately reducing your CO2 emissions has many advantages.

Preventing climate change

It is the most obvious benefit, but also the least tangible. Yet the consequences of climate change are clearly visible; temperature and sea level rise, prolonged droughts, heat waves; forest fires and extinct species. Unfortunately, these examples are now the rule and not the exception. By lowering your carbon footprint, you are combating climate change. Collectively, this has a major impact.

CO2 and cost reduction

By footprinting, you do not only reduce your CO2 emissions, but also the costs of your business. Your energy bill, for example, will decrease and there are also various subsidies for CO2 reduction that you can apply for.

Anticipating legislation and regulations

The previously mentioned Climate Accord is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. At every level, agreements are made about reducing CO2 emissions. Think, for example, of the Dutch and European Climate Act and the Urgenda target. In addition, the cabinet even had the ambition to emit 60% less CO2. It is therefore only a matter of time until SMEs will also be obliged to calculate and reduce their emissions. The CO2 performance ladder has already been introduced by the Flemish government as a licensing criterion in the construction sector.

Contribution to your image

Reducing your CO2 footprint does not go unnoticed; more than 50% of large companies look at sustainability when making purchasing decisions and one-third of consumers are prepared to pay more for sustainable services and products. This also applies to attracting new talent. Sustainability is of growing importance when considering whether to accept a vacancy or even an offer. By measuring and reducing your CO2 emissions, you will stay one step ahead of your competitors in many areas.

Future-proof

It is better to anticipate legislation and be proactive than to react later and avoid stress, costs and possible fines. For example, if you start your first CO2 measurement now, you will have taken the first step towards a more sustainable future and will benefit from it later.We understand that as an entrepreneur, you have little time, want to do your bit, and want to benefit from it. Our CO2 Calculator is an accessible tool that calculates your emissions with minimal input, provides insight and then gives concrete reduction advice.

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