Every business needs to be on the path towards a greener future; we’re already extracting more resources from the planet than can be replenished. Eventually, that means the very resources that businesses need to operate are going to dry up. Pushing past the model of sheer extraction towards a greener future of regeneration is how all companies (and society as a whole) will continue as we are.
Investing in an involved sustainability roadmap is the secret to carrying on business as normal, and at the start of every journey: carbon capture. Capturing carbon isn’t enough to offset the global impact that humanity has had on the environment, but it is a good starting point to slow the greenhouse gas effect. It’s also one of the easiest steps to get started with. Read on to find out more.
Capturing Carbon Basics
Capturing carbon essentially means trapping the large plumes of smoke and emissions produced at plant level. This new carbon technology works to take the carbon out of your plant’s emissions, and store it in an inert form. Working with renowned carbon capture companies that know what they’re doing means being able to develop a custom approach towards carbon capture that works with your specific plants, meaning that you can immediately slash your carbon footprint and make great strides towards a net-zero future.
The best part about capturing carbon in this way is that it’s cost-effective. It is, however, just step one. You’ll also need to invest in more efficient production methods, and, eventually, in regeneration strategies so that you leave the natural world more abundant after you’ve extracted resources from it.
Capturing Carbon Versus Offsetting Carbon
Capturing carbon refers to the strategies and module systems that trap carbon from your plant’s chimneys and even at the tailpipe of your transportation systems, whereas offsetting carbon uses a more global approach. Planting a thousand trees is a carbon offset program. The ultimate goal is the same: in both strategies you’ll be reducing the carbon in the air. In one, you do that by stopping carbon from entering the atmosphere in the first place; in the other, you invest in natural solutions that work to pull carbon from the air itself.
While most carbon offset programs are in the form of rewilding efforts, there are technological investments available as well. Countries are today investing in manmade structures that pull carbon from the air and store it in its physical form.
Working Towards Net Zero
To achieve a net-zero business model, you’ll need a mix of strategies. Capturing carbon is a great place to start, but to truly see big results you’ll need to invest in more efficient production systems that produce less CO2 to begin with. From there you’ll need an effective measurement system in order to offset any carbon you’ve missed (and then some) through carbon offsetting programs.
Partnering with the right companies that can help you achieve your goals, and also businesses that align with your values, is essential. Only when working together can businesses be serious about having a future and forge forward a world that supports ongoing business success and growth.
