Once you’ve calculated your business’ carbon footprint with Cogo you’ll be given the option to set a reduction target. The target we recommend is halving your carbon footprint by 2030. Why should you set a target? And why do we recommend 50% by 2030?
Why set a target?
Setting a reduction target sends a message to your customers, employees, investors and the broader business community. It says we care about this issue, and we are going to play our part.
Setting a target is the first step to taking action. Once you’ve set a target you will be able to clearly identify what changes in your business are needed to achieve that target.
Why halve by 2030?
Climate change is a global challenge, and to tackle it we need everyone to play their part - but what does that mean for your business?
Let’s start from the top. To mitigate the worst effects of climate change we need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This was the conclusion reached in the Paris Agreement in 2015 and is backed by the latest science from the IPCC.
In order to achieve this 1.5 degree goal, science tells us how much we need to reduce our emissions by. This turns out to be about 50% reduction by the end of this decade. It sounds like a lot, but the earlier you start the more time there is to make changes in your business. If you start today, it’s only an 8.4% annual reduction till 2030.
Setting a target of halving your carbon footprint by 2030 is becoming a standard commitment for businesses worldwide. By adopting this target your business will be in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative, the SME Climate Hub, and many other target setting initiatives.