Being carbon neutral isn’t just a milestone for businesses to tick off the list. It’s a commitment to safeguard our planet for future generations. With the future of our planet unknown, it is more important than ever to mitigate the impact of climate change in any way we can.
Here at PSH, we want to do our bit to contribute to a sustainable future, which is why we are delighted to announce that we are officially a carbon neutral organisation, recognised by Carbon Neutral Britain.
As we like to say at PSH, there’s always something more we can do for the environment. Reducing our carbon footprint is our latest step towards a greener future for the waste industry.
What does it mean to be Carbon Neutral?
Burning fossil fuels, farming, deforestation, and waste decomposition are all everyday processes that produce carbon emissions, causing greenhouse gas pollution. If a company becomes carbon neutral, it means that they can reduce their carbon emissions to zero by removing the same amount of carbon that they use.
Carbon neutrality can be achieved using two primary methods:
Reduction: Removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere using absorbent technologies.
Offsetting: For ‘unavoidable emissions’ companies may invest into projects that remove emissions elsewhere, such as tree planting or renewable energy projects.
In 2019, the UK formally pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050 under the Climate Change Act. This legislation has made it paramount for organisations to take action on reducing their carbon emissions.
At PSH, we have spent the past few years investing in sustainable practices, such as using solar energy, diverting 100% of our waste away from landfill, and contributing to the Foxley Woods restoration project. We’ve made great efforts to make environmental change, but this wasn’t enough to reduce our emissions and we knew we could do more.
Our carbon neutral status means that we can continue to work with sustainability at the heart of what we do, reducing greenhouse gas emissions produced from waste degeneration. By booking a skip with us, you’re ensuring that your waste is processed responsibly, minimising your impact on the environment and doing your bit for a cleaner, greener planet.
How we achieved Carbon Neutral status
As mentioned – there are two ways in which a business achieves carbon neutrality; carbon offsetting, or reduction. At this point in time, PSH is still taking steps towards reducing our on-site carbon footprint to net zero.
This meant that this year, we needed to offset our unavoidable carbon emissions by funding environmental projects elsewhere. Our certifier, Carbon Neutral Britain, supports a variety of pivotal schemes all over the world, such as building solar farms in Turkey, and wind power in Mongolia and India. We take pride in knowing that our status has made such a positive impact around the world.
How Carbon Neutrality can make a difference
The benefits of being carbon neutral can’t be overstated. By reducing emissions in our atmosphere, we can combat climate change, protect the environment, and ensure future resources. Here are just a few examples of the good we can contribute to with a carbon neutral status.
Tackling global warming – Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere. By reducing our carbon emissions, we can reduce gases in the atmosphere, and limit the rise in the Earth’s temperature.
Mitigating extreme weather conditions – Carbon emissions are also causing climate change, leading to severe weather around the globe. A reduced carbon footprint can lower the risk of impacts from floods, hurricanes, heatwaves and droughts.
Preserving habitats and crops – Climate change is disrupting natural habitats and agriculture, leading to the loss of biodiversity and food supply. Cutting down on carbon helps to preserve ecosystems that are vital for the survival of future generations.
Boosting the economy – By growing investment in renewable energy and green technology, we can generate increased demand for the environmental industry, and create more jobs as a result.
Looking ahead
At PSH, we live by the mantra ‘if you wanted to, you would’. That’s why we haven’t stopped striving to improve our environmental impact in the waste industry. We’ve achieved carbon neutral status, so what’s next?
Next year, we’ll take steps towards reducing carbon emissions on-site by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. By using alternative renewable fuels, we can transition from offsetting our footprint to a formal carbon reduction plan.
We’d like to thank our customers for all the support towards reaching this milestone – but watch this space – we’ve always got more to come. If you need a skip for your home or business, book with PSH online, or call 01603 721533 to do your part for the planet.
