Setting your Social Environmental goals

Environmental impact is one of the three areas the Social Value Act examines. Environmental impact goals might include:

• Reduce energy consumption: One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to reduce your energy consumption. You can do this by using energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and equipment. You can also make sure that your business is well-insulated to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer.
• Reduce water consumption: Another easy way to reduce your environmental impact is to reduce your water consumption. You can do this by installing low-flow fixtures, fixing any leaks, and educating your employees and customers about water conservation.
• Reduce waste production: You can also reduce your environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste that your business produces. You can do this by recycling, composting, and donating food that would otherwise be wasted.
• Use sustainable materials: When you purchase new products or materials for your business, look for those that are made from sustainable materials. This will help to reduce your environmental impact and support sustainable businesses.
• Offset your carbon emissions: If your business produces greenhouse gas emissions, you can offset them by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy.
• Advocate for environmental protection: You can also make a difference by advocating for environmental protection. You can do this by contacting your elected officials and letting them know that you support environmental protection policies. You can also volunteer for environmental organizations or donate to environmental causes.

These are just a few suggestions for environmental impact goals that a small UK business can set. The specific goals that you set will depend on the nature of your business and your own environmental priorities. However, by setting environmental impact goals and working towards them, you can make a positive difference for the planet.

Here are some additional tips for setting environmental impact goals:

• Be specific: Your goals should be specific and measurable. This will help you to track your progress and make sure that you are on track to achieve your goals.
• Be realistic: Your goals should be realistic and achievable. If you set your goals too high, you may be setting yourself up for failure.
• Be flexible: Your goals may need to be adjusted as your business grows and changes. Be prepared to adapt your goals as needed.
• Communicate your goals: Share your goals with your employees, customers, and other stakeholders. This will help to build support for your goals and encourage others to help you achieve them.

There are a number of ways that a small UK business can measure the environmental impacts of its work. Here are a few examples:

• Track energy consumption: One way to measure the environmental impact of a business is to track the amount of energy that it consumes. This can be done by tracking the amount of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels that the business uses.
• Track water consumption: Another way to measure the environmental impact of a business is to track the amount of water that it consumes. This can be done by tracking the amount of water that the business uses for things like cleaning, cooling, and manufacturing.
• Track waste production: Businesses also produce waste, such as paper, plastic, and food waste. This waste can have a negative impact on the environment by polluting the air, water, and land.
• Track emissions: Businesses also emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases contribute to climate change, which is a major environmental problem.

By measuring the environmental impact of your business, you can identify areas where you can make improvements. This can help you to reduce your environmental impact and to become more sustainable.