Five ways to confront the climate crisis through business sustainability

The rooftop view from Confluence

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) continues to sound the alarm on the urgent state of our climate and severe consequences if we fail to do enough to change the current trajectory of warming. 

From our west-facing windows at Confluence, one only had to look toward the mountains last December 30th to catch a glimpse of what’s certain to become more commonplace as a thousand suburban homes burned to their foundations within a few miles of our shared workspace. 

On a more hopeful note, however, a recent IPCC report suggests that we already have the tools we need to curb the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for this horrific trend before it’s too late. The question, both globally and locally, is whether we have the leadership and the will to use them.

Internationally, governments are backtracking and falling short on commitments to reduce emissions in a meaningful way. On a local level, there’s reason to remain skeptical as well. The fossil fuel industry and a general human desire for short term prosperity are both proving to be powerful forces.

It’s not clear whether enough will be done politically to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Meaningful policy changes are hard and they take time. In the meantime, we can’t wait for our governments to save us while we sit by and watch our communities suffer. From our own experience, we’ve learned that decisions made by businesses and individuals every day have consequences and impact too.

Demonstrating Leadership

Confluence was recently featured for its participation in the Lafayette Green Business recognition program. With the support of Boulder County PACE, the program provided no-cost advising resources and financial backing in 2015 to upgrade our energy-sucking light fixtures and stand up a waste diversion program for our members. 

Though we outgrew our original facilities, we remained focused on sustainability in our growth. In 2018, Confluence relocated to a property with a solar system and wind generator, added highly efficient HVAC equipment, and installed an EV charging station for members and the general public. Our recycling and composting efforts continue and we’re evaluating our remaining opportunities to reduce emissions and waste, of which there are plenty.

While some of these efforts are more visible than others, we believe the investments we’ve made to date demonstrate the leadership we expect from our fellow business and property owners, not to mention our elected officials. 

Here are five things other small businesses and individuals can do to support emissions reduction goals and help mitigate climate change:

1. Benchmark, Set Targets, and Be Accountable

You would never run a business or a household without a budget. You track your income and expenses, set goals, and measure your profit or loss regularly. This approach should be applied to your energy use and emissions if you expect to be successful in contributing to positive progress in the race to minimize the climate crisis. Measure historical usage, set science-based reduction targets, take action, and track your impact.

2. Prioritize Efficiency

Start with your envelope. It’s not sexy, but you can reduce total energy demand by keeping cool air from escaping in warmer months and warm air from escaping in colder months with good building insulation, tight seals around doors, and high efficiency windows.

Choose the most efficient light fixtures, HVAC systems, electronics, and appliances. Energystar.gov is a great resource for finding the most efficient options for all kinds of energy-powered equipment. While efficiency sometimes comes with a higher price tag, an upfront cost premium is often worth the longer-term energy and cost savings. LED lighting is one of the most cost-effective upgrades with the shortest payback. 

3. Electrification

Extraction and combustion of methane gas and petroleum to heat air and water or power vehicles is a major source of the greenhouse gasses responsible for a warming climate. Replace gas-powered systems and equipment with electricity-powered alternatives. Furnaces, water heaters, cooking appliances, and vehicles are all good candidates for electrification.

4. Support Renewables

Electricity from the utility grid is generated from a combination of renewable and non-renewable sources, including combustion of coal and methane gas at the power plant. The grid will become increasingly cleaner as the ratio of renewables increases and fossil fuels are phased out by utilities. You can accelerate this transition by installing solar panels or purchasing off site renewable energy to account for your electricity use and ensure your electricity-powered systems and equipment aren’t reliant on fossil fuels.

5. Think Bigger

Indirect emissions can represent a large part of your footprint. Choose supplies and materials that don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in their production or use. Demand responsible practices from vendors and service providers. Eliminate non-essential travel. 

Consider sponsoring coworking memberships or home-office amenities that will enable your employees to work in their own communities when appropriate, reducing the need for staff to commute to a central location whenever possible. This may even enable you to reduce your central office space needs, saving money on rent and utilities.

Take Action Now

If you live or do business in Boulder County, there are many great resources and significant funding available to support your ambition. Check out the County’s PACE program for business sustainability and EnergySmart program for residential sustainability. Also be sure to check with your local municipality for additional opportunities. Communities outside of Boulder County offer their own resources and programs. Find out what’s available in your area.

Support businesses that are aligned with your values. Do your favorite stores and restaurants operate in a responsible way? Many of our members have rated our commitment to sustainability among the top reasons they choose to work, meet, and connect at Confluence.

Most importantly, let your voice be heard by your elected officials at all levels. The window for being passive on climate change has closed and it’s time for our leaders to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves. The future of our businesses, our families, our communities, and our planet is at stake and the consequences associated with anything but the boldest action are unacceptable. 

Posted by Tom Hardie, April 18, 2022