Sustainability matters. As an owner of a business, you care about people, the planet, and building an equitable economy. However, managing a company is hard, and lengthy carbon footprint reports are not useful. You can efficiently offset your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by following the quick, doable steps in this guide.

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Start by calculating your emissions using a simple online tool like Carbon Trust or Giki Zero. Focus on three key areas:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g., company vehicles, onsite fuel use).
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions (e.g., electricity consumption).
• Scope 3: Supply chain and employee activities (e.g., travel, deliveries, purchased goods).

You can act as soon as you have an estimate.

While carbon offsetting is important, your top priority should be lowering your company’s emissions. Start with minor adjustments that have a big impact:

• Switch to renewable energy providers.
  • The Smiley Movement has a great article that highlights the best renewable energy providers. Click here. 
• Reduce business travel; choose virtual meetings or train travel over flights.
• Opt for local and sustainable suppliers to cut transport emissions.
• Encourage remote or hybrid work to reduce office-related energy use.
  • Research shows that full-time remote workers can reduce their emissions by 54% 

Once you’ve minimised your footprint, offset the rest.

Not all offsets are equal. Look for projects that provide verified and lasting impact. Consider:

• Reforestation and afforestation projects (e.g. Eden Reforestation Projects, Trees for Life).
• Renewable energy investments (e.g. wind, solar, and hydro projects in underserved areas).
• Carbon capture initiatives that actively remove CO₂ from the air.

Ensure projects are certified by trusted standards like Gold Standard, Verra, or Plan Vivo.

Sustainability isn’t a one-time effort. Embed offsetting into your business strategy:

• Offer carbon-neutral products or services.
• Set a yearly budget for carbon credits.
• Educate employees and customers about your sustainability goals.
• Partner with ethical offset providers that align with your mission.

Customers and investors value honesty. Share your progress openly:

• Publish an impact report (even a short one).
• Provide a list of the initiatives you back and the outcomes attained.
• Be clear about your limitations and next steps.

Transparency builds trust and motivates others to take action.

Offsetting emissions is a journey, not a one-time fix. Start with small steps, prioritise reduction, and choose offsets wisely. Your startup can help shape a more sustainable, regenerative future—without overcomplicating the process.

Ready to take action? Pick one step today and get started!