In recent years, carbon footprint reduction has moved to the forefront for many companies. Going green is no longer an unforeseeable goal being kicked down the road; it is a requirement that takes precedence for the future of our planet. In turn, companies across the globe are reconsidering processes for construction, manufacturing, operations, and many other aspects of their business activities. With pressure from local laws and regulations, paired with the drastic need to take action, decision-makers are recognizing the importance of going green, and as a result, many companies are doing just that. 

The Importance of Carbon Footprint Reduction

According to the New York Times, a carbon footprint is “the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that come from the production, use, and end of life of a product or service.” This could include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gasses, all of which trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. While factors like transportation are widely-known for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, buildings account for nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and is as high as 70%-80% in many large cities in the US.

As a result, many companies are shifting their focus to green buildings. Green building is considered the planning, design, construction, and operations of buildings focusing on energy use, indoor environmental quality, water use, and material selection. Not only do green buildings contribute to carbon footprint reduction, but they also provide advantages such as lower utility costs and even increased employee productivity. If you’re ready to take a step towards going green, here are some carbon footprint reduction examples that companies have implemented and how you, too, can follow in their footsteps:

Carbon Reduction Examples: Companies Committed to Going Green

Bank of America

Bank of America took steps towards carbon footprint reduction with the Bank of America Tower in New York City. This 55-story building encompasses a green design with efficient technologies like wind turbines, a cogeneration plant, and smart HVAC systems. In addition, the facility uses insulating glass panels to regulate interior temperatures, as well as reclaimed materials to minimize construction waste. Its sustainable design, materials, and technology earned it a platinum LEED rating.

Office Depot

Office Depot has been committed to sustainability for years through both construction and operations. Updates made to their Boca Raton headquarters earned the building a Gold LEED rating, and in 2008, they opened their first LEED-certified retail store in Austin, Texas. In 2012, one of their distribution centers in Newville, Pennsylvania, achieved LEED certification for Commercial Interiors by implementing low-flow faucets and an energy-efficient HVAC system. In more recent years, Office Depot’s Sustainability Report states that they were able to meet and exceed their previously announced greenhouse gas emission goals for 2021, decreasing facility energy consumption by 51% since 2016.  

Starbucks

In 2018, Starbucks announced the Greener Store Framework, a commitment to design, build and operate its stores to meet a new green standard. Compared to its initial store design, the stores using the greener framework have reduced energy consumption by 30%. In addition to improving energy efficiency, Starbucks has implemented processes that increase water conservation and waste diversion through recycling and composting. These efforts expand not only to retail but also to their supply chain. They are committed to Carbon Neutral Green Coffee and plan to reduce water usage in the process by 50% in 2030. 

Microsoft

In 2020, Microsoft announced its goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030. By 2025, they intend to shift to 100% renewable energy in their data centers, buildings, and campuses. They focus on carbon, energy, water, the ecosystem, and the circular economy. In fact, their Silicon Valley Campus received a Platinum LEED Certification, and three buildings in their Hyderabad campus achieved LEED Gold Certifications. 

Local Laws Enforcing Carbon Footprint Reduction

With the widespread adoption of carbon footprint reduction, the  time has come for business decision-makers to consider amping up efforts to do so if not already in motion. Not only is carbon footprint reduction critical for our environment, but it also may be mandated in your city. Several cities across the nation, like Washington DC, Boston, and New York, require carbon footprint reduction for large buildings. Failure to comply will result in financial penalties against the building imposed by the city. Even if your city has yet to enact a local law enforcing carbon footprint reduction, decision-makers should take action sooner rather than later to ensure their buildings are up to standards. That’s where window film comes in!

Go Green & Achieve Local Law Compliance with Window Film

According to Energy.gov, “windows are responsible for about 10% of energy use in buildings and influence end uses that comprise 40% of building energy use.” Yet, when implementing updates for energy efficiency, decision-makers often overlook the importance of a building’s envelope, addressing lighting and HVAC systems but failing to consider windows and doors. Heat transfer from and heat gain and  loss via windows mean that HVAC systems must work harder to maintain desired interior temperatures. The result is not only higher energy bills, but also higher energy consumption and more wear and tear on HVAC systems.

How Does Window Film Help to Reduce Carbon Footprint? 

3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film can reduce heat transfer and loss by decreasing a window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-Value, all without changing the window’s appearance. In addition, window film can elevate the insulating properties of a single-pane window to that of a double pane and a double-pane to that of a triple pane. The result goes far beyond increased occupant comfort and energy savings. Benefits of 3M Thinsulate Window Film include:

• Reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption
• Comply with local energy efficiency legislation
• Earn LEED points
• Increase Energy Star Portfolio Manager score
• Utility rebates and grant funding available
• Faster and less expensive than replacing existing windows
• Less construction waste than replacing existing windows
• Non-disruptive to tenants, allowing for continuity of operations

With easy-to-implement solutions like 3M Thinsulate Window Film, carbon footprint reduction doesn’t need to be an effort that is pushed down the road. Instead, take steps towards a brighter, more sustainable future for your building today with window film.