Find out why CO2 emissions are affected by your business.
Identify ways to reduce your energy consumption.
Upgrade to energy saving equipment in a cost effective way.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
Your company's carbon footprint is a measure of the impact your company has on the climate through releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The footprint analogy is used as it suggests something that we leave behind for generations to come. All of your company's activities contribute to the size of its footprint, such as the energy used for heating, lighting, running equipment and employee travel. It also includes the energy used throughout your supply chain including the production of raw materials, products and services that you buy and the transportation of goods.
The Carbon Trust was set up by the Government to assist businesses like yours in the transition to a low carbon economy. We provide a range of tailored products and services, such as our on-site carbon surveys and interest free loans, which enable you to start shrinking your carbon footprint and reduce your energy costs.
Find out more about our carbon surveys
Find out more about our interest free loans
Carbon Surveys
Have one of our expert consultants visit your business, calculate your carbon footprint and help identify ways to reduce your energy consumption. Implementing even the simplest measures could result in annual energy savings of up to 20% and, at the same time, help you move towards a low carbon economy.
* Companies with an annual energy bill of over £50,000 may be eligible for an on-site carbon survey. For those with bills of between £50,000 and £1m the survey may be free. Terms and conditions apply.
Apply for an on-site carbon survey
Find out more about our surveys
Interest Free Loans
We know that upgrading to more energy efficient equipment can be difficult to finance. Our interest free loans are a cost effective way to take immediate action.
Small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England, or all businesses in Wales* that have been trading for at least 12 months, could borrow from £5,000 to £100,000. All businesses in Northern Ireland* that have been trading for at least 12 months could borrow up to £400,000. It is unsecured, interest free and repayable over a period of up to 4 years. There are no arrangement fees and applying is straightforward.
Start preparing for the low carbon economy whilst reducing your energy bills. The amount you save each month could even exceed the loan repayments.
* Subject to eligibility. Regional variations apply.
Apply for an interest free loan
Find out more about our loans
Online Tools
Why not access our online Savings by Sector tool to identify the key actions you can undertake at your site to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Simply by choosing your sector and energy bill size we can provide a range of the most appropriate energy saving solutions. From these you can then develop your own action plan.
Use our savings by sector tool
Employee Engagement
It's amazing how small behavioural changes in the workplace can make all the difference. We have a series of posters and stickers available for you to download or order that demonstrate how easy it is for employees to do their bit. Put these up at work to help introduce your colleagues to the benefits of saving energy and encourage them to adopt simple energy efficient actions in the workplace. You and your colleagues can play an important role in reducing your company's carbon footprint and combating climate change.
To find out more about your personal
carbon footprint visit Act on CO2
Order employee pack
Publications
Whether you just need some hints and tips on how to get started or in depth information on a particular technology, our publications provide practical advice and information that can assist you in minimising your energy output and reducing your carbon footprint. This in turn can save your business money and help minimise climate change.
There are different types of publications available including technology and industry specific guides, that are suitable for all levels of experience, from business leaders with little technical knowledge to trained energy managers. We also produce strategic reports and case studies.
Order and download free publications
Enhanced Capital Allowances
Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) are a straightforward way for a business to improve its cash flow through accelerated tax relief. The ECA scheme for energy saving technologies encourages businesses to invest in energy saving plant or machinery specified on the Energy Technology List (ETL), which is managed by the Carbon Trust on behalf of the Government.
The scheme allows businesses to write off the whole cost of the equipment against taxable profits in the year of purchase, which can provide a cash flow boost and is an incentive to invest in energy saving equipment.
More information on ECAs
Expert Advice
Our website and publications are full of useful information and we also run free, interactive "Practical Carbon Footprinting Workshops" designed to show businesses exactly what is involved in the measurement of a carbon footprint and the steps you can take to reduce it.
Register your interest for a carbon footprinting workshop, or alternatively you can contact our Advice Line for free advice on all aspects of climate change mitigation.
To talk to one of our experts call 0800 085 2005
Register for workshop
Carbon Footprint Calculator
We have developed an online calculator to help your business measure its carbon footprint.
You can use our Carbon Footprint Calculator to find out what activities are causing your emissions, obtain a basic measurement of your business carbon footprint, and develop a plan to help you address it and help combat climate change.
To estimate your personal
carbon footprint visit Act on CO2
Carbon Footprint Calculator