The Carbon Age Ushers In Carbon Emissions Management
Somewhat dramatically, many scientists and observers are determining that we are entering the “carbon age,” as we all become much more aware and reveal the need to be sustainable in our everyday operations. Organizations have to create a whole new position for themselves as they dedicate themselves to the impact that carbon will have on their operations. Carbon emissions management is now a very real process.
The traditional measurements deployed and maintained through IT systems and asset management programs will be clearly insufficient in the new carbon age. Carbon emissions management will be required and for many organizations this is a completely new philosophy. The performance of corporate assets have rarely been measured in terms of the real energy that they use, rather in terms of efficiency in relation to the cost of the purchased energy itself.
Carbon emissions management requires that the asset owner calculates greenhouse gas emissions as a fundamental part of the deployment of the tool. When an asset is engaged, it emits carbon and while this may not reflect in a direct, tangible cost right now, who is to say how this will develop in the not-too-distant future?
If a “cap and trade” scheme is ever introduced in this country, greenhouse gas emissions will become pivotal to carbon emissions management. The business structure must be adjusted accordingly, as the organization will be judged by the amount of energy it uses and a calculated volume of associated carbon emissions. Nationwide, a ceiling will be placed on the total amount of emissions possible, making carbon in itself a very valuable tradable commodity.
With a significant value placed on the balance sheet, carbon now forces the organization to judge the ultimate efficiency of each asset. Carbon emissions management may now be initiated to provide figures necessary to allow an organization to improve, with a sophisticated system necessary. Carbon emissions management requires the establishment of a calculated baseline, upon which improvements will be made.
Carbon emissions management should be a welcome additional business tool for the corporate executive. At the very least, it will help to pinpoint inefficiencies in asset use and consequent energy consumption and as energy is always one of the largest costs of any business, operating costs will be driven down.
Education is paramount for the business executive and never more so than in the “carbon age” upon us. The executive should work out how a baseline situation is going to be achieved before carbon emissions management is initiated. Note well that in the United Kingdom, a trading scheme is now in place that will soon force each organization to trade in order to be able to emit carbon in any situation. It is highly likely that something along these lines will be introduced here soon.
Whether you believe the carbon age is real, implied or imaginary, you cannot discount the need for increased attention when it comes to saving and sustainability. Our traditional forms of energy represent a finite resource and as we are far from a position of being able to turn to alternative energy, prudence is advisable.
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