Essential Environmental Metrics Every Business Should Track for Sustainability
- tass peters
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
Tracking the right environmental metrics is crucial for businesses that want to improve sustainability, reduce costs, and comply with regulations. Without clear data, companies risk overlooking key areas where they can make a difference. Monitoring specific environmental indicators helps identify risks, improve operations, and show responsibility toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This post outlines the top metrics every organization should track to build long-term resilience and make informed decisions.
Carbon Emissions
Carbon emissions are the most widely recognized environmental metric. They measure the amount of greenhouse gases a business releases into the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2). Tracking emissions helps companies understand their climate impact and identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Why it matters:
Carbon emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.
Many governments require businesses to report emissions for regulatory compliance.
Reducing emissions can lower energy costs and improve brand reputation.
How to track:
Use tools like greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Measure emissions from energy use, transportation, manufacturing processes, and waste.
Set reduction targets and monitor progress regularly.
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption measures the total energy used by a business, including electricity, gas, and fuel. It directly affects operating costs and environmental impact.
Why it matters:
Energy use often drives carbon emissions.
Identifying energy waste can lead to cost savings.
Renewable energy adoption depends on understanding current consumption.
How to track:
Monitor energy bills and meter readings.
Use energy management software to analyze patterns.
Break down consumption by department or process for targeted improvements.
Water Usage
Water is a vital resource, and many industries depend heavily on it. Tracking water usage helps businesses manage this resource sustainably and avoid shortages or regulatory penalties.
Why it matters:
Water scarcity affects many regions worldwide.
Excessive water use can increase costs and harm local ecosystems.
Efficient water use supports corporate social responsibility goals.
How to track:
Measure water intake from municipal supplies, wells, or other sources.
Track water used in production, cooling, cleaning, and landscaping.
Implement water-saving technologies and monitor their effectiveness.
Waste Generation
Waste generation tracks the amount and types of waste a business produces. This includes solid waste, hazardous waste, and byproducts.
Why it matters:
Waste disposal can be costly and environmentally damaging.
Reducing waste supports circular economy principles.
Proper waste management reduces legal risks and improves community relations.
How to track:
Record waste volumes by category (e.g., recyclable, landfill, hazardous).
Monitor waste disposal methods and costs.
Set waste reduction targets and track progress.
Recycling Rates
Recycling rates measure how much waste is diverted from landfills through recycling programs. High recycling rates indicate effective waste management.
Why it matters:
Recycling conserves natural resources and reduces pollution.
It can lower waste disposal costs.
Demonstrates commitment to sustainability to customers and investors.
How to track:
Track the weight or volume of materials recycled.
Compare recycling rates against total waste generated.
Encourage employee participation and provide recycling infrastructure.
Air Quality
Air quality metrics assess the presence of pollutants released by business operations, such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides.
Why it matters:
Poor air quality affects worker health and nearby communities.
Many industries face strict air pollution regulations.
Improving air quality can reduce liability and improve public image.
How to track:
Use air monitoring equipment on-site.
Track emissions from manufacturing, transportation, and storage.
Implement pollution control technologies and monitor their effectiveness.
Hazardous Material Handling
Tracking hazardous materials involves monitoring the use, storage, and disposal of substances that pose risks to health or the environment.
Why it matters:
Mishandling hazardous materials can cause accidents and environmental damage.
Compliance with safety regulations is mandatory.
Proper management protects workers and reduces cleanup costs.
How to track:
Maintain inventories of hazardous substances.
Monitor training and safety procedures.
Track incidents and corrective actions.
Soil and Water Impacts
Businesses that handle chemicals or operate near natural resources should track impacts on soil and water quality.
Why it matters:
Contamination can harm ecosystems and communities.
Cleanup costs and legal penalties can be high.
Protecting soil and water supports sustainable operations.
How to track:
Conduct regular soil and water testing near facilities.
Monitor spills, leaks, and runoff.
Implement containment and remediation measures.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution affects employee well-being and nearby residents. Tracking noise levels helps manage this often-overlooked environmental impact.
Why it matters:
Excessive noise can cause health problems and complaints.
Regulations may limit noise emissions.
Managing noise supports community relations.
How to track:
Use sound level meters to monitor noise at various locations.
Identify sources of excessive noise.
Implement noise reduction measures such as barriers or equipment upgrades.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Environmental impacts extend beyond a company’s direct operations. Tracking sustainability in the supply chain helps reduce overall footprint.
Why it matters:
Supply chains often account for the majority of environmental impacts.
Sustainable sourcing reduces risks and improves resilience.
Transparency builds trust with customers and investors.
How to track:
Assess suppliers’ environmental practices and certifications.
Monitor transportation emissions and packaging waste.
Collaborate with suppliers to improve sustainability.
Tracking these environmental metrics provides a clear picture of a business’s impact and opportunities for improvement. By regularly measuring carbon emissions, energy use, water consumption, waste, air quality, and other key indicators, companies can make informed decisions that reduce costs and support sustainability goals. This data-driven approach also strengthens compliance with regulations and enhances reputation with stakeholders.
Comments