Ten reasons for your business to buy carbon credits

Develop a strategy for saving on energy costs. In an exceptionally difficult domestic business environment, making savings in any area is a compelling reason in itself.

You will need to prepare for the future in terms of energy costs and emission regulations. With legislation and industry requirements changing regularly, investing in carbon offsetting best practices means assurance in the future.

Public statement of efficiency targets to customers, suppliers, investors, shareholders and stakeholders is also an important consideration. Being able to demonstrate a commitment to environmental and sustainable business methods keeps all your stakeholders informed and shines a positive light on your organisation.

Adding value to bids when tendering for business under 'green procurement' procedures, in Government tenders and for export markets is a crucial advantage. Showing your ‘green credentials’ when tendering or bidding for public sector or government contracts – whatever the sector, gives you an advantage over non compliant/participating competitors.

Through the purchase of Irish offsets, you will invest in Irish communities, innovation, jobs, energy security. A commitment to sustainable enterprise in Ireland will ultimately lead to more employment and an investment in our own energy reserves in a major growth area for domestic development.

Undertake an energy audit as part of ISO 14064 to identify where efficiencies and energy reduction can be achieved. Such an audit represents both a practical approach to energy savings and cost reductions and gives your business a greater understanding of your role in the environment as a whole.

State an annual target for achieving improved energy efficiency on the Cosain website. Setting targets gives you solid goals to aim for and ensures accountability and measures effectiveness.

Have a stated energy efficiency benchmark allowing for international industry sector peer comparison using ISO 14064. Independent standards assure you of best practice methodologies and agenda-free assessments.

It will give you the ability to self-report, with efficiency described as CO2e per head of employee or unit of production. This level of detail offers an extra level of reporting and another degree of reporting and accountability.

Identifying with an initiative that is positive about Ireland's role in innovation, communities and combating climate change is a sign of your commitment to energy and your awareness of its increasingly vital profile.