Highview Accounting Services has taken major steps to reduce its carbon footprint to zero, with the help of the Carbon Reduction Institute in Sydney.

The firm is seeking the support of Casey Council to run seminars on how businesses can become carbon neutral.

Director Silvio Marinelli said taking the carbon neutral step had "hardly impacted" on his firm's costs as any offsets the company had to pay were cancelled out by reduced resource bills.

"You're never going to have zero emissions, but you can offset it. We've seen great benefit from this and want to show those benefits to local businesses."

Becoming carbon-neutral was the brainchild of one of the firm's accountants Simon Byers, who says steps as simple as using natural light had helped reduce electricity use by 10 per cent, even while staffing levels had increased.

"We've gone through our whole suppliers' list and we're making an effort to get things like stationery and many of our other services from companies that have a carbon-neutral philosophy."

The Journal visited the Sladen Street business last week and found badges on fridges reminding staff to close the door, and to switch off power points, while most computer screens were turned off.

Carbon Reduction Institute environmental director Gavin Pereira said Highview had "shown a lot of initiative".

"We facilitated the process for Highview Accounting Services and we're more than happy to facilitate other businesses in the region to take action."

Mr Marinelli said that helping to achieve goals were the company's 19 staff, including administration officer Cathryn Owen, who was reporting to the institute.

"We have to report our flights and overheads, such as electricity usage, either quarterly or yearly and Cathryn has taken that on for us."

Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford plans to move a motion calling for Mr Marinelli to make a presentation to the council on Highview's carbon-neutral methods. "We want to see a local seminar for other businesses within the city, obviously with Silvio presenting."

For more information, call Mr Marinelli on 59901000 or visit www.highviewaccounting.com.au or call Carbon Reduction Institute on (02) 94399990 or visit www.noco2.com.au