In today’s market, selling quality services or products is not enough to differentiate yourself from competitors. Customers look beyond products, they seek sustainable business practices.
Sustainable business practices are more than simply a tactic to get on the customer’s good side. Given the rapidly evolving climate change, your business must do its part in saving the environment. And some ongoing changes also lower the price of doing business, which is another positive.
Incorporating sustainable practices into your business does not must be a drastic change. You can progress gradually and here’s how-
- Come Paperless
Make it office policy to use paper sparingly. Use each side of the paper when printing anything.
In fact, with advances in technology, the need for paper can be minimized or even eliminated altogether. You can use a wide range of software for archiving and day-to-day communications, which can be adapted to the exact needs of your business. Faster, easier and cheaper.
- Reduce Energy Consumption
Every member of your organization needs to know their daily energy consumption. It goes without saying that lights and electronics should be turned off when not in use. You have the option to automate the process by installing motion sensor lights.
- Use Renewable Energy
Intel, Google, and Apple are some of the big companies that use green energy to run their business processes. Likewise, your business can reduce its impact on the environment by switching to renewable energy. Green energy generated from sun, water, wind or biomass can even lower your overall costs. So, compare power providers to find an appropriate green plan for your business.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency
In addition to reducing energy consumption, it’s also important to consume energy efficiently. This can be achieved by buying energy efficient electronics and appliances. Also, ensure your office is correctly isolated to stop energy loss.
- Get a Smart Thermostat
An office that’s too cold or hot is not only uncomfortable, but also increases your energy bill unnecessarily. Get a smart thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature and thereby allow for greater energy savings.
- Conduct Energy Audits
There are only so many energy-saving measures that you can imagine for yourself. It would be better to involve the energy auditor. By conducting an energy audit, you can precisely determine which areas consume the most energy and ways to reduce your overall energy consumption.
- Explore Telecommuting
Telecommuting has great potential for your business. Give your employees the option to work at home. This will reduce your office space and utility costs. In addition, for workers it will reduce the time, money, and effort spent on transportation. When properly implemented, telecommuting policies can improve employee productivity and morale.
- Buy Recycled & Reused
Whether you are searching for a new desk or electronics, explore recycling and reusing options. Recycled furniture, particularly, is simple to come by at affordable prices.
- Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
All waste generated by your business must be properly recycled. Particular attention should be paid to disposing of e-waste. You might even consider outsourcing this task to a waste management expert.
- Eliminate Single Use Plastics
Plastic takes up to 1000 years to decompose! So it is very important to eliminate single-use plastic from your organization. Instead of giving your employees disposable plastic cups, encourage them to use reusable cups.
- Use Biodegradable Materials
To package products, start using reusable or biodegradable packaging materials.
- Collaborate with Green Vendors
To further promote your green ethos, you should make it a business goal to work completely with green vendors. The prospect of gaining new contacts will encourage other suppliers and vendors to adopt green practices.
Underline
It’s time to make sustainability an integral part of your business. Hopefully the above tips point your business in the right direction.
