Being aware of the impact businesses have on the environment is becoming an integral part of decision making, especially in the early stages of starting a new business.
While this may appear to only apply to large corporates, in reality, we all have an impact. Small actions can and do make a difference.
From where you choose to operate to the suppliers you choose to do business with, each aspect is worth considering from an environmental perspective.
The volume of actions required can seem quite overwhelming initially, especially when you begin to realise just how many everyday activities and choices have an adverse effect on something else.
In fact, in today’s world, its near impossible to do business and not have some level of negative impact.
Where do you even begin?
Be Realistic
This isn’t about eliminating the potential for any and all environmental damage, but more about being conscious of how your business decisions do directly or indirectly affect the wider world around us.
It is taking a big picture view of the situation and seeing what is viable and achievable, in line with your business model, budget, resource etc.
Understand Legal Obligations
Investigating regulations and legal requirements for businesses is often the easiest place to start. From following recycling guidelines to ensuring appropriate liquid waste removal, knowing what your legal responsibility is will reduce business risk and be a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing environmental impacts.
Eco Choices
There are some key areas which can offer the most impact and these are useful as a primary focus. Even if you can just cover these, you are making great strides towards a greener business.
Water Conservation
Keeping pipework maintained can not only save you money but also save tons of water. Be sure to fix leaky pipes and be aware of your overall business water footprint.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
This little mantra can serve as a great reminder when thinking about what action you can take at any given moment.
Buy bins specifically for recycled items, don’t use or offer disposable utensils, think before you print, use resources made from recycled products — you get the idea.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing an office or building to operate your business from, be sure to look at the energy efficiency of it. Ask questions about eco-energy options and alternative, like if solar panels can be installed or if you can choose your energy provider.
Such actions are two-fold – beneficial to you by reducing your business’s monthly expenses and to the environment as you reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable Suppliers
Who you choose to do business with – your suppliers – is a fundamental part of ensuring your environmental impact is considered as a whole system.
Such choices can reduce your carbon and water footprint and reduce the volume of unnecessary waste and toxins going out into the world.
Green Products
Where possible, purchase cleaning products which have a non-toxic base and are not harmful to both human health and the health of the planet.
Consumables
Since the UN declared that meat consumption is the leading cause of climate change, many businesses are reducing the use of meat and dairy products in the work place. This may be as simple as choosing vegetarian or vegan catering for meetings and company functions.
Reward Green Efforts
When it comes to considering employee incentive schemes, look through the lens of the environment. Where can you, as an employer, promote and reward positive environmental action? Introducing a cycle to work scheme? Providing an eco-pool car? Contributing to public transport expenses?
Wildlife Friendly
Consider what can be planted or grown in outside areas surrounding your office building. Plant flowers to attract bees and other insects and plant shrubs for birds to nest in — whatever you can do in the available space.
