Sustainability is an important goal for businesses in 2021. Companies are starting to understand the extent of their impact on the environment. Businesses across the world are beginning to take steps to become more eco-friendly. Millennials and Gen-Zers value companies that prioritize environmentalism and, consequently, these consumers are willing to spend more on eco-conscious products. Ignoring environmentalism can have a detrimental impact on a business’s reputation among consumers and investors.
Here are a few ways you can make your business more environmentally friendly.
Source materials sustainably
Take a look at your main suppliers and how environmentalism stands in their company values. Ask to see their CSR policy and consider how they are trying to improve their environmental impact. If your existing suppliers are not environmentally aware, it may be time to look into more sustainable suppliers.
Look into how you package your products and whether your delivery vans align with ULEZ standards. Review your current purchases and make small changes to improve your eco-credentials.
Furthermore, you could also invest in greener cleaning products. Some cleaning products release harmful toxins into the office environment, impacting your cleaning staff and office workers.
Ethical investing
Incorporate sustainability into every channel of your business, including investing. Ethical investing promotes sustainable businesses and projects, rather than further promoting unsustainable resources and enterprises.
Set up a green team
You should take steps to conduct your business operations sustainably as well. Set up a green team with staff members from different departments to monitor your office’s environmental practices. This team can brainstorm ideas and make green initiatives to improve your office’s sustainability. For example, the green team could monitor your office’s stationery and research more eco-friendly alternatives.
You could encourage green challenges in the office. For example, ask your staff to go a whole month with no plastic utensils in the office. Offer small prizes in return for those that manage to complete the challenge.
Recycling schemes and programs
Set up recycling bins in consistent and practical locations to encourage your staff to recycle. Research how you can recycle any of your older electrical appliances as well.
If you live in a wetter climate, try to recycle water by setting up a smart drainage system. Use the recycled water to flush the office toilets.
Turn off electrical devices
Turn off your electrical devices when you are not using them to save electricity. Use a smart thermometer in the office to reduce your energy usage and bills.
Solar power
If you are in the position to do so, you could invest in solar panels to power your office. While the initial cost may seem steep, solar panels are a great way to save money and energy in the long run.
