Environmental sustainability is something businesses have been excited about in recent times. In the past five years, 85% of customers have been diverting towards the use of eco-friendly products today, and employees are also excited about working with organizations that are keen on upholding environmental sustainability. Besides being a trendy topic, incorporating sustainability into your business has proven to save money in both the long and short terms. This post highlights key ways how to incorporate sustainability into your business
- Encourage employees to work remotely
While not every company or business can allow fully remote working, many can shift to a partially remote or hybrid workforce. If your employees can do this, you may be able to cut or reduce your energy consumption. This is because lighting, temperature control, and plugged-in office equipment will cost less. These energy reductions also represent less strain and stress on the environment. Although workers will consume power when working from their various homes, their effect is relatively lower than it is at the office.
- Adopt energy-efficient measures
Energy efficiency is a significant priority for many businesses. Through energy initiatives, companies can reduce their expenses by reducing their dependency on electricity and fossil fuels. However, this process encompasses many strategies. Combined, these measures will considerably cut your energy bills, lessen your reliance on and need for fossil fuel, and save the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment, making your business eco-friendly. Insulating your office is one of the energy-efficient measures you can adopt since it keeps more cold air in during the hot seasons and traps more heat during the fall and winter seasons.
- Water conservation is non-negotiable
Like energy efficiency, water conservation saves your business money while helping you achieve environmental sustainability goals. You can save water at your workplace by installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and urinals in washrooms and business kitchens. No-touch sensors are also your go-to, as they can conserve water by preventing people from unintentionally leaving the taps flowing. You can also reduce water usage by adding plant species that require little to no watering to your landscaping. Improve the efficiency of your sprinkler by configuring it to stay off on rainy days.
- Installing solar panels to power your business
Adopting solar energy is a crucial component of incorporating sustainability into business because it is a clean source of renewable energy that does not produce or emit harmful gasses into the environment. Businesses that use solar energy can considerably lower their carbon footprint and help battle climate change. Aside from environmental benefits, it can help your business save money on energy costs. Many businesses and organizations who invest in solar energy enjoy a considerable return on investment within a few years since they can generate their own electricity and lessen their dependency on traditional energy sources.
- Cut down on waste
Producing less waste is the most sustainable way of safeguarding the environment and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. And your options for achieving this are limitless. Consider options such as going paperless or minimizing the quantity of paper your company uses. You can even go a step further by Investing in long-lasting equipment and materials to keep them out of landfills. Employ industry best practices to reduce surplus material used if your business is a construction or manufacturing company.
- Encourage sustainable transportation among employees
Transportation is another major source of carbon emissions. Bur your business doesn’t have to be part of the statistics. Therefore, encourage workers to use sustainable transportation by offering bike racks and showers for those to ride bicycles or walk to work. You can also encourage staff to take public transport by offering reduced transit passes or carpooling options. Ride-sharing with other colleagues can be encouraged by offering gas cards or monthly payments to employees who engage in the program. Doing this will help you contribute to a sustainable earth.
- Engage in proper electronic disposal methods
Electronic waste, popularly known as e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing sources of pollution globally. These items contain toxic elements that could harm the ecosystem if they aren’t properly thrown away. To reduce the environmental effect of e-waste, it is necessary to properly dispose of outdated electronics, including computers, printers, televisions, and other appliances, at your workplace. E-waste recycling with a suitable vendor will ensure that everything is appropriately disposed of and diverted from landfill through recycling or donations.
- Use LED lights in your office
Many offices are switching to LED lighting to conserve energy, but the trend does not seem to have caught on with many small and medium-sized businesses. While the initial cost is slightly higher than traditional lighting systems, your business will experience returns on its investment in your first year of using LED lights. This favorable outcome is due to the LED’s greater lifespan and energy efficiency. When you consider the state and municipal incentives for switching to this lighting, you can recoup your invested money in no time. Having an occupancy sensor is another important benefit of using LED lights.
- Let fresh air in
Opening windows is a simple yet effective remedy to a stuffy and hot office. When employees are crammed into their tiny cubicles in the office, the air can rapidly become stale and suffocating. Open a few windows to allow fresh air into the office instead of spending money on energy and air conditioners. Moreover, air conditioners release hydrofluorocarbons, a type of greenhouse gas, into the environment, so although you may feel refreshed, the ecosystem is being destroyed. Reduce your business’s contribution by reserving this appliance for hotter summer days.
- Purchase biodegradable kitchen supplies
To reduce plastic waste, choose biodegradable kitchen items. Unless your office is where employees store personal dishes in the kitchen cabinet, you will need to maintain a supply of cutlery, cups, and plates on hand for any catered lunches or work parties. Rather than resorting to low-priced eco-unfriendly plastic ware, invest in biodegradable kitchen packaging. This will leave your business with a lower carbon impact.
