Six Ways to Make Your Business More Sustainable

Six Ways to Make Your Business More Sustainable Shortsighted business practices simply aren’t good for business, making your business sustainable means looking at more than just the bottom line.

There is a significant push across the business world to achieve fast and ambitious results while adhering to sustainable principles. Increasingly, consumers are choosing businesses that have the impetus to cut carbon emissions and reduce their harm to the planet than those who have shown no willingness to adhere to environmental principles. There is no excuse for entrepreneurs who neglect the environmental responsibilities their companies should be making and there are increasingly high taxes by governments on irresponsible corporations who may be harming our planet.

Here are six easy ways that you can make your business more sustainable, so that future generations can enjoy the world just as much as we do.

1. Invest in Renewable Energy

There has never been a better time to invest in renewable energy: there are an increasing number of grants available to individuals who wish to create their own energy and sources of sustainable energy are extremely advanced. Implementing them will cut the cost of bills for gas and electricity – and you may also be able to sell excess energy to your local grid. These are some sources of renewable energy that your business could consider:

• Solar panels – these are the simplest way for you to reduce your company’s consumption of fossil fuels.
• Electric vehicles – replacing your company’s vehicles with hybrid or electric alternatives will reduce the amount of petrol and diesel they will use.
• Hydropower – this turns dammed water into kinetic energy on a micro or macro scale.
• Biofuel – this renewable energy source is derived from organic mass and creates electricity and transportation fuels.

These are just a few of the popular sources of renewable energy that your business can utilize – either by developing them in-house or investing in other companies that use this energy.

2. Encourage Employees to Share Transport

Unfortunately, a large number of people drive to work because they perceive it to be the most convenient mode of transport. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to enhance the appeal of sharing transport – or to support employees who opt for public transport. Some companies invest in a cycle to work scheme, which enables employees to spend tax-free money on a bike. This will not only decrease the cost of their commute but regular exercise is beneficial for employees’ productivity and will motivate them in the workplace in addition to benefitting their mental and physical health.

Many businesses are beginning to invest in a mode of transport that will suit their employees, such as a minibus. The minibus can pick up and drop off employees at locations near their homes. This is an extremely welcome perk for staff members – and their knowledge that you are concerned about their well-being will also increase productivity at work. Plus, you’ll be dealing with employee lateness – something that has been found to cost employers a lot of money every year.

3. Increase Levels of Recycling

It is advisable to try and cut waste in the workplace as much as possible by going paperless and reducing the amount of single-use plastic on the premises. But unfortunately, it is impossible for many businesses to completely eradicate waste. One excellent solution to the increasingly expensive problem of waste is making the most of recycling balers; these machines are a convenient solution to disposing recyclable matter with ease. Depending on your business’ needs, you may utilize a baler for cardboard, plastic, cans or paper. Here are a few types of businesses that benefit from purchasing a baler:

• Superstores – due to the number of deliveries these stores receive, balers are extremely useful to reduce the manual labor involved in collapsing cardboard boxes and packaging.
• Hospitals – many medicines arrive in a large quantity of recyclable packaging, so a baler is essential.
• Hotels and restaurants – the hospitality industry is extremely busy and balers save staff laborious activity in dealing with trash.
• Magazine and newspaper industries – due to the quantity of paper these industries deal with, a baler is a simple solution.

These are not the only industries that require balers; it is important to consider your company’s requirements in regards to waste, before making any purchases.

4. Fund Volunteering Days

Company volunteer days are gaining popularity rapidly because they are a way that people who work in the commercial sphere can establish relationships with the local community. Implementing a volunteer day for your local environment is a good idea for a multitude of reasons. Doing so will raise your company’s profile, helping you be seen as an ethical corporation; meanwhile, your employees’ well-being will be improved, and that will enhance productivity in the workplace.

When you select environmental charities to effectively donate time to, you will be making your company far more sustainable. Although offering your employees the chance to volunteer while still being paid may seem like an expensive option – it often repays the company in relation to contacts built, teams strengthened, and motivation boosted.

5. Create Green Spaces

Many companies build over their outdoor spaces to expand their premises and create more working environments. Unfortunately, this means a reduction of green spaces, which are extremely beneficial to everyone. Green spaces improve our health, improve the air in the surrounding environment, and reduce the risk of flooding. Here are a few ways you can create green spaces as you expand:

• A community garden – an excellent idea for team bonding
• Vertical gardens – these are ideal for small spaces
• Create a sky garden – building on a roof is an extremely fashionable idea that will give employees delightful green scenery during their lunch break.

These are just a few ways that you can ensure that you can boost your company’s sustainability while creating an attractive outdoor space for your staff to enjoy.

6. Consult an Expert

There is a vast number of climate experts who can help you make your business more sustainable. They will be able to report on your current wastage and will confront how much energy your business is using. Then they will be able to support you as your company fulfills its sustainability potential – and offer key advice to help you reduce your carbon footprint.

These tips are designed to inspire you to enhance your business’ sustainability efforts and reach your eco-friendly potential with ease. It doesn’t have to be expensive – but sustainable living requires creativity and dedication on the part of managers to make a company greener.

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by Chris London of Pixel Productions Inc. The Everything Design Company