Running a more sustainable business calls for a comprehensive strategy that integrates various pivotal measures designed to lessen environmental impact while preserving both profitability and operational efficiency.
That may sound a bit ‘too hard basket’ - but it doesn’t have to be. In this article we outline our top 11 sustainability practices that any business can easily adopt as part of their day to day journey to becoming a more sustainable business.
1. Embrace Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle
A sustainable business should prioritise the minimisation of waste. This can be achieved by establishing recycling programs and by promoting the reuse or repair of materials whenever possible. For example:
- putting a recycling bin next to the printer, using scrap paper for note taking, or even better try moving towards a paperless office
- removing any single use items like plastic or paper cups, cutlery
- reconditioning or repairing old equipment can significantly reduce the need for new resources.
- when upgrading equipment/items make sure you're recycling or offering to people who can reuse where possible
2. Switch to LED Lighting
LEDs are not only more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, but they also last longer, which means less waste and fewer resources used over time. Switching to LED lighting can result in significant cost savings in terms of both energy consumption and maintenance.
3. Reduce Plastic Usage
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue. Businesses can tackle this by opting for biodegradable or reusable alternatives. For instance:
- replacing single-use plastics with glass, metal or ceramic options
- using compostable packaging materials
4. Promote Remote Work
The rise of remote work offers a substantial opportunity for businesses to become more sustainable. Encouraging employees to work from home eliminates the daily commute, which can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, remote work can decrease the need for office space, which in turn reduces the energy required for heating, cooling, and lighting.
Businesses can invest in digital collaboration tools and ensure that employees have the training and resources they need to work effectively from home. This not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. By incorporating remote work into company culture, businesses can take a significant step forward in their journey toward sustainability.
5. Minimise Business Travel
Travel, especially by air, contributes to a significant amount of carbon emissions. Encouraging remote meetings and teleconferencing over physical travel whenever possible can greatly reduce a company's carbon footprint and save you a lot of money in travel expenses. And if you have to travel, make sure you tick the box to offset your carbon emissions when booking the flights.
6. Focus on Local
Sourcing from local suppliers not only supports the local economy but also reduces transportation emissions associated with long-distance shipping. Furthermore, local sourcing often means fresher goods and a reduction in the need for preservatives and extensive packaging. Other ways to focus on local are to use local service providers and retailers as opposed to the big household names.
7. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and machinery can lead to substantial energy savings. These appliances consume less electricity and water, which not only helps the planet but also reduces utility bills. So when you next need to replace an item make the energy efficiency rating part of your decision making process.
8. Encourage Volunteerism
Businesses can promote environmental volunteerism among employees, such as participating in local clean-ups or tree-planting activities. This not only contributes to the community but also fosters a culture of sustainability within the organisation.
9. Educate Your Employees
Knowledge is power, and educating employees about the importance of sustainability can empower them to make greener choices in their work and personal lives. Workshops, newsletters, or incentive programs can encourage employees to contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.
10. Incorporating Circular Economy Principles
Transitioning to a circular economy is a strategic move that prioritises longevity, renewability, and resourcefulness in every aspect of business. This sustainable model emphasises the continual use of resources through practices such as recycling, repairing, refurbishing, and repurposing materials and products.
Implementing such a model may present challenges, but the rewards—both environmental and economic—are substantial. It requires a thoughtful approach to product design and life cycle management, prompting questions like, 'How can we extend the lifespan of our products?' or 'Can this item be designed for recyclability?' and 'How can we eliminate plastic from our packaging and shipping process?' Encouraging customer participation in recycling and providing them with the necessary information is also crucial. By keeping such considerations at the forefront of business strategy, companies can make significant strides in reducing waste and creating more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
11. Using climate platforms to further your company's impact
One of the best platforms is Ecologi. A climate platform that allows you to "calculate your carbon footprint, reduce your emissions, fund climate projects and share your progress - all-in-one place".
By implementing strategies like these, a business can significantly reduce its environmental footprint, engage employees around environmental impact, improve its public image, and potentially reduce costs. It's not just about being responsible; it's about ensuring a viable business model for generations to come.
If you’d like to discuss how you can make your business more sustainable, please get in touch and we can start putting an action plan together.
