The numbers are in. According to multiple recent surveys, global consumers expect a commitment to sustainability from brands. Embracing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the planet; it can be profitable, too. Even so, many entrepreneurs struggle with developing a strategy for green business growth. Here are seven simple tips for making your company more ecologically responsible.
1. Review Your Analytics
Step one in going green is to have efficient business processes. Many sustainability initiatives fail when they require too many resources. Therefore, mitigating unnecessary loss is crucial to success. Having effective business analytics means more than just knowing your ledger. Think about replacing some menial processes with automated systems. Consider hiring utility auditors to see if your utility companies are overcharging. There are plenty of options for streamlining your processes.
2. Get an Energy Audit
Utility expenditures aren’t the only numbers to look at before going green. Some losses might result from obsolete or inefficient infrastructure in your buildings. Poor insulation, drafty old windows, and aging heaters can all contribute to energy waste. For this reason, consider having a professional energy audit performed in your office. According to EnergyLink, prices range from $0.20 to $0.55 per square foot on average. If that’s too expensive, DIY audits can be performed (though with less sophistication). Shop around for the option that fits your budget.
3. Purchase Energy Efficient Devices
Whatever your most energy-intensive device may be, chances are there’s a more efficient version on the market. The U.S. government’s EnergyStar program has operated since 1992 to facilitate energy efficiency. Their website acts as a clearinghouse for data regarding the efficiency of typical household and office appliances. Buying efficient devices is an investment in reducing your share of greenhouse gas emissions and saving money.
4. Use Sustainable Shipping and Inventory
A massive amount of waste occurs as a result of inefficient supply chains. Creating a green inventory starts with the companies you contract with. Always review their manufacturing and trade policies to see if they align with your company’s values and goals.
Shipping also generates a massive amount of waste products, but sustainable shipping solutions are rising to that challenge. For instance, plant or mushroom-based alternatives to traditional packing materials are gaining popularity. Biodegradable packing peanuts and corrugated packaging are additional options. Think creatively about the future of your supply chain.
5. Purchase Green Office Supplies
Inventory isn’t the only place for green logistics. Sustainable variants of typical office supplies are widely available. Natural cleaning supplies have been around for a while. It’s also worth considering microfiber cloths as an alternative to paper towels for cleanup. A recent innovation is algae-based printer ink. Whether you do business from home or a traditional office, using natural products can be a boon for your health and help protect the planet.
6. Change Your Lights
A quick way to reduce your carbon footprint is to utilize more efficient lighting. According to the aforementioned EnergyStar experts, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use up to 70% less energy per unit than traditional incandescent bulbs. Many managers are also starting to see the benefits of using natural daylight. Reconfiguring workspaces to take advantage of daylight can cut your energy use significantly. Look at the architecture of your buildings to see where changes can be made.
7. Incorporate Renewable Energy
The most impactful action you can take for corporate sustainability is to adopt renewable energy. It’s also the most radical step. Thankfully, photovoltaic (solar) cells have dropped in cost to the point where commercial and industrial use is competitive with fossil fuels. Renewables can thus often be purchased through a utility provider. Installing solar panels directly involves an initial outlay of resources, but doing so takes your operations off the grid. It also slashes your output of greenhouse gases to a minimum.
Sustainability looks different for every company. Finding what works for you requires comprehensive knowledge of your needs and resources. Remember these tactics when putting a sustainability plan in place at your organization.
