Global warming is something that is important in most areas of life nowadays, including business. Some businesses may think they don’t need to put in the effort to become green, but they would be wrong. Businesses can easily contribute to the rising concern with the environment, even with small changes. As a business, your environmental effort major, and should be considered important. 

If you’re struggling to think of ways you can become greener in your business, have a look at the ideas below: 

Use Greener Energy Sources 

Using greener sources of energy like solar for commercial business, water, and wind power creates electricity which avoids the release of toxins into the clean air. It’s a much greener option than standard electricity options. This will not only cut your energy bill but also help combat global warming. The best thing you can do is look at comparisons online or speak to your energy supplier. Many of them are now starting to supply green energy as well as standard energy. 

Reduce Water Usage 

You can save both money and help the environment by conserving water. Your water supplier may be able to help you with ways to reduce the amount of water you use, and you can monitor your bills to physically see your usage come down. The best way to reduce your water usage is to seek the help of plumbing experts as they will be able to check that everything is working in the way it should and with the greenest systems. They can install more eco-friendly options if you need them too.  

Clean Green 

Cleaning products can contain chemicals that have harmful implications for the environment, and your personal health. Where you can, switch to non-toxic products, the majority of them do as good of or a better job anyway. Not only will it help to protect your and your employees’ skin in the workplace, but it will also help your business be more green. 

Include Recycling In The Workplace 

The majority of businesses now have recycling points readily available in the workplace, so if you don’t you should really think about installing one. It would be best if all businesses could do this, and it would make a massive difference. From arranging the use of a regenerative thermal oxidizer to simply adding a recycling station in easy reach on the office floor, they will help to make your business greener. Most people now recycle at home, so it’s not a new concept to ask them to continue to do it in the workplace too. 

Recommend or Incentivize Carpooling

Having your employees carpool can save them money and help the environment. It will also help with parking at your business and less wear and tear on your parking lot.

How Can Being Green Benefit Your Business? 

Sustainability is more than just a matter of preference or good PR. Due to forever changing government legislation and public opinion, it is something that now deeply impacts your business. This means that becoming more green as a business can now benefit your business. Let’s have a look at some of the ways it can do this below: 

Increased Competitive Advantage And Enchanced Brand Image

 Research by The Natural Marketing Institute, a strategic consulting partner that operates in 30 countries has shown that consumers are 58% more likely to buy a company’s products or services when your organization is mindful its impact on the environment and the society. The research also suggests that consumers will spend up to 20% more on environmentally sound services and products.

Reduced Costs And Increased Productivity

Many businesses have gained improved operational efficiencies after implementing more sustainable business practices. It makes complete sense when you think about it. Better conversion and use of resources lead to a more streamlined operation and reduced costs. 

Better Investment And Financial Opportunities 

Investments and financial analysts recognize that sustainability plans for the reduction of environmental impact and energy efficiency are an important company evaluator criterion. A study by Goldman Sachs revealed companies in six industries considered leaders in environmental, social and governance policies, have outperformed the general stock. For small businesses looking to enhance their financial strategies, enlisting the expertise of a small business CFO can be a game-changer. A study based on CFO Research, surveyed 175 top finance executives and found that more than half believe their companies will increase revenue by following strong sustainability initiatives.

An Increased Readiness For Future Costs And Legislation

Ernst & Young’s report ‘The Top 10 Business Risks for Business’  shows the necessity to be prepared for more restrictive environmental regulations and an increase in energy costs. It is estimated that companies may be legally required to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 50-80% by the year 2050. Therefore it is important for business to start putting steps into place by now. In fact, it was a requirement for companies to reduce their carbon emissions by the year 2020, so some changes should have already happened. This will have an impact on both the cost of energy and the availability, which are expected to double within a decade. 

Better Recruitment And Retention Of Good Employees

There are many people who now want to work for a company that are ‘doing the right thing’. 52% of employed adults feel their companies should be more environmentally aware, according to Adecco, an international HR company. Sustainability practices have becoming an essential method in in determining what a company is made of and whether the employees are ethical. In fact a Global Study of Business Ethics by the American Management Association found that developing a social responsibility programme is one of the top essential internal practices for ensuring you have an ethical corporate culture. 

A Healthier Work Environment For Employees

Choosing to use more sustainable products has the added advantage of not only being planet-friendly but people-friendly, too. Using eco-friendly cleaning products, for example, are plant-based and 100% biodegradable, they contain no hazardous artificial chemicals. This means they’re significantly less likely to damage the health of your employees (specifically your maintenance employees), resulting in happier, healthier employees. 

As you can see being more green as a business has now become an essential part of running a business, however, there are also many benefits that come with it. What do you do it your business to be green? Please share some of your ideas in the comments below.