Businesses are making eco-friendly changes across the globe. Companies have a responsibility to their surrounding community and environment to utilise green processes. In the UK, almost a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions come from businesses.
Between operational and purchasing processes, businesses have a detrimental impact on the environment. Stakeholders, customers and employees are also becoming increasingly environmentally aware and want to shop from sustainable companies. Environmentalism is now at the heart of a business’s reputation and needs to be incorporated into everyday processes.
Here are a few ways to make your business more sustainable.
Set up a ‘Green Team’
Choose an employee from different sectors of your business and set up a sustainability team. They can brainstorm ideas and encourage staff to abide by new green initiatives and policies. For example, you could improve recycling processes by eliminating single-use plastic from the workplace.
If you need a little more expertise on going green, hire an external service to evaluate your environmental, social and governance strategy.
Try and think outside the box
Research sustainability and how you can incorporate it into your office in a more significant way than just recycling paper. Get creative!
Some businesses have started recycling and reusing electronic equipment. Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste sector globally, and we produced 48.5 million tons of it in 2018 alone. Instead of chucking away old computers, donate them to a better home.
Challenge suppliers or switch to more sustainable ones
Ask your green team to investigate how your existing suppliers approach sustainability. If your current suppliers are not looking to improve their sustainability, consider switching to a better alternative. Look into a supplier’s CSR policy to find out more about how they are approaching eco-friendly initiatives.
Look into eco-alternative options for stationary instead of continuing to buy single-use items.
Sign up to free of charge recycling schemes that can recycle your batteries, ink and toner cartridges instead of adding them to a landfill.
Let your employees work from home
Remote working is becoming increasingly popular for businesses across the globe. It’s more convenient for employees and can drastically change a company’s overall environmental footprint. With less commuting and office supplies, flexible working is a brilliant way to make your business more sustainable.
Use cloud to your advantage
Cloud computing can help to reduce your office waste and make your business more productive. Win, win!
Invest in a cloud computing software for your entire team, like Microsoft 365 or iCloud. You can reduce travel costs, carbon emissions and help your team stay connected.
