How can you simultaneously reach your business objectives while also making sure that you’re doing what you can for the planet? There are several practices that environmentally friendly companies do to make sure they’re minimising their carbon footprint on the planet. Here are a few ways to become a more sustainable company:
Incorporating sustainable practices in business operations not only benefits the environment but can also enhance the company's reputation and reduce operational costs.
If you’re looking to cut down on how you impact our planet with carbon emissions, look at how your team is set up for work. If you require all of your team to visit the office daily, you may be contributing more than you think to the demise of the planet.
Cutting back on how often your team has to use their vehicles to get to work can be a helpful way to create a more sustainable work environment. Having the right software and learning about things like the waterfall methodology can make it easier to achieve success and productivity with a remote team. If you can’t have a fully remote team for whatever reason, incorporating a “ride your bike to work” day or two can also be a sustainable choice.
Offices need air conditioning or heating, so you can stay comfortable in any type of weather. However, you may be using more energy than what is truly necessary. Have you ever walked into an office that felt like Frozen looks? Not only would such a cold environment not be great for your team, but it can also be using more energy than you should. Also, consider setting a timer for the HVAC system to work less when no one is in the office.
When considering the energy efficiency of your office, it's essential to evaluate the systems you have in place. For instance, your HVAC system plays a significant role in your energy consumption. Ensuring that your HVAC system is up-to-date and efficient can make a big difference. If you're looking to train or hire professionals who understand the intricacies of these systems, exploring trade school programs can be a great way to ensure you have the right expertise on hand.
If you need equipment for your office, your first thought may be to buy brand new items. While you do want equipment that is in great condition, you don’t always have to buy new. Refurbished equipment can be in tip-top shape, but instead of impacting the environment with the production of new stuff, you’re reusing equipment that can still be used.
Printing things, whether memos, reminders, data, or stats, was necessary more than two decades ago, however in the modern day, most things have been moved digitally. While physical records, data, memos, and more have been recorded on paper most of the time, if you haven’t transcribed your processes into a digital format, you could be wasting valuable time and resources.
So, if you’re trying to provide important information for your whole team, skip the printing process and share what you need to through online communication and file-sharing apps instead. We no longer need to buy blocks and blocks of paper for the workplace when we have so many
If you own your office space, warehouse, or some other commercial space, consider using solar panels to provide your building with the power you need. Not only is this good for the environment, but you may also get some benefits from using sustainable energy, depending on the state that you live in.
While solar panels may not be usable in just any kind of area or with every type of space, consult with a solar professional to find out the information you need to determine if it’s the right sustainable decision for you.
There are many ways that you can start incorporating sustainable habits and changes in your company. Little changes and initiatives can do a lot for the environment, so take time to consider ways that you can create a more sustainable workplace. Get your team on board, practice more sustainable habits in the workplace, and know that it’s worth the investment of time and potentially money to ensure your brand is taking care of the planet.