Being more eco-friendly is good for the planet, but there are reasons it’s good for your business as well. First, sustainability is all about reducing waste, and your business should be as well. You should always be looking at how to do things more efficiently with fewer resources. Another reason is that sustainability is a good brand element to have. Increasingly, consumers care about the environment and the effect they are having on it. If you can demonstrate that your business operates with similar values and that your customers can contribute to those values by using your products or services, they may choose you over a less sustainable competitor. Finally, sustainability may be an important core value for you, and if so, your company should reflect that value.
Reducing Employee Travel
Allowing your employees the option of remote work is one way of keeping more cars off the road. In the meantime, you’ll save on additional office space and on heating, cooling and lighting those areas. If remote work isn’t practical for your business and you live in an area with good public transit, you could offer employees free or reduced passes. You could also install a shower or two so that employees who want to cycle or even run into work don’t have to sit around in sweaty clothes. In addition, look for ways to conduct more meetings online instead of traveling to other cities for them.
Fleet Efficiency
There’s no way around it that operating a fleet is not the most eco-friendly thing you could be doing. However, having your own instead of relying on an outside firm means factors are within your control, and there are ways to maximize efficiency that will not only make what you do more sustainable but will save you money. Fleet telematics can operate as a complete vehicle management solution, allowing you to track driver behavior and costs and make adjustments to reduce waste, spending and unsafe behavior.
Sustainable Products and Energy
You can make an effort to work with other companies that support sustainability as well. This means buying green products, working with vendors who are committed to eco-friendly practices and finding out if renewable energy is an option for your office space. Even if it isn’t, you can take steps to make sure that it is heated, cooled and lit more efficiently. Big windows can take advantage of natural light. Good insulation means you won’t have to spend as much on heating and cooling. You can also look at getting certain things secondhand and reusing what you have. Do you really need a new microwave and chair for the break room, or can you pick up a used one? In many cases, refurbished computers and other electronics will work as well as new ones.
Think Local
If you work closely with other local businesses, not only do the goods you purchase not have to travel as far but you build a stronger sense of community. It might not always be practical or possible to get what you need nearby, but you should prioritize proximity in your buying choices.
