In modern business, it’s not enough to have a great product and wonderful employees. The millennial generation, which currently dominates the economy, is interested in what the business does to better the world through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Making a positive impact on the environment and being conscientious about consumption is an integral aspect of CSR. Here are six tips for making your business more eco-friendly.
Use Eco-Friendly Supplies
Take a closer look at the supplies you use in the business. Chances are, there are plenty of changes you can make to be more eco-friendly. Some of the swaps are simple and small but make a significant impact over time. Other changes will take time and money to implement, and should be a part of the longer-term strategy.
For example, changing printer toners to use a supplier that promotes eco-solvent manufacture protocols is a simple-yet-effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, using recycled paper over bleached, white, “new” paper makes a big difference as well. Longer-term strategies might include switching company vehicles to electric or hybrid vehicles.
Educate Your Employees
Create opportunities for workplace education regarding eco-friendly practices. Entice employees to attend by offering a free lunch and bring in experts to share their insights. For example, you could host a seminar on cutting back on waste at home and the office or and an educational piece about recycling.
Consider incentivizing these educational efforts with challenges and rewards. For example, generating a habit tracker or checklist that reminds employees to shut off their computer each day, turn off the lights, reduce their paper output, etc. Offer a prize to the employees who remain consistent and make an impact on the organization.
Replace Faucets and Toilets
If your business has a large retail space or office headquarters, changing the faucets and toilets can make a significant impact on consumption. Tap aerators infuse the water with oxygen, reducing the amount of water used while still creating pressure and coverage. You can add automatic sensors to reduce waste further.
Replacing older toilets with low-flow models can cut your water consumption in half, effectively cutting back on your water bill as well. Over time, these changes to your capital pay for themselves.
Promote Remote Work
Rather than having a large office that houses everyone, consider promoting remote work and using less space. This will cut back on your energy and water consumption, as well as your overhead costs.
Many businesses are opting for an entirely remote model and leasing co-working spaces for meetings, projects, and presentations. Remote work can also improve employee engagement and productivity. Not only does this reduce consumption at the workplace, but also the impacts of commuting to work every day.
Audit Your Processes
Conduct an Eco-Audit throughout your business. Look at the various processes and determine where changes can be made to cut back on consumption and make things more efficient. This audit could cover everything from approval processes in accounting to manufacturing processes on the production floor.
Many energy providers are also willing to do free energy audits and identify areas for improvement. Like many efforts to become more eco-friendly in business, these activities can also drastically reduce expenses and increase profitability.
Revisit Your Lights and Appliances
Like toilets and faucets, your lights and appliances are other areas where you can make significant changes with a simple swap. Switch out your older bulbs with LED lightbulbs to reduce consumption. There are plenty of LED options now that have warmer lighting hues and even stylish considerations, like Edison bulbs.
Check that your workplace appliances are Energy Star approved, and use power bars to shut things down at the end of the day. It may take education and practice to encourage your employees to turn off the lights and appliances before heading home.
Becoming an eco-friendly business doesn’t have to take up a lot of time and money. With simple changes and a few longer-term strategies, you can cut back on expenses and appeal to the modern consumer.
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