As more people become aware of the impact they have on the environment, they are searching for businesses that use sustainable practices. Evolving with the changing climate could have a huge impact on any business you run as introducing these practices are likely to entice new customers and also show that your business cares about the environment. If you’re a business owner who is realizing the importance of operating in a more sustainable way, the following are five things you can do to lower your carbon footprint.
Make Use of Remote Working
Using office space means that vast amounts of energy is used in maintaining the working environment. However, much of the time there is no need for these sources of energy to be used. Lights are a good example of this, as well as computer hardware and other technology you use in your business. If it is a viable option, you can have your employees work from home for a couple of days a week to reduce the amount of waste within the office area.
Use Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging goes a long way to protecting the environment as plastic waste is one of the key contributors to the destruction of habitats and water pollution. Reusable pallets are a great way to start if you have a logistics operation. You can combine this with trailer tracking solutions to increase margins by reducing operating costs, increasing trailer utilization and customer retention with real-time visibility across your fleet. These solutions will give you a modern and sustainable business that will be attractive to customers who are becoming more concerned about the environmental impact businesses are causing globally.
Reduce Amount of Energy Used
Take a look at the areas within your business that are using large amounts of energy and see if that amount can be reduced. Lights are often left on in spaces that are unoccupied, which is a good example of wasting energy. You can do the same with computer hardware by turning it off when it is not in use. If it is possible, you could also consider using renewable energy sources to power your office such as solar panels. Although solar panels may cost you upfront, they generate clean electricity and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, promoting environmental responsibility while also expecting long-term cost savings.
Encourage Your Employees to Work Sustainably
Encouraging your employees to work sustainably can improve production efficiency and allow you to implement any changes easier. Not everyone is aware of the need for businesses to be sustainable so it can be explained through training. Encourage them to reduce the amount of energy that is being used by turning off electronic devices when they are not in use. You could also implement a suggestion box where they can make suggestions on what can be done to improve any sustainable practices.
Recycle Electronic Waste
People are often unaware that electronic goods can and should be recycled. Your business should be doing this as well. You can look up companies that recycle electronic waste and they will ensure that all data is removed before the process starts. Instead of throwing away any electronic devices your business no longer uses, you should start researching companies that will recycle them for you.