Sustainable practices involve both day-to-day operations as well as long-term planning that reduce the environmental footprint of an organization. Such practices could include cutting energy usage, shifting to renewable resources such as solar or wind power and improving manufacturing processes and supply chains.
Large companies have the power to exert considerable influence over resource use and production methods, so those that sincerely value people over profits can leverage this position for positive impact.
Reduce Energy Costs
Businesses that employ sustainable practices typically experience cost savings due to reduced energy use, waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Sustainability also assists businesses in meeting compliance requirements relating to waste management, pollution and energy efficiency; failing to adhere to these rules could incur fines as well as damage the company’s image.
Businesses can reduce energy costs by adopting green technologies and educating employees on ways to cut consumption. Simply encouraging employees to switch off computers and lights when leaving the office can significantly cut energy usage costs. Furthermore, companies can cut waste by choosing reusable products as well as supporting environmental-friendly practices like recycling and water conservation.
Sustainable businesses typically collaborate with customers, NGOs and their respective communities in discussing environmental challenges and ideas that arise from this. Doing so helps build trust between all involved, improving the environment by encouraging more communities to adopt sustainable business practices and support sustainable businesses practices.
Healthy Environments
Sustainable practices create healthier environments in businesses by reducing energy, water and waste consumption. This allows companies to save on utilities costs while decreasing operating expenses – ultimately increasing profitability.
Sustainability also benefits employees, the community and the environment. It reduces employee stress and turnover rates while improving work environments and supporting an ethical company culture. Furthermore, sustainability promotes alternative energy sources like solar or wind power while supporting nature-based solutions like reforestation projects, carbon farming projects or sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Environmental sustainability initiatives may include donating unwanted products to community charities, using recycled paper and plastic, implementing recycling programs, creating eco-friendly storage facilities and encouraging employees to bicycle, walk or take public transit to work, as well as considering partnering with an organization that recycles e-waste (e.g. World Computer Exchange). Planting trees around your workplace may help purify the air while connecting employees with nature.
Better Reputation
Sustainable business practices are an effective way for your company to demonstrate its values. These policies and practices often fall under three broad categories, including economic, environmental and social (known as triple bottom line). Examples may include reducing carbon footprints by purchasing products from fair-trade organizations or decreasing energy usage.
Engaging in sustainability also gives businesses an improved reputation with employees, customers and the surrounding community. More people than ever before understand the harm caused by irresponsible consumption – companies who implement sustainable business practices can build up positive associations and gain access to new markets by doing so.
Consider how implementing a circular economy could reduce waste in your supply chain by adopting its principles. A circular economy emphasizes product longevity while striving to eliminate unnecessary production of new materials – practices such as using reusable packaging, starting a recycling program or discontinuing paper processes all contribute towards this aim.
Educate Employees
Integrating sustainability into company culture requires education. Once employees understand why sustainable practices are important to the business, they tend to embrace new initiatives more readily. Newsletters or internal communication channels can keep employees up-to-date with your sustainability strategy.
Employees must also be able to understand how their efforts contribute to overall sustainability goals. This could involve small measures, like turning off monitors and projectors after meetings; or larger shifts such as purchasing equipment with reduced environmental footprint or making recycling an integral part of business practice.
Marks & Spencer employs sustainability champions at every store to ensure that the company meets its sustainability targets, while other companies such as BASF and IBM have instituted training programs that make sustainability a core part of their job functions; making it easier for employees to incorporate sustainability goals into their everyday work activities.
