As climate concerns grow and consumers become more environmentally conscious, sustainability in business has become essential.
Brands are expected to play their part in protecting the planet, and doing so can create long-term value for your business, customers, and community on a local and global level.
Whether you’re a small start-up or an established brand, making your business more sustainable helps to lower your costs, increase brand loyalty, and give you a stronger edge in a competitive market.
So, if you’re looking to make your business more sustainable, here are five practical tips to help you get started.
1. Reduce Waste at Every Level
Waste is one of the biggest environmental and financial drains for any business. Whether it’s unnecessary packaging, energy wastage, or excessive printing, reducing waste is a simple and impactful first step toward sustainability.
Start by conducting a waste audit to identify areas where resources are being overused or underutilised, once you understand where your waste is coming from, you can take steps to remedy this.
It’s also a good idea to put measures in place to prevent waste at the source. For example, the water leak detection system from Laiier can help you detect water leaks as soon as they occur, helping you to reduce water waste and even save you from having to repair extensive damage.
2. Source Responsibly
Your sustainability efforts shouldn’t stop at your doorstep. To be truly sustainable, you need to look at your supply chain and sourcing practices.
Choosing ethical, local, and environmentally-friendly suppliers who will not only help you to reduce your environmental impact but also support better business practices globally.
If possible, highlight your ethical sourcing on your packaging or website. More consumers are choosing brands that align with their own values, and therefore ethically sourced materials can help you to stand out from the crowd.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is one of the largest contributors to a business’s carbon footprint. Fortunately, improving energy efficiency is also one of the most cost-effective ways to become more sustainable.
Start with quick wins such as switching to smart LED lighting options like those supplied by Philips hue. Not only do these use less energy than traditional bulbs, the ability to control your lighting from a mobile device will mean they’re never left on when the office is empty.
4. Encourage a Culture of Sustainability
Sustainability works best when it becomes part of your company culture, so make sure to engage your team in your sustainability efforts by offering training on environmental awareness or introducing green commuting schemes.
As things as seemingly simple as recycling can become complex across different local authorities, help them brush up on their knowledge with guides such as those offered by Recycle Now.
When employees feel involved and empowered, they’re more likely to take ownership of sustainable practices in their day-to-day work.
5. Design Products and Services with Sustainability in Mind
To build a truly sustainable business, you need to think beyond operations and look at your actual products and services, as many consumers seek environmentally responsible options.
Sustainable products aren’t just good for the environment, they can also attract loyal, eco-conscious customers that keep coming back for more.
Share your sustainability tips and tricks in the comments below!