Running Your Business Sustainably
There is no business right now that should be conscious of their environmental impact. Even the smallest company has an effect, and while you might consider it too small to matter - add it together with the millions of other small companies, and you have a problem.
If you haven’t yet launched your business, or are browsing Franchise Direct looking for your ideal company, then here are some tips to keep in mind as you get your business off the ground.
Photo by Karsten Würth (➡️ @karsten.wuerth) on Unsplash
Remote Work
What could be better than offering people the ability to work from home? Remote work has seen an incredible boost in the last few years, and while companies are profiting from that, the environmental impact has been gentler.
There are fewer cars on the road, less people on transport, and a reduction in traffic.
Compounded further when offices no longer become hot spots for high usage of heating, lighting, overstocking, and other waste.
Consider a business model where no one needs to travel to an office, and you will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
Is remote work not possible?
Don’t worry; there are schemes that you can put in place to make sure your staff is traveling in a more environmentally friendly way. Public transportation is typically the best option, but what about offering branded bikes to employees? A combination of cycling and public transport can be incredible.
Create a culture from the start that means carpooling is seen as a great option for those travelling from further afield.
Get in contact with local authorities and see if there are schemes in place that reward businesses for environmental travel options, and take advantage of those options.
Recycling
Offices and workplaces are stacked with waste, and most often, recycling isn’t at the forefront of anyone's mind. Change this, and have a waste system that offers different receptacles for plastic, paper products, and other.
If the local authority doesn't offer what you need regarding the amount of recycling collection, invest in a monthly recycling company to handle your company waste.
Recycling is the best thing if reusing and reducing has already been done.
Energy efficient
Energy efficiency helps companies lower their carbon footprints and helps them save money on their energy bills.
Use energy-efficient appliances
switch to LED lighting
automate lights with sensors
install smart thermostats
use natural light
Give employees laptops, not desktop PCs.
Be picky
You don’t need to do business with companies that aren’t as conscious as you are - so don’t. Look for companies that invested in green web hosting, energy efficiency, or purchased a carbon offset.
Working with companies who have the same goals will go much further into keeping your company culture and business ethos deeply in the sustainable and eco-friendly mindset.
And further to all of this - ensure that your office is decorated and equipped with sustainable products as much as possible. Eco-Friendly cleaning chemicals, solar panels, recycled paper, little to no plastic, and take part in a circular economy too.
Want to know more about how solar panels can make a huge impact on both your footprint and your bottom line? ‘Insanely Cheap Energy’: How Solar Power Continues To Shock The World.
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