Modern business owners are often caught between the profit motive and the need to be environmentally and socially responsible. In many ways, this is a false choice. Technology is giving entrepreneurs a multitude of ways to be sustainable and profitable. Efficiency is the most critical factor. Here are six ways to make your company greener and more efficient.
1. Rethink Logistics
Supply chains are where efficiency can either come to the forefront or grind to a halt. Improving that situation requires attention to detail. Take a look at the practices of the companies you source inventory from. Do they engage in low-impact practices like fair trade and bioremediation? Even the packaging materials themselves play a role in sustainability. Consider using green packaging options like reusable bins and cornstarch packing materials.
Automation is another tool for building efficiency. Project management software can aid in coordinating large teams without employing fuel-wasting commutes. Shop for other artificial intelligence and cloud-based systems to help find practical digital shipping solutions.
2. Have a Green Company Fleet
Supply chains are only one facet of the transportation issue. Your company’s fleet could be wasting tremendous quantities of fuel and time. From the previously-mentioned commutes to deliveries, a lot of gas is burned. Switching over to an electric vehicle (EV) fleet is worth considering, though the cost can be prohibitive. Another solution is to have drivers adopt fuel-saving policies on the road. Minor changes to driving patterns, such as slow acceleration and reduced idling, can result in extensive savings.
3. Purchase Efficient Office Infrastructure
The quality of your office infrastructure plays an outsized role in energy efficiency and sustainability. Start with a professional or DIY energy audit to zero in on where you’re losing energy. Knowledge is always the first step to improvement. Outdated heating systems, poor insulation, and inefficient appliances are the typical culprits in energy waste. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) can cut lighting energy needs by up to 75% and make your company more carbon-neutral. Again, the uncomplicated steps often prove the most critical.
4. Consider Biophilic Solutions
This is a fancy way of saying you should consider incorporating nature directly into the corporate environment. A classic NASA study showed that certain plants, like the spider plant, remove various toxic chemicals from the air. The practice of “daylighting” is also garnering attention. Daylighting refers to positioning workspaces so that natural daylight is sufficient for operations. Daylighting has been seen to positively affect efficiency and worker health. It also cuts lighting costs. In other words, connecting with nature can be good for your bottom line and the world.
5. Incorporate Renewable Energy
Many owners and managers balk at the prospect of switching to renewable energy. The initial costs can indeed be prohibitive for some companies. However, adopting renewable power sources is possibly the most radical and far-reaching change you can make to become more sustainable.
Two factors act to mitigate concerns: First, renewables are becoming less expensive all the time. Solar panel installation can be costly, but various local, state, and federal incentives exist to mitigate it. Second, adoption can be done piecemeal, with panels affixed to certain appliances only. Take a good look at your business process and see what suits your needs.
6. Network With Other Sustainable Companies
Teaming up with like-minded companies takes sustainability to the next level by multiplying the impact of your decisions. As mentioned before, sourcing your inventory sustainably is a responsible step. Beyond that, many business-to-business (B2B) transactions go beyond supply to services. Do the IT or security companies you contract hold the same vision that your company does? Rewarding responsible companies with your patronage sends a clear message that standards matter.
Deciding to go green is no casual choice. Sustainable practices affect every business process, and no two companies are the same. Even so, these strategies address issues that are common to most companies. Going green may end up being far more doable than you thought!
