As a business owner or leader, it is important to be at the forefront of the implementation of green innovation. Sustainability is something that consumers are eager to see from the businesses they use, and many people are quickly put off by companies that fail to meet their standards for sustainability. There is a wealth of resources available to businesspeople that can help them make lasting and effective change in the workplace.
It is crucial to look at every facet of your business operations when deciding how to implement green practices at work. This should include everything from top-level decision-making to waste management in office spaces. It is also vital to ensure that your employees understand their responsibilities in terms of being green in the office and at home.
Source Second-Hand Office Furniture
Office furniture can be a major expense, but it doesn’t have to be bought brand new. Buying vintage or second-hand office furniture is a much more environmentally friendly option compared to buying new and can be cheaper. Consider checking out some local charity shops that stock furniture or find a specialist second-hand furniture shop to source from. In addition, buying second-hand or vintage can add some character and charm to your office, whereas mass-produced furniture might not.
Allow Employees To Work From Home
Commutes can be significant contributors to the emissions your company is responsible for. This is particularly true for businesses that have employees driving to the office from significant distances. Allowing employees to work from home can drastically reduce these emissions while also boosting employee satisfaction. Working from home has become a norm for many businesses in the last few years, so you’ll find plenty of information online to help you and your employees make the change.
Store Documents Digitally
Paper waste is common for so many businesses, but it doesn’t need to be. Scanning and sharing documents digitally is much easier than ever before, with the need for paper documentation rare. Consider implementing a companywide paperless policy, using scans, cloud storage and digital signing to eliminate the need for paper.
Provide Electric Company Vehicles
If you offer company cars, this can be a significant source of emissions from your business. Instead of offering petrol or diesel vehicles, you could consider providing electric vehicles (EVs) instead. EVs are cheaper to tax, maintain and run, making them an obvious choice for employers and employees alike. If you want to find out more about EVs, ElectriX have an excellent range of resources to educate you and your employees. Their information covers everything from cost comparisons to finding your nearest charge point.
Use Renewable Energy Providers
Energy costs and sourcing is another major factor in emissions for businesses. Heating and powering an office space can be costly and takes a lot of energy. You can mitigate the impact of this by looking for an energy provider that sources its energy from renewable places. This includes solar, wind, bio and geothermal energy. There are still not a huge number of places where you can source renewable energy, but there are companies out there. Consider doing some research to find the right fit.
Read Up On The Latest Best Practice
Green technology is changing every day, with advances coming quicker than ever before. It is not enough to implement change now and keep things as they are for the next decade. You’ll need to be regularly checking to ensure that any new development that could benefit your business is implemented as soon as possible. You should subscribe to different publications that provide updates on the latest green tech and its uses in business. Attending green and sustainability conferences and tradeshows can also be invaluable.
Offer A Cycle To Work Scheme
A cycle-to-work scheme is a government initiative put in place to encourage the use of bikes for commuting instead of cars. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, easing the strain on the road systems and reducing pollution. By offering one of these schemes, your employees can choose to buy a bike at a discounted rate, which they can then use to commute to your offices.
Provide Regular Training
Teaching your employees about being green can be invaluable to the success of your green practices and can help them be greener at home. Consider offering regular training on sustainability so that they understand any new implementations you’re making and can truly contribute to the success of the green practices.
Final Thoughts
As a business leader, it is crucial to be aware of the best green and sustainable practices. You are a role model to others in the business, and the best thing you can do is lead by example. When putting new practices in place, ensure that your employees understand how they will work and why they are so important. You should also be looking consistently at ways to improve your green practices and making changes when you discover new tech or innovations that could benefit your business.
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