Sustainable businesses are the buzz of the day in line with global sustainable development. According to the UN, “global sustainable development” means, “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. For businesses, it opens the doors to profitability, new customers, highly talented employees, reduced costs, and morale boosts. Check out the 10 things you can make your business which promotes and encourage sustainability.
1. Employee Empowerment.
Getting everyone onboard determines the success of your business adopting sustainable practices. Cultivate leadership among your employees. Encourage feedback and opportunities to share ideas through various channels: shared drives, meetings, or online communication. Internalising the values and aims of sustainability from your teams
2. Formalized Commitment to Sustainability.
Sustainability is not the destination, but a process. This gives your business and your employees the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment. Making an official statement holds your organisation to the standard.
3. Switching off Lights and Electronics.
The most obvious, simple, and effective way is to switch off lights and electronics when not in use. In the beginning, assign one designated staff member to ensure all lights and electronics are turned off at the end of the day. Having electronic devices connected to a common power strip simplifies the task.
4. Becoming Energy Efficient.
Installing energy-efficient types of equipment and lightbulbs help reduce your carbon footprint - and your electricity bills. Don’t jump on the bandwagon based on advertising. Instead, experiment with different options in different places in the office. Moving towards sustainability is not hindering productivity or compromising safety.
5. Conserve water.
Another aspect of our daily life which we overlook: how we use water. Installing water aerators in sinks help reduce water consumption. It reduces water volume while maintaining water pressure.
6. Recycle paper.
Paper is a major culprit in countering sustainability efforts. Begin by encouraging employees to think twice before printing any documents. If printing is unavoidable, adjust the default setting on your printers to double-page so that both sides are used for draft documents. For note-taking, consider reusing the non-printed side of used paper for note-taking where possible.