When a company makes the commitment to be more environmentally friendly, the benefits and rewards positively affect practices in the short-term and long-term.
You may be wondering what you can do to make your company more ‘green’? So, here you are, we will detail some easy-to implement ideas which can help you achieve your environmentally friendly goals.
1.Turn computers off
This is an easy one, however it is often forgotten. Leaving our computers on at the end of the day is a bad habit many of us are guilty of. What you might not know, is that by turning devices off, you can reduce energy used by 25%. Switching computers off at the end of the day can save you an additional 50%!
2. Switch Lights off
Did you know lighting can account for up to 40% of an office’s energy consumption? By turning lights off at the end of the day or installing motion-sensitive switches you can conserve energy and save money.
3. Recycle
It’s not just about recycling containers. Some great recycling programs to implement in your small business include:
Educating employees on how to recycle correctly and explain how different materials find new uses.
Set personal recycling goals, such as reaching a 50% recycling rate in 3 months to motivate your team.
1. Cut down paper wastage
Try creating a more paperless office and encourage employees to make use of technology instead of printing. Some paper saving approaches include:
Reducing font size when printing
Encouraging communications by email
Producing double-sided documents
2. Remote working/Cycle to work
Allow certain employees to work from home, part-time, to reduce commuting costs. For employees that need to be on site or in the office, try promoting eco-friendly commuting options by subsidising their transport costs.
One of these more ‘green’ ways to commute can include using the Cycle to Work scheme. Cycle to Work scheme is a UK Government tax exemption initiative introduced in the Finance Act 1999 to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution. It allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists' safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. Why not see if your employer offers this scheme?
3. Conserve water
This is one way that can save money and help the environment. Fixing leaky faucets can literally stop your business wasting gallons of water, so make sure to check if this is happening. If you’re not sure about how to make changes in your business specifically relating to water, ask a plumbing expert their advice on how to reduce your water footprint. You could additionally investigate options such as eco-friendly water systems to stop unnecessary wastage.
4. Use green cleaning products
The chemicals in most cleaning products can have harmful implications for the environment and your health, so where possible, switch these for non-toxic products. This will protect your skin from harmful ingredients, and stop you from breathing these in.
5. Plant shrubs and trees
Trees and shrubs are a vital part of the ecosystem, and help to act as filters for pollution. They can also make your business appear nicer visually, and the upkeep of these won’t be too much effort other than occasional watering in dry weather and pruning. They produce oxygen, improving the air quality that is essential for you and your employees. Shade from trees may also help to cool down your office from powerful sunlight, creating a cooler office space.
6. Use alternative energy sources for power
Alternative sources of energy such as solar power, wind power, and water power can create electricity in a way that avoids releasing toxins into the air. These not only help the environment but can reduce your company’s energy bill.
7. Replace old appliances with energy efficient ones
In accordance with cost-cutting and a growing concern about the environment, most new electronic items have energy star ratings on them to show their efficiency. The next time your appliances need replacing, do an energy check on your next items to see which ones are most beneficial in terms of low energy usage. See how each product compares to its competitors in terms of energy efficiency, and you can make a balanced choice about what you need from the item and what the environmental benefits are.
Running a green business is not only good for the environment, but also for your business. Cutting down on waste and conserving resources saves you money. Going green is also a great way to boost your team’s morale, and once your business commits to creating a more environmentally friendly enterprise, you may find employees present more creative ideas around the subject. Make use of the resources already available for you and keep your team motivated around greener practices in the workplace.
If you have any other ideas to add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch: marketing@vwsltd.co.uk
Comments