How To Make Sure Sustainability Is At The Forefront Of Your Business Operations By Denise Grech

For plenty of businesses, going green is no longer an afterthought in their operations. Environmental initiatives have become more popular over the years. According to research, 70 percent of businesses track their sustainability efforts.

This is due to several factors. Being environmentally conscious boosts a company’s reputation, reduces energy costs and consumption, and draws in better, happier employees.

Going green doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a number of easy actions a business can take to reduce its environmental impact. Here are three easy tips by Denise Grech, a content writer for environmental consultancy ClearVUE.Business, that you can implement to reduce your climate impact practically overnight.

Measure, then manage

You can’t reduce your emissions if you do not know what your emissions are. You must first be aware of your climate impact if you want to take steps to become more environmentally friendly. 

Installing a carbon and energy accounting platform that measures your impact in minute detail is the one of the most simple and effective ways to measure your carbon footprint. Energy management platforms are able to measure emissions generated by each circuit so that you can get a comprehensive understanding of your emissions.

With energy management platforms, the emissions produced by popular office appliances such as air conditioners, compressors, or refrigerators can be known in real time and in great detail. You will be able to target the exact machines that need to be more environmentally friendly in this way.

Lower emissions in lighting

Switching to lower emission lighting, like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can help reduce your environmental impact. These lamps use less electricity since they are a miniature version of the fluorescent tube lighting that we are all used to seeing in offices, schools and public offices. 

They work in the same way as other fluorescent tubes but use one-fifth to one-third of the electric power of a traditional lightbulb. This is because they are moulded into spirals or bent parallel rod shapes.

CFLs also last 8 to 15 times longer than normal lightbulbs. This means that they emit fewer pollutants, including greenhouse gases or mercury.

Changing the lightbulbs in your office may seem like a small change, but it can have big results on your energy bill and your climate impact.

Reduce paper waste

Did you know that over 1,500 sheets of paper are printed each month by the typical office worker in the UK? Paper also makes up to 80 percent of office waste.

Excessive paper use has led to deforestation. The negative effect of high paper use also includes the emissions resulting from high energy and water use needed for production. 

In terms of waste and pollution, printer cartridges are another significant culprit. The cartridges themselves are made of non-recyclable metals and plastics, and the ink is loaded with toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment.

There are simple actions an office can take to decrease paper usage. You can now store, access, and share files across multiple devices thanks to online programs. It is also possible to project agendas during meetings rather than printing out copies, thanks to projectors and electronic displays. 

Conclusion

The benefits of becoming an environmentally friendly business include developing a positive reputation, lowering energy bills and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Reducing a business’ climate impact is easier said than done. However, technological innovation and planning can help lower companies’ environmental damage.