By Paul Matthews
Setting up eco- or environmentally friendly business practices is now vital when it comes to success in today’s business world. Working greener practices into your business routine not only helps the environment but it can also have a huge impact on your bottom line. Potential clients and coworkers love to know that they are carrying out business with a green and morally acceptable company, but it is also largely about efficiency and sustainability.
The term “eco-friendly” can consist of small and simple acts, such as switching to recycled products and lessening plastic consumption, but it is also suitable to use on a larger scale. Many large businesses are now adopting more environmentally friendly practices in the everyday operation of their companies. Google, for example, recently created their own “Green Team” to find ways that they could keep their operations more sustainable and, as a result, they discovered a way that they can run their data centers using over 50 percent less energy.
Cost Savings
Take a look around and think about how much you spend on lighting alone. Imagine if this cost could be completely mitigated thanks to different renewable energy sources. Well, it can if you switch over to a green energy supplier who uses solar, geothermal, or wind energy.
Even if implementing these renewable systems seems like a bit of a stretch at the moment, you can still cut down on your day-to-day operating and energy costs by adopting greener practices. Simple things, such as turning off lights when you’ve finished using them or turning the heating up by a few degrees over the weekend will all have a large impact.
Related: Why Life Cycle Assessments are the Cheat Code for Green Businesses
Customer Loyalty
It is well known that public opinion can often sway toward sustainable and clean practices, especially through healthier means. By doing so, you will generate a positive and strong reputation for your brand which can also work to boost customer loyalty.
Many people prefer to do their business with brands that follow eco-friendly initiatives, with one in three customers favoring eco-friendly brands over any other alternative. Another 35 percent of consumers will also spend more money on services and products that are better for the environment.
Employee Morale
No one likes to work for a company that is morally corrupt. A large majority of workforces today are happier when they work for a company that cares about the world and how it can impact the communities that surround it. In a survey, around 51 percent of people said that they would not work for a company that doesn’t have strong environmental or social commitments.
Boosting your employees’ morale when it comes to environmentally friendly practices is easy. There are small changes that you can make which will not only improve your business ethics but also keep your employees happier and healthier during their time at work. If you provide bottled water for your employees, then switch to a water cooling system or invest in a water filter to offer clean and cold drinking water. If your office is based in a busy city center, then you could also install ventilation systems to keep the air clean and reduce pollution levels.
Implementing any eco-friendly changes is a win-win situation. By refocusing your practices and initiatives, you’ll be positively affecting your business and the environment.
