How Your Business Can Reduce its Environmental Imprint

Running a profitable business is difficult, but running a sustainable business can be even trickier. An increasing number of companies are examining ways that they can reduce their carbon footprint, as both employees, as well as consumers, are demanding more sustainable ways of doing business. Climate change threatens to devastate populations, destroy economies and ecosystems, and significantly raise the cost of doing business as resources become ever more scarce. Brands will need to start making sustainable choices in order to stay competitive, by providing an eco-friendly packaging, and/ or investing in environmental programs. Such brands that fail to adapt to the current circumstances will more than likely face challenges from governing bodies in the future. International governments will more than likely introduce stricter environmental policies, meaning that if you can neutralize your carbon emissions now, your business will be ahead of the game. Hence, reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be a priority for everyone. Besides scarce resources, there are other practical benefits to reducing businesses’ greenhouse emissions. Research has found that eco-friendly brands have more of a positive response amongst consumers as well as employee satisfaction. With major corporations like Google and Mircosoft vowing to go carbon neutral, the influence is being felt throughout the lower ranks. Here are four powerful measures business leaders can take into consideration when attempting to neutralize their carbon footprint: 1. Measuring Your Carbon Footprint First things first, you can start by measuring how much carbon emissions derive from your business activities. This will help you to visualize which areas you need to focus on prioritizing. Today there are many tools available for companies to calculate their greenhouse emissions. There’s also the option of hitting a sustainability consultancy firm that will measure your carbon emissions, create a plan to reduce them, as well as offer ongoing support throughout the whole process. They also provide the service of requesting sustainability certifications, as well as training programs. 2. Utilize Renewable Energy Sources As a result of rising oil and gas prices, renewable fuels have become more prominent over the last several years. As fossil fuels are finite, it’s highly probable that climate change regulations will be implemented in the near future, meaning that companies should start reducing their energy consumption now. This will also pay off in environmental benefits as well as giving your business a one up on the competition when these climate change policies inevitably go into effect. Although implementing such changes may require an initial investment, switching to solar power for example will save your company money in the long run. Solar panels are the most practical option when it comes to buying or leasing renewable energy equipment for onsite installation at the workplace. What’s more, solar panels could help your business qualify for a federal tax credit. Plus, you can also purchase renewable energy for your energy supplier if you don’t own the property. Some power companies provide the option of a “green” service, in exchange for electricity generated from renewable sources. 3. Work from Home One of the biggest contributors to pollution is the daily work commute. With traditional office works, comes having to drive back and forth to work every day. Not to mention the use of air conditioners, kitchen appliances, and using non-energy efficient lighting, to list a few. Remote work has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic, making many companies realize that remote working isn’t only better for the environment, but for the business’s bottom line. Not to mention, company morale. Even if it’s only switching to working one day of the week from home, it makes all the difference. 4. Educate Your Employees Finally, a highly effective way to counteract carbon emissions is to actively engage with your employees to work towards this goal. Amidst an abundance of greenwashing claims, it’s understandable for individuals to feel a sense of powerlessness when it comes to addressing environmental issues in a meaningful and positive way. Employees need to be made aware of their own power to trigger change, so educate your employees on carbon emissions and accountability. In order to embrace new eco-conscious policies, it’s crucial that they understand why the company needs to change its procedures. A good idea is to encourage employees to give their input at staff meetings by suggesting their own energy-saving ideas. Final Thoughts Capitalism and the environment don’t have to go head to head. By learning how to minimize your business’ carbon emissions, you can cut energy costs, boost productivity, increase company morale, all while building your brand’s image in a positive light as you lead the company down a more sustainable path.