More and more SMEs are working towards making their enterprises eco-friendly and sustainable; but how difficult is it, and how does it benefit your business? We've rounded up all the information you need to go green.
Why make your business more eco-friendly?
Making your enterprise more eco-friendly and sustainable has widespread benefits for the planet and your business. As well as saving you money, you can get additional funding for certain enterprises, provide incentives that will attract new talent and suit your current staff, and show potential customers that your business is socially responsible.
1. Cut your transport emissions
Cutting the transport emissions for your business doesn't need to be difficult! It could be as simple as introducing a car sharing scheme at work, which reduces the amount of cars on the road as well as saving everyone some money. You could also introduce the Cycle to Work scheme, where staff can save money on bikes and equipment.
2. Recycle, recycle, recycle
Recycling doesn't have to stop with paper and plastic. There are loads of social enterprises in and around the North East who will take your unwanted office furniture, bicycles, and even waste food. They can then refurbish your kit, sell it on or give it to someone in need. One person's trash really is another person's treasure.
3. Go paperless
Going paperless can drastically reduce your waste, save money, improve your data security and make the day-to-day running of your business easier. Programs like Microsoft Azure and Office 365 can help staff keep track of projects and tasks, and online billing can be hugely beneficial for customers. Find out how to go paperless here, and find out more about cloud computing here.
4. Think about energy
This can start with something simple like switching the light bulbs to energy saving ones, which can reportedly save you £100 a year, or replacing your older appliances that can cost a fortune to run. However, you can also think about your energy provider; Octopus Energy, Bulb, Ecotricity and Good Energy all offer 100% renewable energy tariffs for businesses - and they could be cheaper than the big six energy suppliers.
5. Invest in your community
Another way to become more environmentally conscious is to get involved with your local community; helping out on a beach clean, fundraising for green spaces, etc. Partnering with environmental groups and like-minded enterprises allows you to invest in your own community, and raises the profile of your business in the area. You can find your local eco groups on Friends of the Earth website - just pop in your postcode.
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