These days, everyone is talking about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Global awareness is taking root, and people are starting to realize that saving the environment is more than an option. It is a necessity for the sake of our children, their children, and the environment.
Anyone who is running a business will be constantly aware of the need to be efficient and to make a profit. It’s therefore understandable if someone were to think they could not afford to make their business more eco-friendly. Fortunately, many of the steps that can be taken are not just inexpensive, but can actually save money. Here are some tips for you to consider.
Green Energy
Wind or hydropower may be an option if a business operates by a huge lake or a windy area. In most instances, this is not the case. Solar power saves on water consumption, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and does not use fossil fuels. There are no negative implications for peoples’ health, either.
Businesses can consider either rooftop solar panels or solar carports. It is stated on ArtisanElectricInc.com that not only can businesses help save the environment, but they can significantly reduce energy bills in the long term. It’s also reassuring to know that they can be installed by solar energy specialists rather than general electricians.
Off-grid solar power systems help small businesses who don’t have access to the grid or who are unable to afford the connection fees. They can run with the support of backup generators and will help companies that use a small amount of energy.
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Going Paperless
Surveys have revealed that up to a fifth of all paper used in businesses was actually unnecessary. The phrase ‘paperless office’ has been going for a few years now. It means that the more things are digitized, the clearer and tidier will be in the office area. An incredible amount of business information is now held in the cloud. Not only does this save paper, but it can be accessed from anywhere at any time.
Fortunately for the environment, the constant advancement of technology means that businesses are going more and more online. Companies are increasing their presence and marketing strategies using social media and email. Costly paper fliers and adverts have been proven to be less efficient in generating business than the new online avenues. Companies are able to offer their customers the chance to go paperless, with e-invoices and e-statements.
Open Plan Offices and Office Equipment
In the past, people often had an office each, with their own printer. Open-plan offices are better for the environment. Printers can be kept in a designated area rather than being duplicated. Lighting and heating bills are reduced.
More and more people these days are working remotely. People who work from home save on fuel costs and car ‘wear and tear’. In the United Kingdom, people need on average to go ten miles to work and ten miles back home again. Such things are a major part of any employee’s carbon footprint. Imagine how this pans out globally.
It’s shocking when offices put chairs in a landfill. This is particularly true when there’s nothing wrong with them. Responsible companies seek to donate such items to charity if they cannot be reupholstered. When buying office equipment, it can be up to a third cheaper to buy used or refurbished items. The greater piece of mind comes when a warranty is issued with second hand or recycled goods.
LED lighting is being used more and more these days. Not only does it last longer but it saves on energy consumption and office bills.
Recycling
Some workplaces have small gardens for decoration, or for the staff during lunch breaks. Food scraps could be placed in a compost bin rather than the usual disposal routes.
Larger companies often have balers and compactors for their waste. Local rubbish sites often provide space for the sensible disposal of packaging, plastic, or cardboard. Paper in landfills creates methane as it degrades. A greenhouse gas is produced that is 23 times worse for the environment than carbon dioxide.
As we have seen, there are many ways a company can be kinder to the environment. The options range from using green energy to going paperless, and from better offices and responsible recycling. A survey in the United Kingdom found that its businesses could save £23 billion a year by implementing changes that were either low in cost or free. Imagine what could be saved globally. When we realize that it’s often cost-efficient as well as good for the environment, it’s amazing more people don’t do it. It’s a saving for the present and an investment in the future.
