Corporate sustainability is the keystone of modern industry.
Businesses in the UK not only face increasing requirements to lower their carbon footprint, but there’s immense social pressure to be green too. Environmental responsibility, and being able to prove it, shapes a huge part of a company’s reputation – and contributes to a healthier world for future generations too.
If you’re ready to take the commitment seriously, it’s worth getting familiar with some of the best ways to build an eco-friendly business.
Reducing your corporate environmental impact: 5 top tips
1. Ensure thorough waste management
Guidelines set out in the Environment Act 2021 focus heavily on the topic of waste management.
For companies that handle toxic waste or hazardous substances, ensuring full transparency in all areas is critical. Regardless of the type and volume of waste your company produces, knowing what’s required and outlining strict protocol could prevent you from incurring fees and penalties. Corporate waste management should be controlled and monitored accurately and responsibly.
2. Kickstart energy efficiency initiatives
Kickstarting energy-efficient habits and practices in your business starts with conducting audits. Once you’ve identified areas of high consumption or outdated practices, you can upgrade and replace appliances or tools appropriately. This process should be repeated regularly, with all environmental strategies reviewed carefully.
This responsibility also extends to health and safety. When you consult professionals to assist the process, you can conduct a thorough environmental risk assessment. If your staff attempt to carry one out without an expert opinion, it’s easy to miss nuanced areas or details.
3. Know your suppliers
If you’re serious about reducing your environmental impact, you should thoroughly vet your suppliers and business partners. Checking that they, too, follow strict environmental practices and operate in a sustainable way helps you to make sure that your finished products are made using sustainable materials.
It’s always worth reaching out with your business partners to check their accreditation and certification, wherever necessary. You should aim for nothing irresponsible to be traced back to your business.
4. Promote green transport
If your business relies on delivery vehicles or has its own fleet, it’s imperative to avoid relying on fossil fuels. From hybrid company cars to all-electric vans, updating your fleet to reflect your environmental stance will be hugely beneficial. Making your commitment publicly known in this way sets an example for your clients, employees and competitors too.
5. Get your team engaged
Lastly, the biggest impact is made when everyone works together towards a common goal. Try to incentivise and motivate your employees to be greener in every aspect of their work.
From using energy-efficient LED bulbs in your fittings to taking on an emissions-free commute, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Senior leadership teams could organise training sessions to teach practical tips and foster a healthy, eco-friendly culture in the workplace.
Overview
Adapting to modern environmental regulations takes flexibility and resilience. However, once you can streamline operations in the most sustainable way, you’ll learn how to futureproof your business. Environmental efforts should be collaborative, long-lasting, and always proactive.