21 Sustainable Business Practices at Work
The world is facing an environmental crisis, with the effects of climate change becoming more and more apparent every day. Businesses play a huge role in both contributing to this crisis and being part of the solution. Fortunately, there are ways for companies to operate sustainably, make a real impact on their community, and leave the planet in good shape for future generations.
In this resource, we will suggest 21 sustainable business practices important for eco-success.
Understanding corporate sustainability
Corporate sustainability practices typically belong to a category titled "ESG", environmental, social, and governance. An ESG-focused firm is focused on managing and reducing the environmental, social, and governance risks associated with its operations.
ESG initiatives can include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in green technology projects, improving product packaging to reduce waste and pollution, training employees on sustainability topics such as climate change mitigation or renewable energy sources, and minimizing waste.
Social and governance initiatives often include instituting corporate policies that promote diversity and inclusion, implementing human rights standards for suppliers, or contributing to community-based organizations.
While the environment has been a major focus in the past, all three dimensions are now important for company stakeholders. Publishing ESG reports and sustainability policies have become a key way for companies to show their commitment to ethical business operations and long-term success. For small companies and large corporations, a sustainable business practice is now critical with government regulations that filter down the supply chain.
Benefits of sustainable business practices
The advantages of becoming a sustainable company are numerous. In addition to the environmental and social benefits, companies may also experience increased efficiency, significant cost savings, enhanced industry reputation, customer loyalty, and improved employee morale.
The adoption of sustainable business practices can lower operational costs by reducing waste and utilizing green technology. Companies may also be able to benefit from government incentives such as tax breaks for energy-efficient projects.
As companies become more transparent about their sustainability practices and goals, customers may be more willing to purchase from them leading to increased customer loyalty as consumers feel empowered by supporting organizations that contribute positively to the planet.
Sustainable business practices can also create a better work environment for employees. By demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social causes, companies can attract more talented and motivated employees, who will be inspired by the company mission. For more on the benefits of being a sustainable company, see Why Businesses Should Embrace Sustainability.
So now we know why sustainable business practices are so important, let's dive in!
21 Sustainable Business Practices at Work
To become a successful sustainable business, it’s important to embrace sustainability across all aspects of your operations. Here are 11 sustainable business practices that you can implement today:
Establish sustainability guidelines and policies
The first step in creating a sustainable business is to establish sustainability guidelines and policies, placing sustainability at the core of a company's business strategy. These guidelines can include reducing the use of resources like energy, paper, and water, as well as committing to green procurement practices. The goal of these policies is to create a framework for sustainability that can be consistently enforced at all levels of the organization.
Publish a sustainability plan and report
Businesses can also publish a sustainability report which outlines their initiatives and efforts toward sustainability. This report could include an overview of the company’s goals, achievements, challenges, and long-term strategy for becoming more sustainable. By publishing this type of document, a company will demonstrate its commitment to creating a greener future and encourage other organizations to follow in its footsteps. Here is our resource on how to write a sustainability plan?
Invest in renewable energy
Businesses can invest in renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Select a national or local energy provider that does not use raw materials or nonrenewable energy resources such as coal (or other fossil fuels), natural gas, or oil. Additionally, companies could consider installing electric vehicle charging stations for employees and customers and take advantage of the associated tax incentives. By investing in renewable energy sources, companies can make a positive contribution to the environment and help fight climate change.
Ensure ethical sourcing and supply chain management
Businesses should ensure that they do business with ethical suppliers that do business in an environmentally conscious manner. Companies can also consider implementing green procurement policies that focus on buying sustainable products at a fair price. Each supply chain should set social standards for safety, and equality and be free from child labor.
The entire supply chain is a company's backbone, and companies should prioritize sustainability when it comes to sourcing and production. By taking the necessary steps towards a more sustainable supply chain, business leaders can make a positive contribution to the environment and benefit from cost savings in the long run.
Eliminate paper usage
Reducing paper usage is an important step towards sustainability as it reduces the number of trees being cut down, decreases water and air pollution from paper production, and also saves energy. Paper usage in the office can be reduced significantly by taking steps such as using digital forms and documents, printing double-sided, scanning instead of photocopying, and archiving files digitally. By reducing or eliminating the use of paper in all areas of a company’s operations, companies can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Buy reconditioned cartridges
Ink and toner cartridges are a major source of waste from the printing and textile industry. By choosing to buy reconditioned or refillable ink and toner cartridges, companies can save money while reducing their environmental impact. Refilling existing cartridges also eliminates the need for producing new ones which further reduces emissions associated with manufacturing processes.
Use post-consumer waste (PCW) paper, paper products, and packaging
PCW is a recycled paper and material that has been used by consumers, businesses, and institutions. Utilizing PCW materials in the production of paper products and packaging can help protect forests and reduce energy consumption, water pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and other environmental issues associated with the manufacturing of new materials from scratch.
Companies can also benefit financially from using PCW as it is often cheaper than buying new materials. When purchasing office supplies and packaging materials, companies should consider using recycled content where possible. Additionally, companies can encourage customers to recycle packaging materials or repurpose them for other purposes such as craft projects or storage containers. Companies could also look into compostable and biodegradable materials to further reduce their environmental footprint.
Conserve water
Water is a finite resource, and conserving it is an important step toward environmental sustainability. Companies can conserve water by installing low-flow fixtures in their office bathrooms, such as dual flush toilets or sensor faucets that turn off automatically after some time. Additionally, an organization could implement water conservation policies to ensure efficient usage throughout the organization.
Replace the plastic with reusable items
Businesses can reduce their plastic consumption by replacing single-use items with reusable ones. This includes switching out disposable cups, cutlery, and straws for reusable versions. Companies could also encourage employees to bring their containers for lunch to minimize plastic waste. In addition, companies could opt for durable, reusable packaging solutions and sustainable materials when shipping products.
Recycle and compost
Businesses could set up comprehensive waste recycling and composting programs to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This involves making sure all employees are aware of what items can be recycled and which ones need to be composted, as well as setting up separate bins for each category. Additionally, companies could consider implementing a composting program to reduce the amount of organic waste being sent to landfills.
Zero-Waste break rooms
Businesses should consider setting up zero-waste break rooms to reduce the amount of waste generated during their operations. Companies could opt for reusable utensils and dishes, install water filters instead of providing bottled water and encourage employees to bring containers when buying food. In addition, they can implement composting initiatives and invest in eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
For a longer list of ways to reduce waste at work, see 70+ Ideas for Reducing Waste at Work.
Use a Sustainable Web Hosting Service
Businesses could take advantage of green web hosting services that use renewable energy sources to power their servers. The internet is one of our biggest polluters creating nearly 4% of emissions. Additionally, companies could consider investing in other digital infrastructure solutions such as cloud computing which can reduce their reliance on physical hardware and improve efficiency.
Allow employees to work from home
Allowing employees to work from home when possible can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Companies could consider introducing flexible working options such as remote work even if part-time. By providing employees with flexible work options, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint while also creating a better working environment for their teams.
Encourage green commuting and business travel
Encouraging employees to use public transportation or carpooling when commuting. Companies could also consider offering incentives such as free parking or discounts on public transportation to encourage green commuting and provide bike racks and showers for employees who cycle to work. Set policy to minimize business travel, and encourage employees to take the environmentally friendly option and attend virtually.
Install eco-lighting
Replacing incandescent lightbulbs with LED ones can significantly reduce energy consumption and save money in the long run. Additionally, businesses could consider setting up motion sensor lighting systems to ensure that lights are only used when necessary. By investing in energy-efficient solutions such as LEDs, companies can make a positive contribution to the environment and benefit from financial savings.
Host an E-Waste Collection Drive
Encouraging employees to recycle their obsolete electronics is a great way to reduce waste and stop potentially harmful chemicals from leeching into the soil. Companies can host an e-waste collection drive where they provide boxes or bins for employees to drop off old electronics, such as computers and phones. Businesses should ensure that all data is securely wiped from these devices before they are recycled. More details on how to arrange an e-waste collection drive here.
Engage your employees
Empowering and engaging your employees will help reinforce the importance of sustainability within your company culture. Encourage employees to suggest sustainable solutions, participate in eco-friendly initiatives, and be an advocate for change. One way to effectively engage yoru employees is through the establishment of an Employee Resource Group. ERGs set up to champion ESG issues can act as a driver of sustainability initiatives and take on a variety of activities, from providing input on policies and creating sustainability education to tracking progress and generating new ideas.
Engage your customers
Companies could also consider engaging their customers in sustainability initiatives. By teaching customers the significance of sustainability, and offering them guidance on how to decrease their ecological footprint, companies can activate individuals to become more conscious about our planet. Additionally, companies could offer incentives or rewards programs that reward customers for recycling their products or making sustainable purchases such as using reusable containers or shopping at certified eco-friendly stores.
Host implicit bias training
Businesses could also invest in implicit bias training for their staff. Such training can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which is essential for promoting sustainability. This type of training will help employees understand how unconscious biases can contribute to discrimination and empower them to make decisions that are based on facts rather than prejudice. Ultimately, by improving their employees’ understanding of implicit bias, organizations can create a more diverse and equitable work environment.
Celebrate HR diversity holidays
Businesses could celebrate and recognize the impact of diversity in the workplace by taking action on HR holidays. This includes campaigns and events that celebrate Pride month, Black History Month, International Women's Day, and many others.
Companies should also consider offering workshops or training sessions related to these topics to educate their employees and raise awareness within the organization. By taking a stand on these important issues, organizations can show their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Want to know How to celebrate Black History Month at Work? Check out this resource.
Harness Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses can take advantage of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to make a positive impact on the environment. Companies could consider partnering with local nonprofit organizations to support the causes they care about or launch their own initiatives that focus on environmental and social sustainability.
Socially responsible strategies can help companies of all sizes can make significant strides toward sustainability by:
Workplace Volunteering
Companies can offer volunteer opportunities for their employees to get involved in local charities. This could include planting trees, supporting disadvantaged groups, or other initiatives. By encouraging employees to take part in volunteer activities, businesses can show their dedication to sustainability and make a positive contribution to the community. Additionally, companies could consider setting up programs and incentives to reward employees who volunteer their time at nonprofit organizations such as offering recognition, awards, or other perks to those who participate in volunteer activities.
Workplace giving
Companies could consider setting up workplace giving programs that allow employees to donate to charities or non profit organizations of their choice to achieve social goals. Companies can match the funds donated by their employees, which could be a great way to double their impact and show their commitment. Additionally, businesses could provide opportunities for employees to get involved in fundraising events or other charitable initiatives.
Community grants
Companies should consider making use of community grants to make a positive impact on the environment. Organizations can partner with local organizations and charities that are working towards sustainable development by offering financial support. By providing financial assistance, businesses can help these organizations pursue their goals and make a difference in the community. Additionally, companies can also offer in-kind donations or volunteer programs to help organizations with their projects.
Conclusion
Overall, companies have a responsibility to take steps toward sustainability and protect the environment. By implementing these strategies and engaging their employees, customers, and local community, organizations can become more sustainable while also creating a positive impact on society. This will not only help reduce emissions but also improve corporate reputation and build meaningful relationships with stakeholders.
By making sustainability a core part of their operations, businesses can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
