When starting a business, there are a number of things you want to get right from the very beginning. Obviously, there are the basic business financials to keep on track, as well as those all-important aspects such as customer service, productivity and employee well-being.
In recent years, there has been increasing focus on a new aspect of running a modern business – the idea of sustainability.
So, if you’re planning to start a business, or you’re still in the start-up phases, there’s no better time to give some attention to the sustainability of your company and its impact on the wider world.
Here are some tips for creating a sustainable and eco-friendly enterprise, and getting your green credentials right from the start.
Data-based insights
Before making any substantial and potentially expensive investments in your company’s green practices, it can be good to have a clear measure of the impact of your operations.
You may be able to take stock of things like carbon footprint or waste products. For many businesses, though, it can be helpful to hire a specialist waste management & recycling organisation that can do an audit of your business. They can also spot any opportunities for improving your sustainability or reducing your impact.
Once you have this data, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about the eco-friendly practices you want to incorporate into your business, and just how much you want to invest in sustainability and those all-important green credentials.
Track & Measure
Even though you may be in the starting phases of your business, tracking and measuring your environmental impact will be a good habit to get into.
This way you can keep an eye on any patterns or changes in things like waste management and recycling practices.
While this type of conscious awareness is the basis of any ethical modern business, you may also find that it highlights areas where you could make potential savings in costs and expenses.
Get your staff onside
One of the most effective ways a business can make a positive difference to the environment is by encouraging a culture of eco-friendly habits within your staff.
Why not start as you mean to go on by setting up dedicated recycling stations in the office, where you train your staff to do the right thing with office waste?
You could also encourage your staff to go even further with sustainability initiatives, such as working remotely when possible or even a cycle-to-work scheme. The more modern businesses embrace these kinds of eco-friendly practices, the better for the planet overall – and the beginning of a new enterprise is the perfect time to establish these future-focused philosophies.
While setting up a new business, there are many things to think about and you may be tempted to put things like sustainability on the back burner. But the very start is perhaps the easiest time to get these kinds of practices in place and build your success on a foundation that will not only benefit your business through improved credentials, but it will also make your business more of a force for good overall.