How can your business set a sustainable example?
Businesses need to respond to the climate crisis. With scientists warning that global warming is accelerating at a dangerous rate, making changes now is vital.
If any part of your business relies on bricks-and-mortar, the way you design and operate these buildings could play an important role. Whether it’s a production facility, logistical warehouse, or office building, it’s always possible to make your corporate premises more sustainable. Going beyond sustainable practices, setting up a strong legal foundation for your business is also key. If you’re starting a company, consider using an llc service to ensure your business is built on strong foundations. This can help you focus on your goal of setting a sustainable example in the business world.
No matter your industry, it’s always worth knowing how to build a business that’s kinder to the planet.
Why is sustainability important?
The United Nations wants countries to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, urging earlier progress to avoid a total climate disaster.
However, the UK falls behind when it comes to genuine and lasting environmental progress. Recent changes have been announced by the British Government, including banning the sale of new gas boilers by 2035. But other efforts have been abandoned or delayed, highlighting the fact that we’re not prepared for a future without fossil fuels.
Demonstrating your commitment could help your business to grow and stand out amongst competitors. The technology and e-commerce sectors remain at the forefront of transitional innovation for the planet, but other sectors must follow suit.
How can you make your business premises more eco-friendly?
- Energy efficiency
Choosing efficient devices, appliances and technologies is perhaps the easiest way to boost your sustainability. Making the switch doesn’t need to be time-consuming, and the process can start with something as simple as replacing halogen bulbs for LED models. Adding motion sensors to your lighting will ensure that you’re only using power as and when it’s required.
- Waste reduction
Minimising waste is a critical part of your corporate environmental responsibility. In any office or shop floor facility, you should always encourage your staff and customers to recycle. Establishing an efficient waste management system starts with your people.
During any major construction or renovation project, it’s also legal requirement to provide contractors with a safe space to eat, rest, and get changed into their protective gear.
Additionally, you might want to incorporate refurbished computers into your office setup to minimize electronic waste further and extend the lifespan of technology resources.
Rather than constructing site accommodation onsite, opting for temporary modular buildings for hire will help you meet all legal requirements. This strategy simultaneously enables you to reduce material and packaging waste, meet project deadlines, and maximize space onsite.
- Sustainable building materials
Materials used in renovation or construction set the tone for your future sustainability commitments on the premises. Most of the potentially hazardous or toxic building materials used in previous eras have been removed from the commercial market, but clear discrepancies remain in the quality and safety of those available.
You can still consciously make an eco-friendly choice when you order new stock. Some of the most eco-friendly building materials include:
- Recycled steel: Reclaimed metals still offer the same strength and durability and expend a fraction of the energy used in new steel production.
- Pre-cast concrete: Concrete lends itself well to being recycled. Buying pre-cast means that it is poured into pre-made moulds, then cured. It doesn’t need to be poured onsite, and can be shipped in bulk.
- Reclaimed wood: New timber naturally involves cutting down mature trees. Choosing reclaimed wood helps you to protect forests, saving natural habitats and preserving the carbon-reducing effect of large forests.
- Emissions-free transport
Lastly, one of the simplest ways to boost your company’s eco-credentials is encouraging your consumers, colleagues, and suppliers to use emissions-free transport options. From pedal-powered deliveries to all-electric company fleets, there are so many ways to overtly reflect your commitment to a lower carbon footprint.
Overview
From the building itself to the products used inside it, each decision will influence your company’s eco-credentials. Each detail becomes a direct reflection of your approach and attitude towards saving the planet.