Large and small businesses alike seem to be making the change to an eco-friendly way of doing business. The likes of Bank of America and MillerCoors are proving that going green is an essential new part of business, but what does it really mean and more importantly, how does a small green industry business “go green”?
For a green industry business, going green means making a conscious commitment to caring for the environment, while building a profitable business and creating a healthy work environment for your employees. It doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot more money; in fact choosing eco-friendly options can lead the way to saving money and in some cases, increase profit. There are multiple beneficial reasons a business supports environmental sustainability by ‘going green'.
Green industry business employees appreciate working in an environment that is healthy and sustainable. They take pride in being part of an organization that cares about the earth as much as it cares about the success of the company. It’s important for your employees to understand they’re working for a company that is committed to making a difference in the world.
Nowadays customers are more environmentally aware. There is a growing demand for green products. Customers buy green and support green businesses for multiple reasons. It hasn’t changed the fact that customers are still looking for a product that is priced right and has great quality.
1. Cost Cutting Ideas For Your Green Business
- Be aware of how much energy you’re consuming each month in your business. Once you figure out your peak time for energy consumption, you can begin to cut back and save money.
- Office equipment is plugged in 24 hours a day; this consumes energy. Look at your computers, printers and other electronics. Consider putting them on a power strip that can easily be turned on and off.
- There are many books written about developing and building your green business. Take a trip to the library and check some out. When you’re in the library, browse through the professional journals about the green industry. They’re free and accessible and may spur some untapped ideas.
- Conduct employee meetings on the web to eliminate driving time and expenses associated with meeting in person. Have you tried “GoTo Meeting?”
- Install light controls that turn on and off automatically as needed and watch your electric bills go down.
2. Hire Subcontractors For Your Green Business
Confirm that your subcontractors are eco-friendly and are using green products before you hire them. This allows you to advertise this information directly to your business clients who may inquire. There are several cost saving advantages to using subcontractors for your green industry business.
First of all, you only have to pay a subcontractor for the work they perform. It’s a great way to keep your labor costs down.
Also, you don’t have to pay subcontractors any benefits, which will also save you money. Hiring a subcontractor gives you flexibility in terms of hiring and letting people go, if you’re dissatisfied with their work. It also reduces your liability.
3. Get Creative With Your Green Office Space
There are many ways to make an eco-friendly office space for you and your employees. Show your environmental leadership by incorporating some of the ideas below:
- Locate near public transportation in an urban setting, so employees have easy access to work.
- Look for a location with a lot of natural light.
- Find an energy efficient building, which will cost less to heat.
- Look for a space that is well insulated and ventilated.
- Consider using solar power or installing a solar heating system.
- Include furniture made from recycled materials.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Think about sustainability in your building design, like a roof made of recycled materials.
- Install LED lighting.
- Make sure your building has energy efficient windows.
- Purchase fair-trade coffee for your employees to enjoy.
- Encourage your employees to bring their own coffee cups, wash and reuse.
- Put more oxygen in the air by placing green plants in your office space.
- Encourage your employees to pack lunches in reusable lunch bags.
4. Recycle and Reuse In Your Green Business
When I was growing up, my neighbor was an executive in a small paper company. He was an inspiration and model for me when he started recycling paper in the seventies. He dealt with a lot of resistance to this concept, but was determined to forge ahead. This left a lasting impression on me. He showed me that recycling and reusing is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for your employees, your small business and your customers.
There are many ways to recycle and reuse in your small service business. Below is a list to consider:
- Instead of paying a garbage company to pick up your waste, why not try to do more recycling in your office. Brainstorm ideas with your employees about ways to reuse instead of dispose.
- Require that employees print on both sides of the paper. Recycle all of your paper and try to use less of it.
- When you do use paper, make sure it’s 100% recyclable.
- Scan paper documents that are sent to your business and save them electronically in-house eliminating costs of paper and storage.
- Set up numerous recycling bins in your office building to hold paper, metal and plastic items.
- Move to a paperless office and create electronic forms. Using field service software is an effective way of reducing waste and streamlining your business.
Concentrate on simple ways to build your green service business, be environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.
Help reduce your environmental footprint and create a healthy working environment for your employees as well as a successful service business.