Sustainability and YOUR business

Many of you will recall that early this year I embarked on a 10-week skills bootcamp with PECT which culminated in being awarded a Carbon Literacy certificate and membership of IEMA .

It's very easy to complete something like this and then quickly get back into old "busy" routines, so I have promised myself I would start writing more about how small and micro businesses can play their part. Before you switch off, thinking that this is a subject for the Corporates and our Governments, or that you need a big budget to develop a more sustainable future, please consider how your business could make some simple low-cost changes, that may actually make its future more robust, enhance reputation, improve operational efficiency and foster a positive culture.

I will develop this subject further over the coming months, but to get you thinking, here's five key ways you can help create a more sustainable future, without planting a tree or buying carbon credits.

Some are simpler to implement than others, but being mindful of them is often the starting point.

1. Efficient use of energy: Upgrading lighting, optimising heating and cooling systems, and using energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce operational costs and lower your carbon footprint. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can offer financial incentives and further reduce environmental impact.
2. Waste reduction: Adopting practices like recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics not only minimises environmental impact but also can lead to cost savings. Encouraging employees to reduce paper use and adopt digital tools aligns with a more sustainable business model and can enhance overall efficiency. Are there any opportunities to contribute to a circular economy? For example, my friends at SustainableTech4Good will happily cleanse and refurbish IT that's past its best and use it to improve digital inclusion and education or help those on the poverty line via partnerships with charities.
3. Adopting better work routines: Car sharing, using public transport, walking, cycling or simply not travelling to work at all is an option for some. Also, consider training your team use IT techniques and use search engines that consider the environment as well as the organisation of your data files, reducing time spent looking for the latest version of a document! For example, sharing links to documents rather than attaching them to emails substantially reduces carbon consumption.
4. Considerate sourcing: Choosing suppliers who follow environmentally friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials or adhering to fair trade principles, supports a more ethical supply chain and promotes industry-wide sustainability.
5. Community Projects: Participating in local environmental initiatives, supporting conservation projects, and promoting sustainability education can extend the positive effects beyond the business itself, amplifying your efforts and profile.

As with most things in business, good communication and transparency is key.

Businesses that openly share their sustainability goals and achievements with customers, stakeholders, and the community build trust, demonstrate commitment, and encourage others to adopt similar practices. But take care not to go too far with your positive marketing, you don't want to be seen as a greenwasher!

Being ethical and sustainable can help your business to demand premium prices and attract/retain great talent, regardless of size, market share or longevity. So perhaps it's time you considered a budget for implementing change, as the return on investment is tangible, and potentially necessary for your future success.