Sustainability is a huge talking point, especially when it comes to business. In 2020, the UK’s commercial sector contributed 6% of all UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions. So while consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, businesses also now have a responsibility to become more green minded too.
With the British Government’s recent plans to commit £1.73 million towards backing businesses to help cut emissions – from introducing more plants into the office to carbon offsetting – what steps big and small can you take to level up your awareness, and reduce your impact on the environment?
In the following release from domain hosting experts Fasthosts here are some simple steps you can take to becoming a more environmentally conscious and friendly business.
Reducing e-waste
In most business environments, electronics are the main way in which we complete our daily tasks. With that, comes a huge amount of waste when products stop working or go faulty. One way you can offset wastage is through buying your products from eco sources, and offering end of line solutions or buy-back plans.
- Source your products from eco sources
Buy products that are made from at least 80% recycled materials, and ensure that they are ‘energy smart’ to minimise electricity consumption.
- Offer end of line solutions and offer tech buy-back plans
When tech does eventually break down why not offer a buyback solution to make sure no office equipment gets thrown in the bin.
- Invest in refurbished tech
Opt for used and refurbished equipment. That way, you are extending the lifespan of existing products and reducing the demand for new product manufacturing, which conserves resources and minimises waste.
- Partake in corporate recycling schemes
Recycling schemes are a great way to save costs, and help the environment. By diverting waste from landfills, businesses can cut down on waste disposal fees, the need to purchase new materials all the while reducing pollution, and their environmental impact.
Green website hosting
All successful businesses need a website, but choosing the right domain host is the first and the most important step. When making your decision, opt for a green host that operates on green energy to power their data centres. Did you know that the internet makes more CO2 than air travel? By choosing data hosting powered by green energy sources, not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, green hosting is actually often more efficient, which helps you to lower your costs.
Add some greenery
Indoor plants not only increase creativity, and overall mood they are also great at reducing air pollutants too. They are great at cleaning indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, helping to reduce your office’s carbon footprint. Some of the best plants for this are the Snake Plant, which requires little water and removes air toxins, or the Pothos Plant that does great in harsh and inconsistent office lighting conditions.
Green transport
Global transportation-related emissions released nearly 8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022, so it’s time to get clear on the real cost of commuting. Try implementing different transport schemes such as group carpooling and the cycle to work scheme. This initiative not only encourages office workers to be more physically active, but also contributes to reducing their carbon footprint through choosing cleaner travel methods.
Remote work
Employees who work remotely all the time produce 54% less greenhouse gas emissions than office workers. Besides other positives, allowing remote work and reducing unnecessary travel, employees are also reducing their carbon footprint. Consider more flexible, remote, or hybrid work options to promote sustainability while enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
Office composting
Office composting is as simple as at-home composting – instead of throwing food waste into the rubbish bin, you dispose of it in a compost or green bin. Greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere could be reduced by 38 to 84 percent by composting food waste alone. By diverting organic waste from landfills, you can do a great job in reducing your office’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Smart energy consumption
Inside the office, energy consumption is another huge contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Not only that, energy makes up a huge proportion of costs to businesses, especially SMEs who need to remain smart on spending. However, the good news is that even low and no-cost actions can usually reduce energy costs by at least 10%. First, start by making sure your energy provider generates their energy from sustainable sources. Then to reduce your energy consumption, identify opportunities for energy savings, and implement new measures to prevent any unnecessary waste. These could be measures such as
- Fitting timers and smart metres
- Checking for inefficient lighting
- Ensuring unused equipment is switched off
This way, you not only reduce your monthly bills, you also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Get certified
Why not level up your credentials and become environmentally certified such as the Carbon Trust Route to Net Zero Standard, Zero Waste Scotland, and EcoVadis, to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability? Reach out to a sustainability consultant or third-party company, to ensure compliance with environmental standards, and get you that seal of approval.
Carbon off-setting
Carbon off-setting is a brilliant method when done correctly. If done badly, it can fail and become a tool for ‘greenwashing’ allowing businesses to avoid cutting their emissions, while claiming they are. To effectively offset your carbon footprint, you will want to start by calculating your emissions. Once you understand this, you can then begin reducing your emissions, and then choosing appropriate offset projects – but ensure you choose a CER,or VCS certified scheme. There are various schemes available which can fit your organisation’s values and goals, from safe water projects, hydroelectric power plants, to tree-planting projects, the choice is yours.
Support local communities
Communities are the heart and soul of life, there are many sustainable communities initiatives that you can get behind. Consider sponsoring a charity, whether that be dedicated to education, community, or addressing local environmental challenges. You can choose an initiative that aligns with your business, and help support and drive meaningful change.
