6 tips for small business sustainability
While many small businesses may not have a legal obligation to follow sustainability practices, it’s still in their best interest to do so.
Consumer awareness of sustainability has grown over the past ten years; approximately 70% of consumers believe it is critical to support firms that are devoted to sustainability. Over 70% more people have searched for sustainable items online in the last five years.
Consumers increasingly see businesses and brands as primarily responsible for their environmental impact, with air and water pollution the two biggest consumer concerns. Consequently, monitoring and improving in this area is a growing priority for most companies.
To build on my message in our 26-09-2022 newsletter, here are six simple practices that small businesses can adopt for a significant impact on sustainability in the workplace:
1. Education
Education is critical for understanding sustainability and getting employees on board. For business owners and managers, it’s necessary to lead by example to create the expectation that employees will do the same. It may be useful to appoint someone in the office to monitor environmental impact and oversee the implementation of your sustainability plan.
2. Rethink your waste
Conduct a waste audit to identify the different types of waste produced in your businesses and to determine how waste can be more effectively managed through recycling. Teaming up with other small businesses to manage waste together, buying environmentally friendly products, and selling or giving away unwanted materials instead of disposing of them.
3. Remote work
Making allowances for employees to work from home on certain days can minimise petrol consumption and transport-related carbon emissions, while reducing overall energy and fossil fuel consumption as homes typically have lower usage rates than offices.
4. Sustainable supply chains
Creating sustainable supply chains involves considering the internal processes of the business and the external impact of suppliers. Small businesses should start by mapping out their supply chain and making internal changes. Once a sustainability plan is in place, you should communicate with your suppliers about your current environmental performance and how it aligns with your business priorities.
5. Using smart technology to reduce waste
Choosing long-life, energy efficient products with minimal waste of consumables can significantly reduce the number of consumables making their way into landfill and as a result, enhance small business sustainability efforts.
6. Digital cloud technology
Understanding and harnessing the benefits of a document management system (DMS) is another way to shift to a more sustainable business plan. By implementing a document management system and using managed print services to make smarter printing choices, small businesses can limit their paper waste with eco-friendly technologies, as well as smart monitoring and management of print in the business.
Sustainability will be an important measure of success for workplaces of the future. Download our Green Office Guide to learn how to improve your environmental impact, while also reducing business costs and boosting efficiency.
David Welters - Solutions Architect - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
