How to Run an Eco-Friendly Business

Everyone has a responsibility to do what they can for the planet, including business owners. There are also plenty of good reasons to revisit how you run your business, such as governmental grants and regulations that encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Here are some ways that you can run a more eco-friendly business, as well as save money in the process. 

Waste Management

Every business generates waste, even if you run a small business from your home office. But waste management is a major concern for larger businesses or companies that manufacture products. The same waste management techniques that you use in everyday life apply to running a business. 

These are often known as “the 4 R’s”. 

First, you should reduce the amount of materials and products that you buy, so you don’t end up throwing out the excess. This saves money and reduces waste. Second, you reuse items as much as possible, in some cases this might mean selling them on to someone else.

Third, repurpose items that might have another use. Finally, recycle whatever you have to throw away. Train your employees to follow these principles.

Reduce Utilities

Running a business can take up a lot of energy and water. But if you reduce your usage of these utilities, you will save money and generate a smaller carbon footprint. One of the simplest ways to reduce your utility usage is to switch everything off when you finish work. The amount of power that is wasted heating and lighting empty buildings is huge, especially when all it takes to prevent this is to flip a switch at the end of the day.

You can also reduce your energy use by installing smart thermostats and setting specific temperatures for the office. You can set them on a timer, so that the office is comfortable during the day, but left to its own devices when empty. A smart thermostat will also tell you how much energy you are using.

Finally, you can reduce utility waste by keeping on top of repairs in the office. A dripping faucet can waste a gallon of water per day, depending on how severe the leak is. If you see a problem, fix it as soon as possible.

Clean Power

Your business needs electricity to run, and many companies have a particularly high energy need. Computers draw a lot of power, as do power tools and equipment that may be used to manufacture products or fulfill a service.

As well as reducing your power usage where possible, you should also switch to clean electricity. There are more options for clean, renewable energy now than ever before. For example, solar companies are constantly looking for community solar customer acquisition opportunities. 

A community solar scheme will allow you to buy into a solar field. This guarantees that you are using clean energy, and you will also enjoy cheaper electricity after the initial investment. Larger purchases can even lead to better prices, so look for a deal that works for you.