How To Build a Greener Business

Photo by Flash Dantz from Pexels

According to a survey conducted in 2021, about 85% of people around the world have started looking to do business with greener companies. Creating an environmentally friendly business is essential for bringing in new customers and retaining the current ones. There are many things you can do to make your company greener.

Install Solar Panels

One of the biggest ways that you can show your customers you’re serious about building a more environmentally friendly company is to invest in commercial solar panel installation. Installing solar panels will drastically cut down on how much energy your company uses, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. The panels can be installed on the roof or even on the sides of the building sometimes and provide enough energy to light your business all year. In addition to showing customers you’re serious, you’ll also save money on your energy bills, so the initial investment creates a win-win situation.

Get Rid of the Paper

Companies using paper products are one of the biggest contributors to landfill problems. If you bill your clients for the services that you provide, switch to a paperless billing system. You can alert clients to new invoices via app notifications or email and allow them to submit payments online or over the phone. This not only lessens the amount of paper that your company uses but also creates a more efficient experience for you and a more convenient one for your clients.

If you sell products, consider skipping paper and plastic bags in favor of reusable totes as well. You might even think about offering your customers a discount if they bring their own reusable bags for carrying their shopping home.

Donate Unused Products

If you run a business that provides products, consider donating products that go unused. Maybe you own a restaurant and have leftover food at the end of the day. Instead of discarding it, see if you can donate it to a local homeless shelter. Are you purchasing new equipment or clearing space for new inventory? See where your products might be helpful and donate them or even offer steeply discounted prices. Just make sure that everything is in good working order and safe for consumption.

Reduce How Much Water You Use

Public places are responsible for using more than a quarter of the water in metropolitan areas. Small and large businesses alike can reduce their footprint and create a greener campus or company by doing what they can to reduce their water usage. While you may not necessarily be able to cut down on daily use for cleaning and consumption water, there are other things you can do. Start by identifying any leaks in your system, which can waste about 10,000 gallons of water per year. You can also reduce water by introducing low-flow sinks and toilets into your public or employee restrooms.

While it’s impossible to create a completely clean footprint, the work that you do to lessen it is beneficial for the environment as well as your bottom line. Showing consumers you care about your community and the wider world is essential to maintaining a successful business.