What is a sustainable business?

A sustainable business can come in all shapes and sizes but put simply, it is a business that is actively taking steps to lower its carbon output and implementing sustainable practices. A business can reduce its carbon footprint by lowering its energy use, switching to a renewable energy source, and many more.

Remember, your business does not need to be a 100% net-zero super sustainable business to be considered a sustainable business. If you are actively taking steps towards a net-zero, and evolving for the better year after year, you are a sustainable business.

It isn’t easy for businesses, especially SMEs, to fund huge renewable energy projects and implement sustainability into every aspect of a business, as they are likely to not have the funds or resources to implement these projects. So, taking little steps and doing everything you can to push yourself towards net zero over the coming year is perfectly fine.

This blog is designed to help businesses understand the ways in which they can become more sustainable, with the help of the many experts at Direct Business Solutions, we have collected tips and advice that is valuable for any smaller company that wants to implement sustainability at any level, whether it be from recycling to solar panels.

Ideas to make your businesses more sustainable

There is a huge number of ways in which businesses can implement sustainability. The choices that you make can come down to your size, funds, preference, and accessibility. Here are a few ideas to make your business more sustainable and the benefits they come with…

1. LED lighting – LED lighting is a sustainable option for your lighting, whether you are in a small store, or a huge warehouse, LEDs will reduce your energy expenditure. They will also last much longer than traditional bulbs and light fixtures.
2. Training and Awareness: Educating employees about sustainability not only fosters a culture of responsibility but also helps in identifying and implementing green initiatives more effectively.
3. Staff Behaviours: When staff adopt eco-friendly behaviours, such as recycling or energy conservation, it can lead to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint for the organisation.
4. Renewable Energy Sources: Utilising renewable energy like solar or wind power significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, making operations more sustainable in the long term.
5. EMS/Energy Monitor: An Energy Management System (EMS) allows for real-time tracking of energy usage, helping to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for energy-saving measures.
6. Water Usage: Efficient water management can reduce waste, lower costs, and contribute to the conservation of a vital natural resource.

Where should you start on your green journey?

For every company, the starting point of your sustainable journey will be different, as there are many factors that determine the kind of sustainable practice you may implement. For example, you may implement a renewable energy source, which may reduce your bills and your carbon footprint, otherwise, you could conduct an energy audit, which can outline the weak points in your energy management and help you find new ways to reduce your energy consumption and make your business more sustainable.

There are many ways you can start out, but it is entirely up to you, our experts have recommended anything which will reduce consumption, switching to renewable tariffs, LED lighting, and data consolidation. All of these are great options, which do not take too much time and effort, meaning your first step towards net zero and sustainability is quick and simple, yet effective.

Why should you act now?

There is no better time to act than now. If you start implementing sustainable practices into your business now, then you will be saving energy and reducing costs, now. If you wait a year or even 5 years, those savings are lost forever. This may sound a tad dramatic, but waiting around and missing out on these opportunities is only going to make you get left behind, while your competitors push forward into the future.

Even taking the smallest and most simple steps one at a time is forward movement, and forward movement is progress.

What now?

Creating a sustainable business does not have to be complicated, and it does not have to be difficult, small changes over time can be enough to future-proof your business and help it thrive for years to come. Our experts have years of experience working with businesses to make sure they have the perfect energy management and sustainable practices implemented, so their advice can be valuable for your business.

If you would like to discuss your options for anything from solar panel installation to renewable energy tariffs, get in touch with us to review your options.

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