Sustainable business practices to reduce waste&Energy consumption

Sustainable business practices to reduce waste and energy consumption

Rhiannon Williams

September 27, 2023

Implementing sustainable business practices are essential for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint and promote more ethical business practices. With the increasing concerns regarding environmental issues such as global warming, over consumption, resource conservation, energy usage, it is becoming both economically sound and an essential ethical commitment for business to take steps towards more sustainable business operations where practical. While large scale environmental business plans take commitment and long-term planning and commitment, there are small and simple measures that businesses can implement quite easily to reduce their carbon footprint.

Switch to LED light globes

Switching to energy-saving LED light bulbs is a strategic move for businesses aiming for sustainability. LED bulbs consume up to 75% less energy compared to their incandescent counterparts, leading to considerable energy savings and thus, a reduction in the company’s carbon footprint. LED lights may also last up to 25 times longer, decreasing the need for replacement and the associated waste. Switching to LED lightbulbs where possible not only supports sustainability but also reduces maintenance costs making it not only environmentally sound, but a good financial move as well.

Aim for paper-free operations

Switching to paper-free operations is a business practice that significantly reduces a company’s ecological footprint. While not using paper conserves trees, it also decreases energy consumption and reduces waste generation. Paper-free business operations also foster workplace efficiency by making it easier to organise, store, access, and share information, while reducing costs for resources and storage.

Implement comprehensive recycling programs

Consider implementing a variety of recycling programs. While most businesses have the basics taken care of with paper and cardboard waste recycling, there are several additional items that can be recycled that can help businesses reduce their waste output. Recycling ink and toner cartridges and recycling broken and dated electronics are also possible initiatives that businesses can implement to contribute to their environmental practices and improve their corporate image.

Create a zero-waste break room

Start by encouraging reusable cups, mugs, plates, and cutlery instead of single-use disposable options. If reusable utensils aren’t an option for health and safety or other reasons, consider more environmentally friendly options such as bamboo and wood pulp. Installing a filtered water dispenser reduces the need for staff to purchase plastic water bottles. Composting organic waste is also a beneficial practice and setting up a small compost collection bin in the break room encourages staff to consider their waste disposal. Promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental thinking through education and incentives encourages employees to reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible and can help them to consider implementing further sustainable practices in their own lives.

Encourage eco-friendly commuting and flexible work options

Encouraging green commuting is a sustainable business practice because it contributes to reducing carbon emissions, a leading factor in global warming and climate change. Employees commuting in single-occupancy vehicles produce a significant amount of carbon emissions daily. By fostering an environment where employees are motivated and encouraged to carpool, use public transport, cycle, or even walk to work, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Green commuting can also result in cost savings and a healthier lifestyle, not just protecting the environment Consider implementing flexible work conditions such as work from home and hybrid working arrangements that eradicate the need to commute altogether. Not only does this benefit your employees with their work-life balance but it is also a fantastic commitment to sustainable business practices and reducing the carbon footprint of the business.

Implementing sustainable business practices doesn’t have to be a difficult progress and there are many options that can easily be undertaken such as replacing unnecessary trips with phone calls or video calls, using non-toxic cleaning products, using low VOC paints in refurbishments, and installing motion sensors for lighting. Planning for long term changes such as installing solar panels or grey water systems are also great sustainable goals to aim toward if your business has the options and provisions to do so. The implementation of sustainable business practices is no longer a choice, but a desperate need for businesses to address the rapidly evolving global ecosystem. As business leaders, embracing sustainability not only leads to environmental conservation, but can also drive innovation, contribute to long-term profitability, and enhance brand reputation.

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Before deciding to stop using a recruitment agency, or to change agencies, ensure you communicate your concerns and expectations with your account managers. If performance doesn’t improve, consider looking elsewhere- one ill-fitting relationship with an agency doesn’t mean there isn’t a better fit elsewhere. Look for agencies with a proven track record in your industry, ask about their company culture and values to ensure they align with your own, and get a clear understanding of their candidate screening process to see how they differ from others. Remember, changing agencies can be a significant step towards business objectives, so take the time to make sure that your next choice will be a more effective and beneficial partnership. Looking beyond the hiring processes of a recruitment agency Taking into account the additional services provided by a recruitment agency and its affiliated brands has the potential to add value to your hiring process. 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By considering your business’ needs and establishing a strong relationship with a recruitment agency, your business can benefit from access to a sizeable talent pool and network, and an increased speed for filling open positions. Taking the time to find the right fit for your business, as well as evaluating all of the offerings of the recruitment agency, and their affiliates, and monitoring the progress can ensure not only great results for your hiring strategy, but also benefit your business by saving you time and money. Why choose Chandler Macleod? With our history as Australia’s first business psychology firm, the ability to assess your candidate and employee potential is at the heart of what we do, and we treasure the value this can add to your business over the longer term. By understanding your needs and the requirements of the role, our consultants use our BestFit Assessment tools to provide you with confidence in your hiring by delving deeper into the candidate's psyche. Beyond the recruiting stage, Chandler Macleod Consulting delves into understanding your employees’ lived experiences. By teaming up with our human and organisational behaviour experts you can help your employees and business achieve their full potential. Chandler Macleod is part of RGF Staffing APEJ, an ecosystem of brands that work together to create opportunities for life, using digital tools and solutions for insights and processes, putting the individual at the core. Find out more about what RGF Staffing APEJ can offer your business.