Governing bodies all over the world have implemented regulations and programmes to promote sustainability among businesses. These policies do not only benefit the environment, but also enable companies to become more energy efficient and improve their productivity.
Aside from complying with government regulations, there are a lot more you can do to join the initiative, starting with these steps.
Make it a part of your corporate culture
The best way to ensure that your company stays sustainable in the long run is to embed it into the culture. Define a clear goal for sustainability to have a road map for the entire organisation to follow. Do not be ambiguous and vague with your goals, and you should be able to innovate accordingly. Make it a part of your company’s core beliefs and mission, and let it guide the way you run your business.
Allocate the necessary resources
You need to furnish your business with the right resources, in terms of people, materials, time and funds. Be the company’s sustainability leader or assign someone who will advocate for sustainable corporate practices. This person should be able to bring your goals to fruition and make every member of the organisation understand the role of sustainability in your business.
Gather information on what tools and materials you need for a sustainable practice. Consult with your team to understand the sustainable resources you need.
Have a sustainable supply chain
Collaborate with businesses who are constantly improving their environmental and social impacts, as well. Choose suppliers and distributors who also value sustainability. Ensure that your entire supply chain is sustainable by tracking the origin of the raw materials your business uses. Regularly conduct a supply chain audit to help you determine the areas that require your attention. These areas may include the supply chain’s environmental, ethical and transportation aspects.
Improve production processes
Carefully inspect your production processes, especially the daily cycles because they are likely to be harmful to the environment. There are great opportunities for sustainability in these processes.
Calculate the energy consumption of your production processes and see if they can be improved by upgrading equipment or streamlining operations. This will increase the efficiency of the system and save you money.
Identify opportunities to recycle at every level and aspect of production. Research waste reduction techniques and systems, such as water reuse and recycling solutions.
Use environmentally friendly materials when packaging and distributing your products. See if it is possible to trim down the packaging without compromising the quality of your products. Develop ways to reduce carbon emissions during distribution, such as using eco-friendly vehicles in your facility.
Be proud of your endeavours
Advocating sustainability is a noble task, so you should not keep your practices a company secret. Build up your green reputation by letting your partners, clients and customers know about your efforts. Inform them of your methods, goals and achievements. Not only will this earn you extra points, but it can encourage others — even your competitors — to follow suit.
Seek to constantly improve your practices and processes towards sustainability. Stick to your core beliefs and do not lose sight of your goals. When you go green, you are not only improving the value of your brand — you are helping the community and the entire planet.
