Businesses ‘struggling’ to go green

Businesses are struggling to make enough progress when it comes to climate change and sustainability, a new report claims.

The 2014 State of Green Business claims companies around the world have not done much to change when it comes to their use of energy and water and their waste disposal. The report was produced by sustainability specialists Trucost.

The report’s principal author Joel Makower said,

While more and more companies are undertaking a growing number of initiatives to reduce their environmental impacts, there’s very little progress to show for it.

Chief Executive of Trucost Richard Mattison says: “The environmental impacts of business – air pollution, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and water scarcity – are threatening the ability of our finite stock of natural capital to deliver sustainable growth. The challenge for sustainable business is to identify growth models that result in reduced environmental impact.” 

This year’s report includes the launch of the Natural Capital Leaders Index, which identifies companies which are successfully increasing their revenue and reducing the impact they have on the environment.

According to the index, just 34 companies in 10 different countries managed to increase their revenue between 2008 and 2012 while also reducing their environmental impact and disclosing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Do you have a green business plan?

‘Sustainability’ is becoming a media buzzword and businesses are coming under increasing pressure to do their bit for the environment. Putting together a ‘green business plan’ is a great way to help the cause, while at the same time sending a message to your customers, clients and staff that you take the matter seriously. Take some time and engage your employees to decide on the steps your business can take to save energy and be more environmentally responsible.

However, the report also stresses the fact that business sustainability shouldn’t just focus on the ‘environmental’ side, but also the economic and social issues. 

How can you make your business more sustainable?

1. Reduce energy and recycle

For tips on how to stamp out energy wastage, take a look at our post on simple ways to save energy in the workplace and our tips for a greener workplace. If you’re able to, make it easier for your staff to recycle their rubbish by putting recycling bins in the kitchen and at various points in the office.

2. Only travel when necessary

Many customers choose to base themselves at our buildings because we are close to where they work. But depending on your business, you may need to arrange meetings with customers or suppliers. However, this doesn’t always mean you need to travel. Calling someone on the phone or using video-conferencing can help you reduce your company’s carbon footprint – plus you will gain extra time by not travelling.

If staff do need to make journeys, encourage them to car share or use public transport if possible.

3. Make things easy for staff

Create a culture of sustainability within your business. Include family-friendly policies, like flexible working and allowing staff to sometimes work from home. This reduces the amount of fuel they use travelling to and from the office and helps to make them feel more valued. As an added bonus, it may make them more productive.

Think of ways that would encourage your staff to get involved with improving energy efficiency. Could you installing bike racks, showers and changing facilities to make it easier for people to walk, run or cycle to work?

4. Do your bit for social sustainability 

Support your local community by raising donations for charity events. We hold charity days at many of our business centres, so please get involved, or if there’s a local charity or event we can get involved with, please speak to your local centre manager. 

5. Buy with sustainability in mind

It’s not just about what you and your staff do, it’s also what you use. This might involve simple changes such as buying recycled stationery products or those that haven’t been bleached or thinking about the quantities of supplies you order, so nothing goes to waste. It can also include thinking about your supply chain – do you know how sustainable your suppliers are and can collaborate with them to improve together?

Do you pride yourself on your green office practices? Tell us about the innovative ways your business is striving to be sustainable.

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