How to Make your SME more Environmentally Sustainable

How your business works towards making its processes more environmentally sustainable is a leading

question in the minds of all stakeholders. May it be customers, investors, vendors or even employees, all

want to be associated with businesses that represent integration and credibility towards prioritizing

environmental sustainability.

Here are simple ways in which your business too can jump onto the sustainability bandwagon-

Reducing Costs of Meeting

Whenever possible, make a phone call instead of organizing a meeting. Consider sending out emails as

against physical mails and conduct virtual meetings to save resources and costs of making business trips.

Minimizing Use of materials

Instead of printing files, find ways to archive information on your computer. Advertise on your website

as against printing too many brochures. Give recipients an option to opt for emails as against physical

mail for your promotional material.

Waste Reduction

A classic sustainability development example in smaller businesses involve inculcating a resource saving

and waste reduction habit all the way to your entry level employees. Make it a habit to re-use old

envelops, encourage the staff to use their own mugs and refill your cartridges as against replace them.

You will also be able to find a whole lot of usable recycled stationary at your vendor’s. If there is

anything you feel you cannot reuse, recycle it. Set up recycle bins where you staff can make use of them.

Many businesses hold regular book, DVD and clothing swap days encouraging employees to inculcate

sustainable habits even outside of work.

Turn it Off

Switch off the lights, the ventilation units, computers, printers and other appliances at the power point

when not in use. Not only will your equipment last your longer, but your power bills will also be

significantly reduced.

Outsourcing Technology

The advent of cloud computing services allows businesses to significant reduce their server needs.

Virtual office services allow businesses to reduce requirements of office space as well as save on use of

energy.

Temperature Control

If the weather permits, turn down the air-conditioner. Lowering the temperature by just a single degree

when it is hot outside can increase your energy consumption by 10%. Reduce this by further using cut

out switches to reduce standby power usage. Install automated light sensors and when purchasing

vehicles for your company, opt for hybrids. In your office kitchen or pantry, find ways to train the staff in

reducing water consumption. Make it a point to repair leaky taps as soon as possible and reduce the

setting for the hot water temperatures.

Finally, it is important that you business makes green decisions right from the start. Get your business

some green credentials by creating a sustainable supply policy and guidelines and send out your

checklist to all your vendors asking them about how their product or service rates in this regard. Ask

your printers to use recycled paper, replace your non functioning equipment with energy efficient

substitutes and look into your books of accounts and assess where monies are being spent without

reason. With a practical and conscious approach, you will soon be able to adopt a holistically green work

ethic for your business.

Get more information on: Environmental Sustainability and Sustainability Development Examples