Many people find it relatively easy to implement green living strategies at home but wonder how they can make the same positive changes in their workplace. Many of the same sustainable lifestyle changes that work in the home can be incorporated successfully into most workplaces.
Save power – replace the old incandescent light bulbs with the new CFLs; replace halogens with the new LEDs; turn the lights of after hours; turn off the lights in seldom used rooms such as store rooms; turn off the air conditioning after hours. Install a high volume, low speed fan.
Save more power – lower the thermostat on summer cooling and winter heating by just one or two degrees. This saves power, cuts electricity bills and does not affect the comfort of the workers.
Purchase energy-efficient machines and appliances – when computers, printers and kitchen appliances need replacing, look for those that are kinder to the environment. Turn off appliances when not in use and set computers to hibernate automatically after 10 to 15 minutes.
Reduce paper use – look at ways to reduce the amount of paper used in the business; recycle waste in an environmentally-friendly manner; reuse waste paper where possible.
Harmful chemicals – replace cleaning products with green cleaning products and dispose of harmful chemicals in a way that conserves, not destroys, the natural environment.
Work from home – there are many jobs that do not require employees to actually commute to an office. If these tasks can be performed at home, with the help of technology, there will be a considerable number of vehicles taken off the roads at peak times.
While implementing the above initiatives is definitely a step in the right direction, there is more that a business can do towards becoming sustainable. Green business has been described as a long-term approach by a corporation to achieve a balance between business priorities and environmental, economic and social responsibilities. For a publicly listed company, the expectation of the shareholders is a prime concern.
The Brundtland Commission of the United Nations in 1987, described sustainability and sustainable development as that which “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The 2005 World Summit noted that sustainability in business needed to address a balance between the three pillars of sustainability, economic, social and environmental.
Business sustainability is a model that works towards creating long-term value to both employees and consumers through adopting green strategies. These strategies are aimed at preserving the natural environment while looking at how the business operations will impact economic and social issues. Issues such as raw materials used, manufacturing processes, end product and by-products of manufacture, business relationships, finances and investments are some areas that need to be addressed.
Corporations are driven by growth and bottom-line profits and the challenge is to find ways to move towards being more sustainable while protecting these issues. The great news is that many strategies that make an environmentally-friendly business will also reduce operating costs, especially in the area of non-renewable energy consumption.
Many countries have put in place organizations to help businesses find ways to make the necessary changes. These include government departments, government-funded commissions and private groups set up to achieve the same end. These organizations are responsible for developing appropriate strategies and educating business and industry in their implementation.
A sustainable business in the 21st century is one that has made a firm commitment to environmentally-friendly principles in the operation of its business. It is seen as being greener than its competitors; it supplies green products or services in place of those that harm the natural environment and it continues to make a profit; it doesn’t damage the environment during the course of doing business.
The growth of eco-friendly, sustainable businesses can be consumer-driven. When consumers demand greener products and services and fewer harmful products are purchased, manufacturers and corporations will have to make changes in order to compete in the marketplace. As consumers, we need to educate ourselves so that we can recognize harmful toxins in products, dangerous manufacturing processes and dodgy work practices so that we can reject those that are not sustainable.
So, is your workplace green? Have you tried anything to lessen your eco-impact? Please share.
I agree that green advancement can be driven by consumer demand. A lot of people question the power that consumers have, but without it, the option for organic food would have been nonexistent.
@20’s Finances. I totally agree. We as consumers have a lot more power than we think we do. If we make a big enough demand for something than companies will be forced to meet that demand. They won’t make a profit otherwise.
@SB. Yes hand dryers are great. I really like the Dyson ones that some places have now. The only thing is they should be automatic in my opinion. Having to touch those buttons after washing your hands is counter productive.
I like your ideas Miss T. The workplace is often overlooked as a place to save environmentally, as the primary focus is generally on getting the work done as efficiently as possible, and keeping the employees happy. But, I think a lot of your ideas do help to achieve business objectives.
@Hunter. Thanks. I try to suggest realistic things people can do and that make a positive difference without impacting the bottom line. I have found in my own office I have been able to positively influence those around me to be a bit more green concious. I think that by investing in the planet and preserving it we are investing in the sustainability of our business because if we kill the planet we won’t be around anymore to make any money.
@Moneycone. I agree. Technology is limitless but we have to invest time and money into it. The issue right now is that other things are taking precedent when they shouldn’t. Looking after our planet is a must needed priority.
I would say find a sustainable way that leads to the best health and best practices for the company. The company where I work at has old fluorescent lighting that is not too pleasing to be under, although they do have recycling programs and things like that. All of that didn’t prevent them from losing drastic market share, so I would say the best approach is the one that gives the best value to the consumer, and that includes delivering a good product as well as a green one, since more and more consumers are demanding this today.
@Invest it Wisely. I agree. We should always try to get the most value out of our investment. I am glad consumers are demading greener products because this is allowing more product selection in stores. I like having more than one go green option to choose from.
I think where companies can do well is by recycling, buying recycled paper, changing light bulbs etc. This is going to not only give the public a better impression but it will save them money in the long run too.
Great ideas here! I work from home so I try to be more energy efficient 😉 So far I reuse cut up copy paper for taking notes, my print setting are set on the lowest level for ink, I go paperless at any chance I can and I keep the lights off in my office and use daylight whenever possible.
@Ben. Good for you. This is definitely more than some people manage at the moment. I really appreciate you trying to do your part to save our planet. It is really important because everyone’s actions add up to a big impact.
Implementing green strategies at work would definitely provide a good impression on the company. It will educate and increase awareness for employees who are not implementing green strategies in their lives. This is a great suggestion and I feel this idea would contribute a lot to my business’ success.
@Daniel. I am glad you enjoyed the post. You are right. By setting an example we can influence others in a positive way. I think green strategies should be mainstream in businesses/ Not yet but maybe one day this will actually be the case.
I agree that green advancement can be driven by consumer demand. A lot of people question the power that consumers have, but without it, the option for organic food would have been nonexistent.
@20’s Finances. I totally agree. We as consumers have a lot more power than we think we do. If we make a big enough demand for something than companies will be forced to meet that demand. They won’t make a profit otherwise.
“growth of eco-friendly, sustainable businesses can be consumer-driven”
I can’t agree more. Those are very nice tips. A hand dryer as opposed to paper towels helps reduce paper usage a lot.
@SB. Yes hand dryers are great. I really like the Dyson ones that some places have now. The only thing is they should be automatic in my opinion. Having to touch those buttons after washing your hands is counter productive.
I like your ideas Miss T. The workplace is often overlooked as a place to save environmentally, as the primary focus is generally on getting the work done as efficiently as possible, and keeping the employees happy. But, I think a lot of your ideas do help to achieve business objectives.
@Hunter. Thanks. I try to suggest realistic things people can do and that make a positive difference without impacting the bottom line. I have found in my own office I have been able to positively influence those around me to be a bit more green concious. I think that by investing in the planet and preserving it we are investing in the sustainability of our business because if we kill the planet we won’t be around anymore to make any money.
Touchless faucets! And now they make solar ones that doesn’t actually require the sun, but just the overhead light to power the sensor!
That’s green technology done right!
@Moneycone. I agree. Technology is limitless but we have to invest time and money into it. The issue right now is that other things are taking precedent when they shouldn’t. Looking after our planet is a must needed priority.
I would say find a sustainable way that leads to the best health and best practices for the company. The company where I work at has old fluorescent lighting that is not too pleasing to be under, although they do have recycling programs and things like that. All of that didn’t prevent them from losing drastic market share, so I would say the best approach is the one that gives the best value to the consumer, and that includes delivering a good product as well as a green one, since more and more consumers are demanding this today.
@Invest it Wisely. I agree. We should always try to get the most value out of our investment. I am glad consumers are demading greener products because this is allowing more product selection in stores. I like having more than one go green option to choose from.
I think where companies can do well is by recycling, buying recycled paper, changing light bulbs etc. This is going to not only give the public a better impression but it will save them money in the long run too.
Great ideas here! I work from home so I try to be more energy efficient 😉 So far I reuse cut up copy paper for taking notes, my print setting are set on the lowest level for ink, I go paperless at any chance I can and I keep the lights off in my office and use daylight whenever possible.
@Ben. Good for you. This is definitely more than some people manage at the moment. I really appreciate you trying to do your part to save our planet. It is really important because everyone’s actions add up to a big impact.
Implementing green strategies at work would definitely provide a good impression on the company. It will educate and increase awareness for employees who are not implementing green strategies in their lives. This is a great suggestion and I feel this idea would contribute a lot to my business’ success.
@Daniel. I am glad you enjoyed the post. You are right. By setting an example we can influence others in a positive way. I think green strategies should be mainstream in businesses/ Not yet but maybe one day this will actually be the case.