Key Factors to Boost Your Business’s Sustainability Campaign in 2016

As businesses continue to move forward in 2016, sustainability will continue to play an important role. Key issues, such as climate change, environmental protection, and social development remain a primary regulator of the business market. Therefore, companies need to adjust their policies and practices or face getting beat out by the competition. Companies that are more sustainable are more likely to prosper and thrive, and less likely to experience shock, such as in the event of skyrocketing energy prices or a global recession.

Another reason for companies to become more sustainable is more and more consumers are opting for safe, green, natural products and tout environmental protection and social justice. Environmental protection and social equality are important to consumers, and they want the businesses they use to express similar goals and values. Here are some helpful tips to boost your company’s sustainability campaign in 2016.

Assess Your Facility

Perform an energy audit of your commercial buildings to ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible. In commercial buildings, heating and cooling is the main source of energy consumption, so it’s important to update your HVAC system and ensure it is being routinely maintained. Connect your system to a programmable thermostat to make the space warmer or cooler when it’s not in use — such as overnight and on the weekends. In addition, the facilities should be properly insulated and sealed to prevent energy leaks.

Other ways to improve the energy-efficiency of your facility is by making the switch to ENERGY-STAR-qualified appliances, windows and doors, installing solar panels, and using energy-efficient company fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow water fixtures. As for lighting, dimmer switches and occupancy lights can also help reduce your energy consumption. Additionally, encourage employees to keep the use of paper and disposable materials to a minimum, and to use refillable water bottles and e-forms whenever possible.

Assess Your Supply Chain

Along with your business’s actual facilities, you also want to examine the way in which your products are produced, packaged and distributed. Think about how much energy is used to create your products, and make the necessary upgrades to reduce the amount of energy needed. Increased sustainability can be achieved through upgrading your machinery, making the process more streamlined, and minimizing waste and recycling.

As for packaging, are you using a packaging solution that minimizes void material and waste? Consider making the switch to an on demand packaging solution, which allows you to create custom-made packages on the spot, when you need them. Because the boxes are made specifically for the products you need to ship, the result of on demand packaging is less waste, decreased damage rates, lower shipping costs, and better use of warehouse space. When it comes to distribution, seek ways to reduce your carbon emissions. For instance, companies that own their own fleet can upgrade to greener vehicles.

Conclusion

These are just a few ways your business can boost its sustainability campaign in the new year. By following this advice, your company will reduce its carbon footprint, and experience substantial long-term cost savings in the process.