It is up to us all to make changes that help our planet. It is being polluted with toxic gases and climate change issues are worsening. As well as playing our part as individuals, businesses can make a huge difference. Here are five eco-friendly changes all businesses should consider implementing.
Go Paper-Free
This isn’t likely to come as a surprise. With the advancement of technology, it is something that many businesses are doing anyway. Having information stored on servers rather than in paper files has massive benefits regardless of the environmental benefits. Many companies, however, have not yet made the switch. Going paper-free can save tons upon tons of paper each year. If you are concerned about the storing of information online, speak to companies that specialize in software for your business type. You will be able to source a secure online solution that works for your company.
Company Vehicles
Whether as a perk or solely for business reasons, many businesses offer company vehicles to staff. While this is unlikely to change, some deviations can be made which will help the environment. Many car manufacturers like Mercedes, Peugeot, and Citroen manufacture vehicles that are compatible with HVO fuels. HVO is hydrotreated vegetable oil. It is a premium quality second-generation biofuel made from renewable, sustainable raw materials. Using HVO diesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, so switching to HVO compatible vehicles could significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Bike to Work Schemes
Another way you can help is to promote cycling to work. There are a couple of different cycle to work schemes in operation. Employers register and employees can then “buy” a bike which will be paid off over an agreed period. This also provides a tax break to help with the cost. It’s a great way to promote staff exercise and help the environment at the same time.
Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs is not only better for the environment, but can vastly reduce your lighting bills. LEDs last a lot longer than standard filament bulbs and use around 90% less energy. They are also bright from the moment they are switched on. While the initial outlay can be more expensive than traditional bulbs, the cost savings in the long run can be huge. Motion-activated lighting is another great way to save energy. Lights will only go on when someone is nearby.
Switch–off Policy
It is very common in offices that hardware like computers, monitors, and photocopiers are left on all the time. Many staff members will simply let their computer go into sleep mode and never shut it down, let alone switch it off. Implementing a switch-off policy could help the environment massively. Let staff know that it is their responsibility to switch everything off at night. There will be some exceptions to that rule of course but in general, there is no reason why laptops and monitors should be left on. It will save money on your bills and will be conserving valuable energy too.
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