With resources becoming scarce, it is vital for both small and large scale businesses to incorporate sustainable methods of production into their operations. Not only does this lead to maximum utilization of resources but also helps to create an environmentally conscious and friendly business environment. There are various ways through which businesses can develop their operations in a sustainable way and in this article; we give business owners the top 5 tips for sustainable development in a business.1. REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION. The best way of ensuring sustainable development of a business is by reducing the amount of energy consumed by the business. This will not only help the business to cut down costs but will have a positive effect on the environment as well. Some of the ways through which you could cut down consumption include:Switching off equipment from the wall especially when not being used.Using energy efficient options for lighting.Insulating buildingsKeeping up equipment maintenanceKeeping thermostats set at sensible temperaturesUsing draught proof rooms and keeping external doors closed2. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR WORKERS ABOUT SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS. Your business can be more sustainable if workers are educated about renewable energy sources and products. Educate workers about the importance of using environmentally friendly and more sustainable products by organizing seminars and inviting some experts in this field to talk to them. Having everyone on board makes it easier for you as a manager to implement such policies at your workplace since everyone is aware of the benefits.3. PURCHASE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND.When purchasing inputs or other things for your business, insist on purchasing environmentally friendly products. When buying with sustainability in mind, some ideas that could help you out include; * Purchase green power which is accredited by the government and increases demand and leads to generation of more renewable sources of energy. * Purchase Energy Start-rated appliances as these are produced to be environmentally friendly and to reduce on energy wastage thus helping you cut down costs. * Switch to solar hot water * Print with environmentally friendly paper or ask your printing suppliers to do so. These are easy to dispose without causing any harm to the environment. * Buy recyclable and biodegradable office products. * 4. Create a sustainability committee.Do not only end at educating workers about the benefits of sustainability but go one step further and set up a committee that will ensure that company guidelines in relation to this issue are followed and adhered to. This will ensure that there is at least someone who is responsible for monitoring the sustainability measures being put in place or someone who is accountable. The committee can also be tasked with the role of educating staff members about sustainability.5. ENCOURAGE USE OF COMPUTER BASED MEANS OF COMMUNICATION RATHER THAN PAPER BASED. This will reduce the amount of paper that you will have to dispose thus making the business premises more organized and user friendly. Some ways to do this include; * Using emails for communication rather than paper correspondences. * Using fax modems rather than paper fax machines which require printing of hard copies. * Printing on double sides rather than on one side etc.The above mentioned are just a couple of ways through which you could make your business sustainable. There are plenty of more ideas depending on the nature of your business. You can call the dwp contact number to find out more sustainable tips for your business.
