Can you have a ‘green’ business even if your product or service is not aimed for environmental purposes? Is it possible to be a green business even if you didn’t set out to be one? The good news is, yes you can! Maybe your business operation is impossible to run on zero emission, or maybe your company’s main goal is not to save the earth directly. Whatever you sell, nevertheless, you can always be more sustainable – and this will not only enhance your social conscience, but also your net income. In commemoration of World’s Vegan Day, HR in Asia presents an article on how to build a sustainable business.
Why Sustainable Business?
According to research by Deloitte, 45% of customers said they would consume more locally made items in 2021, and around 33% admitted that they have stopped buying specific brands because of ethical or ecological considerations. Small, genuinely sustainable businesses are likely to steal market share from larger, more obscurely organized companies. According to an IBM survey, 57% of customers are willing to adjust their purchasing behavior in addition to supporting reduced negative environmental effects. Consumers that are environmentally conscious desire to spend more from sellers who demonstrate that they are making an effort to be more environmentally friendly. Businesses that are agile, innovative, and local are ideal for recruiting this growing demographic of green consumers who demand openness from their online store or service. By going green, you will not only contribute to the world but also improve your financial line by appealing to a larger client base by optimizing what you have and making more responsible decisions.
Sustainable Sourcing
Customers want businesses to consider both their suppliers’ and their own values. They would want to know from which their products are created, how they’re made, and who makes them. As a business owner, it is time to examine your suppliers and see whether their sustainability requirements match yours. Rank each piece of your supply chain in terms of how socially, ethically, and ecologically conscious it is. You may increase consumer trust and loyalty by laying out your sourcing rules and ranking your suppliers based on their sustainability. Customers are willing and able to pay extra for products and services that are truly sustainable, but proof is expected. So make sure your website and social media platforms highlight how you have begged to differ from competitors.
Read Also: Trending Workplace Issues in Q4 2021
Use energy-saving technology
According to a study, adopting energy efficient technologies with a turnaround of less than 1.5 years may cut the typical start-energy up’s expense by 18-25 percent. Moreover, it is predicted that 40% of these savings would come at no cost to the company. By conducting a simple energy evaluation of your company, defining some goals, and selecting from these kinds of viable solutions, you may save costs in the long run with a little preparation and patience. If it is doable for your team, selling online with an e-commerce website and app, as well as working remotely, is a good approach to reduce your carbon footprint.
Encouraging Stakeholders to Take Part
Culture of sustainability should also start from within a company through its people. Incentivize and reward your team’s sustainable efforts to make them more environmentally conscious. For example, you can encourage employees to bike to work and share lifts, minimize business travel and invest in remote working technology, or simply send them a reusable coffee cup. You can also involve stakeholders in encouraging this too. Establish contacts with local suppliers, NGOs, local governments, and other small businesses to see how you can collaborate to achieve your sustainable goals.
It can be challenging to strive to create a sustainable business, but it is well worth the effort. Building a sustainable business is all about making responsible decisions to lessen your company’s negative environmental impact. It will also support your business in being more efficient and conserving energy.
Read Also: The Art of Taking a Break: How to Actually Relax
