7 things businesses can do to protect the environment

With issues linked to global warming and sustainability becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, businesses must take it upon themselves to help tackle the problem. Overall, more than 600 global companies have committed to climate action, with big names like Apple and IBM included in the mix. With many organisations across the world showing an active effort to reduce their environmental impact, you might be considering how your organisation can make a commitment to become more sustainable. We’ve outlined 7 things your business can do to protect the environment.

What can businesses do to protect the environment?

1. Allow people to work from home

Millions of commuters driving to work every day are causing huge detriment to the environment. Allowing your employees to work from home, if not full time, at least a couple of days a week, will help reduce the amount of traffic pollution.

2. Have a cycle to work scheme

In a similar vein you can offer a cycle-to-work scheme. The scheme is a great way to encourage your employees to ditch the car, and bike to work. 50,000 employers in the UK currently offer this scheme.

3. Put recycling bins everywhere

The easier you make it for people to recycle, the more likely they are to do it. Have signs on the bins outlining what exactly can go in them to avoid any confusion. You could also try encouraging your staff to create eco bricks out of their waste plastic.

4. Recycle your electronics

Any electronic device that breaks or is no longer of use to anyone in the organisation needs to be recycled. You don’t have to make the trip to your nearest recycling point every time something breaks, instead, put things into a box and make the trip every few months.

5. Make your building more efficient

If you don’t own the building, this could come in the form of buying more efficient appliances such as fridges and printers, or replacing normal bulbs with LED ones. If you do own the building, ensure that it is properly insulated to reduce the energy consumption needed. Consider investing in solar panels, although a large upfront cost, they can save your business money in the long term.

6. Provide biodegradable cleaning products

Your employees will use what you leave out for them, so providing eco friendly washing up products is a great way to encourage sustainability. This could even encourage your employees to buy these products for their own home.

7. Get ISO 14001 certified

The ISO 14001 standard encourages businesses to reduce their environmental impact through a more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. The certification ensures that you are up-to-date with environmental legislation and places emphasis on continual improvement so that you’re constantly assessing your processes.

As an added bonus to helping protect the environment, you should find that being a more eco-friendly organisation actually helps you win more business, as consumers are becoming more picky about what businesses they deal with based on their level of sustainable practice. Getting ISO 14001 certified displays to your prospective customers that you’re making an active effort to reduce your environmental impact.