10 Environmentally Responsible Practices for your Business Culture in 2020

Photo by Green America

As we enter into 2020, global awareness of climate change is greater than ever and for businesses it is no longer a question of whether they should adopt greener practices, but rather how they can do so, while still maintaining profit. The Netherlands has seen an increase in the number of companies choosing to take advantage of the greater innovation and flexibility this provides. If you’re thinking of introducing more environmentally responsible practises into your own business culture, read on for 10 tips on how to get started.

Solar power

Dutch companies are at the forefront of green innovation, but you don’t have to be a big business to follow their lead. Making the switch to renewable energy sources is easier than you think. Many companies are now investing in the installation of solar panels, knowing that the admittedly steep start-up costs more than pay for themselves in time, not to mention the positive environmental impact they have.

Encourage a minimalist company culture 

No matter your business, your employees matter, and it matters that they feel like they belong to an organization that cares about them and the environment. Do what you can to reduce consumption, reuse what resources you already have, and recycle any waste created. Ask what parts of your day-to-day business are redundant and could be streamlined or dropped entirely.

Grass roofs for insulation

You can always get creative with ways to insulate your building and save both money and energy on heating or cooling. Grass rooftops are a novel but surprisingly effective way of boosting insulation and adding one more valuable green space to the world. A nice idea is to plant small flowers that will attract bees.

Cardboard balers

Paper and cardboard packaging material is sometimes unavoidable. However, you can make your paper waste easier to handle and recycle by investing in a cardboard baler or recycling machine. The right baler for your business will make the management of paper waste so much easier, and keep your storeroom floor and conscience clear!

Compost bins

So much of what we throw away has value. Whether you have a full-blown canteen or kitchen at work or simply a few employees who have lunch at their desks, you can make it a fun and environmentally friendly practice to put food waste in a shared compost bin. Earthworms (vermiculture) are another fascinating option; use the resulting compost to enrich gardens both at home and on the business premises.

Cycle to work schemes

Pollution, traffic stress, countless wasted hours – there’s a reason many savvy business owners want to reduce the amount of time spent driving to and from work. Consider implementing a cycle to work scheme or incentivize employees to take public transport and you’ll do your part in reducing carbon emissions.

Endorse remote working

On that note, why not cut out the need for a commute entirely? If the nature of your business means much of the work can be done online or via Skype meetings, consider giving people flexible schedules or letting them work from home partially or for the entirety of the week. You’ll save on office overheads and will likely have happier, more productive employees. 

Go paperless

Office paper waste, documents, packaging and big cardboard boxes can all be recycled, but why not cut back on paper waste entirely? You could partner with a charity to plant trees, commit to cloud storage and a no-print policy in the office, or even shed existing paper waste to make packaging material – killing two birds with one stone.

Inspire others

Finding smart and sustainable ways to do business is no longer a niche activity for a select few businesses, but everyone’s responsibility. Share what you’re doing both with clients and other businesses you work with to start a conversation and encourage others to do what they can. You may be surprised at just how happy customers are to be working with you and how eager colleagues and peers are to take you up on a sustainability challenge.

As the world reels from the increasingly disturbing effects of climate change seen all over the planet, we are all called on to take meaningful action – and business owners are no exception. As it happens, “greening” your company’s image and practices not only contributes to a better environment, but may also save you money and time, and ultimately make you more profitable.