Looking for new sustainability strategies is always something businesses should be focusing on, especially as more and more professionals are actively searching for ways their workplace can become more sustainable by implementing sustainable business strategies.  

From energy choices to daily office practices, there are countless ways businesses can lower their environmental footprint and boost employee morale while doing it. Here, we’ll give you actionable sustainability strategies for your business so that you can play your part in upholding your ESG responsibilities.  

Why having a sustainable business strategy matters

Running a sustainable business is quickly becoming a standard expectation and is no longer looked at as an optional extra.  

Forward-thinking businesses are weaving sustainability into their core operations not just to meet regulations but to meet growing consumer and investor expectations, align with ESG goals and reduce operational costs, resulting in long-term resilience.  

But how do businesses create a sustainability strategy that works for them? Let’s take a closer look at how you can incorporate sustainability strategies into your business below.  

Switch to commercial solar power

One of the highest-impact changes a workplace can make is transitioning to commercial solar energy. Solar is a powerful sustainability strategy that will benefit both the environment and your business.  

It works because it:  

• Drastically reduces your business’s carbon footprint  

• Cuts long-term electricity costs  

• Positions your company as a sustainability leader  

• Directly supports ESG environmental goals

Also, it is worth noting that with tax incentives, rebates, and green financing options, solar is more accessible than ever for businesses of all sizes.

Improve energy efficiency in the office

Next, look at improving your energy efficiency in the office. Although it is not as big of a change as installing a commercial solar system, it is still something to consider.  

You can look at things like replacing fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, installing smart thermostats and occupancy sensors, encouraging employees to power down devices at the end of the day and choosing office equipment that uses less energy  

You’ll begin noticing the difference in electricity bills that will deliver measurable results in both emissions and energy bills.  

Launch a waste reduction programme

Make sure that you build sustainability awareness in the workplace by reducing your waste. Look at implementing things like:  

• Clear recycling and composting stations  

• Eliminating single-use plastics  

• Encouraging reusable containers and mugs  

• Digitising documents to reduce paper use

By implementing even the smallest of sustainability strategies your employees will begin thinking differently about sustainability as a whole, contributing towards a greener office environment.  

Support greener commuting and remote work

If your employees need to commute to work, you could also look into supporting greener commuting by offering incentives for biking, walking or carpooling to work. You could also look at providing subsidies for public transport.  

Equally, you could look at installing EV charging stations at the office to support those with electric vehicles or to encourage employees to look into investing in electric vehicles.  

As well as supporting employees with transport to and from work, you could look into creating a remote working policy. This will reduce the number of days employees need to commute to work and will also support a better work-life balance. Ensure that you create hybrid working policies, too.  

Transportation is one of the biggest sources of emissions, so making it easier for your team members to reduce their commuting impact will go a long way.

Green your supply chain and purchasing

Procurement has a bigger impact than many companies realise. Re-evaluating the products and vendors you use can help you make more sustainable decisions. Try this by choosing suppliers that follow ethical and sustainable practices or by prioritising local vendors to reduce shipping emissions.  

Foster a culture of sustainability

By implementing all of the sustainability strategies mentioned above, you’ll automatically create a sustainable culture within your workforce. By doing so, your employees will feel empowered to implement sustainable practices in their personal lives, too.  

Another way to ensure your employees are on board with your sustainable business strategy is to allow them to participate in its implementation. You can do this by offering internal workshops and lunch-and-learns and encouraging employee-led ideas and participation.  

Set ESG goals to implement your sustainability strategy

So, how do you actually implement your new sustainable business strategy? Adopting an ESG framework is the best way forward in becoming more sustainable.  

ESG helps businesses align their environmental, social and governance strategies transparently. By taking the time to develop your ESG strategy, you’ll be able to target different areas of your business, improving upon them to become more sustainable.  

How does commercial solar fit into ESG?  

By installing a commercial solar system in your business, you’ll add credibility to your ESG reporting and be able to demonstrate accountability to potential investors, customers and employees.  

Not only this, but you’ll also be able to play a part in reducing the impact that non-sustainable practices have on the environment.  

At Sustain Commercial Solar, we believe commercial solar is a cornerstone of any credible business sustainability strategy. We help businesses implement commercial solar in a way that makes sense for them. We help workplaces take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future, whether it’s building out a full ESG strategy or planning a commercial solar installation

For more information on commercial solar power, get in touch with our team of experts. We have the knowledge and experience your business needs for its next steps in implementing successful sustainability strategies.  

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