Partner Article

Advantages of being environmentally friendly for businesses

While there are, in theory, many reasons for businesses to go green; there is one overlying motive, and that’s market demand. Consumers want companies to be more environmentally friendly, so marketing departments across the country are making sure that this happens.

During the late 90s and early 2000s more and more companies were doing their best to be seen as green, but thanks to the banking crisis and subsequent global economic downturn that aim is being seen as harder to achieve.

It doesn’t have to be difficult though; or expensive. There are some simple things that companies of any size can do, regardless of the industry in which they operate. Businesses that are seen to be making the effort to go green during this difficult time are given extra kudos, and the fact that some positive things such as recycling are free to do makes it easier still. Others are inexpensive, and by working with other green companies it’s quite simple to not only reduce your carbon footprint, but to look good too.

Switching to an alternative energy source; or at least incorporating alternative energy into your current supply; is one of the ways you can help the environment. Commercial solar PV installations from Dulas would require an initial outlay, but the savings on your electricity bill in the long run should mean the panels would pay for themselves within around six years. Even though you’re essentially investing in something during a recession that could well only start to pay dividends once the economy is growing again, the long term means that you will not only reduce your running costs, but make your company look good during a difficult period too.

When it comes to the amount of fossil fuels we’re using in the UK, we could make significant reductions simply by travelling less; this is true for businesses too. Sending employees to distant meetings on the train; instead of packing them off in the company car or paying them expenses for driving their own; is not only good for the environment, but also reduces the wear and tear on vehicles that will one day need replacing – especially if long distances are being travelled.

If you must travel using a car, a more economical model is obviously better – diesel powered engines usually do more miles to the gallon, which is not only better for the environment, but also for your company’s finances. And with Government incentives for electric vehicles increasing and the number of charging stations going up perhaps electric vehicles could be added to your fleet?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David White .