Partner Article

Putting the environment high on the agenda

Recent superstorm Sandy, that devastated parts of the East Coast of America, put the effects of global warming back in the limelight. That’s not to say they had been forgotten, but with the current economic climate throwing up its own global issues, one could argue that concern for the environment has taken a backseat.

In Obama’s victory speech, the environment was put firmly back on the agenda, alongside the economy and equality. This is good news for the planet, as the USA’s position on global warming hugely influences global environmental policy.

But while the politicians debate policy and legislation at a global level, it also falls to everyone to makes changes now that will help safeguard our planet’s future.

Today, there is a clear call to action for businesses, with many already devising CSR policy and becoming more sustainable. There is also a strong business case for going green – not only can it build a more positive reputation for your company in the public’s eye, it can also benefit it financially.

Big names such as M&S and Unilever are prime examples of the way in which businesses can shape the agenda. For example, M&S’ Plan A initiative has grown in complexity since its launch in 2007 and addresses issues as wide-ranging as responsible fishing, clothes disposal and recycling. Unilever’s latest campaign highlights the huge problem of food wastage, by challenging 12 families to make lifestyle changes that will reduce the amount of food they throw away and help them save on bills.

Although these types of initiatives are out of reach for smaller companies without the budget or the resources to implement large-scale campaigns, there is still plenty that any business can, and should, do.

As the MD of a company, my feeling is that to make green policy work in the office, it must become a strategic part of the way you operate. At Business Environment our Green Group is responsible for evaluating all our operations and setting goals that are both achievable and long-term.

Recycling should be top of the list. We have recently gone not only ‘paperless’ (something that saved us £3,500 in just four months) but we also removed all personal bins and created central recycling points, encouraging our employees to think before they throw rubbish away. Waste companies will also collect recyclables and old electrical goods such as computers and ink cartridges in return for vouchers or charitable donations. When put into context, our recycling efforts have saved 150.3 tonnes of carbon since July – the equivalent to driving from London to Edinburgh 1413 times.

Energy consumption is another area where firms can make simple changes that reduce carbon footprints and save on cash. EDF Energy predicts that the average business wastes 20 per cent of the energy it uses through inefficiencies and bad practice. Switching to low-energy lighting can help reduce energy consumption, as can switching off at the wall when lights, computers and other electrical goods are not in use. Once the basics are covered, businesses can consider making more considerable investments such as installing green heating/cooling systems or motion sensitive lighting.

Getting staff involved is crucial to green policy being a success. Regularly communicating what you are doing and why, will drive employee buy-in and participation. If you can quantify the way your green projects are helping both the environment and the business, even better. Initiatives such as cycle-to-work schemes are also a great way to make individuals feel like they are making a difference.

One factor that’s worth noting is that green policy can actually win you business. Companies often have green criteria that extends to the suppliers they use and if you don’t meet the requirements you could be put out of the running. We’ve found that our green credentials set us apart from the competition which has ultimately led to us winning important contracts.

Although better global environmental policy is undoubtedly needed to significantly limit the effects of global warming, it would be unwise for a business to not take into account the steps it can take today. With a clear strategy in place, I believe companies can make long-term changes that improve green credentials, reduce costs, win business and save the environment.

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