Sustainability in business is more important now than ever before. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of our actions, consumers are beginning to demand sustainable products and services.
This growing demand presents a unique opportunity for businesses willing to advance their sustainability efforts: an opportunity to work towards something that can benefit both their business and their community.
Sustainability should be a top priority for every business, but it can be especially challenging for entrepreneurs. Running a business is a lot of work, and trying to make sure it’s environmentally friendly on top of that can be overwhelming. But sustainability doesn’t have to be hard. There are plenty of small changes you can make to your business that will positively impact the environment.
To help guide you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best sustainability initiatives for entrepreneurs.
8 Sustainability Initiatives to Pursue Today
1. Sustainability Partnerships
To make their business practices more sustainable, many entrepreneurs are turning to sustainability partnerships. By teaming up with other businesses or working with sustainability advocates, you can share resources and launch joint sustainability projects.
2. Alternative Energy
Switching to alternative energy is a great way to make your business more sustainable. Alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are clean, renewable sources of energy that can help reduce your company’s carbon footprint and improve air quality.
3. Sustainability Events
Hosting or participating in sustainability events can help you raise awareness about your company’s sustainability initiatives. It can also help you forge connections with other businesses and organizations that share your commitment to sustainability.
4. Energy Efficient Products
Purchasing and using energy-efficient products is another meaningful step toward sustainability. By choosing products with a smaller environmental impact, you can reduce your reliance on unsustainable resources.
5. Going Paperless
Going paperless is a simple yet significant way to reduce your business’s environmental impact. In addition to being better for the environment, going paperless can help you save money on paper and ink. You can use online tools to crunch numbers, take meeting notes, and manage projects.
6. Water And Electric Conservation
Water and electric conservation are two great ways to make your business more sustainable. In addition, it can help you save money on utility bills. There are various ways to conserve water and electricity, such as fixing leaks promptly, installing energy-efficient light bulbs, and turning off electronics when they’re not in use.
7. Sustainability Mentorship
Individuals who have invested time into sustainability will be able to help guide other entrepreneurs through their journey. A sustainability mentor can also share with you their experiences regarding what worked (and what didn’t work).
8. Keeping Up With Sustainability Trends
Innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. By staying up to date on industry trends, innovations, and best practices, you can assure that all aspects of your operations are striving towards sustainable outcomes.
Making Sustainability a Priority
Making sustainability a priority is the most important thing any business can do to ensure its efforts are successful. Implementing these tips will help your business make strides in the right direction, but it’s important to remember that sustainability is an ongoing process – one that’s critical to the future of our planet.
The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) at Georgian college offers programs and services to help advise and work with entrepreneurs seeking sustainable, innovative business practices. Contact us today to learn how we can help you on your journey to a more sustainable business.
