While the primary reason for making the office an eco-friendly space is to be more responsible environmentally, a side benefit is it attracts business. How so?
When clients are choosing between a company with a green consciousness and another which may do things by the book but without the extra pro-environmental effort the scales often tip in favor of the former and the reason isn’t just idealistic.
The truth is that when companies focus on being greener by improving efficiency and sustainability, they are more likely to run a tighter operation, achieve quicker and smoother turnover, and, when possible, offer lower prices. While this isn’t always true, it certainly leaves a strong impression when it happens.
Furthermore, while a greener company is attractive for a wide range of consumers the same thinking holds true for businesses dealing with other businesses and in some cases can be an even bigger draw.
After all, businesses are always trying to finds ways to cut expenses and when it’s a business 2 business matter having a green partner, vendor, or outsourcing team can be extremely advantageous.
That’s why companies wishing to move towards a greener production and market in order to attract interest from other businesses can act in the following ways.
Invest in greener communication
Many businesses still rely heavily on paper for daily tasks, but this can be significantly reduced by going fully digital. Most tasks, like highlighting or editing, can easily be done on a screen instead of by hand. With computers available almost everywhere, switching to a completely digital workflow should not be difficult.
Additionally, going fully digital can be advantageous when it comes to potential B2B partners as everything is easier to document and usually more organized than going through stacks of papers. Investing in newer technology for better communication may cost more at first but has its benefits when it comes to the environment and making a strong impression on potential business clients.
Green Utilities
Companies periodically search for ways to cut overhead and lower the budget but don’t always consider the amount which could be saved with better efficiency when it comes to utilities. For instance, in regions with variable weather patterns like Salt Lake City where depending on the season central heating or air conditioning is common throughout the year how much air escapes through drafts in windows and doors?
Sealing drafts, installing solar panels, and adding water regulators to faucets are just a few things which will raise the status of a company up a notch in the eyes of others seeking to do deal with green businesses.
Manage Waste
One of the worst offenses a company can commit is polluting the environment with chemicals and contaminants used during production. Such incidents are well documented and some of the worst are known to have caused high rates of illnesses in surrounding communities.
Aside from disposing of hazardous waste properly and according to regulations incorporating alternative eco-friendly ways to satisfy production needs is a key to going green. A further step would be being able to convert waste into something useful such as scraps of lumber from a construction project being recycled into wood chips.
Again, taking some green steps may cost a bit from the onset but will pay for itself down the road, especially when these green efforts become known to other businesses also interested in averting dangers to the environment.
Market these efforts
After all is said and done transforming a company into a full on green business needs to be balanced with a marketing campaign notifying the public of its efforts. Everywhere the company places its name the fact it has gone green should be highlighted and if possible getting accredited by a respectable green organization would help as this accreditation will go far.
Still, it may take time to reach that point. Nevertheless that a company is making strides in this direction is still a point to promote when dealing business to business.