Going green can seem like a new thing on the rise, but it is more cost-effective and productive for any business. Sustainability is making progress. Let’s face it. You can’t help being aware of environmental issues, whether seeing your local news cover oil spills in the Gulf or being told by a friend or family member how recycling has allowed them to cut their monthly spending.
Whether you realize it or not, most people have started looking at what they can recycle and reuse to save money on their electric bills, gasoline prices, water usage, and so on. Businesses are no exception for reducing expenses for things like energy costs. Going green is cost-effective because it saves money. Businesses can hire sustainability consultants to help them with this journey.
The Cost-effectiveness of Going Green
Cutting energy costs is often the most obvious way your small business can save money by going green. Besides being more efficient, switching to renewable resources are surprisingly very cost-effective. While some money is spent at first on installation, you could be saving a lot of money or even making a profit from selling back the energy to the grid in no time. If enough renewables were installed in homes and businesses across America, experts say we would have saved $700 billion over the past eight years.
In addition to cutting out all that wasted electricity and “dirty” energy produced from fossil fuels, using natural resources like wind and solar power produces cleaner air for everyone to enjoy. This also creates local jobs in green industries — something we can all get behind.
Going Green for Businesses
Not only will your business be helping the environment, but you may also find that going green can help improve the public’s perception of your company and increase profits. Below are some great reasons why every business should go green:
1. Saving energy and money
According to the EPA, businesses can save up to 30% on their energy costs by making simple changes like turning off equipment when not in use, using natural lighting and cooling, and changing light bulbs.
2. Improved public image
As mentioned before, going green is great for a company’s image. A study reported in Forbes showed that “83% of consumers said they were likely to switch brands if they found out the company wasn’t doing its part to protect the environment.”
3. Reduced waste disposal costs
Did you know that the average office uses 1/3 of all paper used in an entire year? Businesses can significantly reduce their waste disposal costs by limiting paper consumption and recycling everything from cans to batteries.
4. Better health
Using natural resources in a business can produce a healthier work environment by cutting down on the number of pollutants released into the air and water that you or your employees may contact throughout their day. This can reduce cases of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
5. Increased employee productivity
When employees feel good about where they work and what their company is doing for the environment, they are often more productive. A study by The Hartford reported that “employees who believe their company is environmentally responsible are 50% more likely to feel engaged in their work.”
6. Tax breaks and incentives
Businesses can take advantage of various tax breaks and incentives offered by the government to help offset the cost of going green. These include deductions for energy-efficiency improvements, tax credits for using renewable energy, and exemptions from state sales taxes on environmentally friendly products.
7. Reduced insurance premiums
Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that have implemented safety measures like locking up materials and installing fire sprinkler systems. Going green can also lower premiums by reducing the risk of accidents.
8. Increased job opportunities
Businesses create jobs everywhere they go, but this is especially true with green jobs. From installing solar panels to recycling materials, there are numerous ways your business can experience a “green” workforce that will help benefit everyone. Seeing all the benefits that come from going green?
It’s not too late
Many businesses think it is too late to make any changes, but this isn’t true. Even if your company has been operating for many years, there are still ways you can go green and improve your efficiency.
There are plenty of reasons for businesses to go green, and the benefits are undeniable. With all the money that can be saved, not to mention the positive public image a company will get by making the switch. It’s a no-brainer. So what are you waiting for? Start going green today!
