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Review internal operations
The next step starts with a review of the company’s internal operations. Even small changes can have a positive impact on the environment and bottom line. Look for opportunities that will deliver quick energy-saving results and engage employees to find new and innovative ways to reduce energy costs. Every bit counts—cutting even one per cent of energy costs can make a big impact on a sustainable plan and give you more revenue to operate your business.
Going green can also bring with it added costs. Consider investing in updated office equipment and transforming internal functions to improve energy efficiency. Implementing a greening plan internally requires you to keep track of the amount of gas, electricity, paper and computer power consumed, as well as an analysis of what these resources cost.
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Engage your employees
Most people do not instantly embrace change; however, employees can be easily engaged by simply being included in the implementation process. Bringing together their ideas and thoughts on how to save energy and reduce waste not only allows for team building, but increases the chances employees will buy into and promote the new green strategy.
In addition to asking them for ways to improve energy performance, owners and managers can also involve staff in the drafting of a company-wide sustainability policy. Employees can also be enlisted to take part in reviewing energy budget items. Involved employees will have the chance to witness the decrease in expenditures and increase in energy efficiencies the company will experience, knowing these savings are due in part to their efforts. This serves as a strong motivator to continue following the plan.
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Get the word out
Consumers seek to do business with companies that are engaged in green practices, so the way in which green initiatives are communicated to customers is key to a program’s success. First and foremost, any messaging should avoid ‘green washing’ (see sidebar for more on this phenomenon).
Broadcasting a sustainability plan and green strategy creates a win-win for the company. Owners can capitalize by introducing new marketing ideas based on green products and processes, which can be communicated through various channels. For example, once a sustainability plan is created, it can be posted on the company website. Social media is another effective way to engage customers and inform them of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Take your time
Implementation of a successful green business strategy does not happen overnight. It takes time, effort and planning. Avoid acting too fast, making too many changes or marketing efforts without a solid plan. Understanding the sciences of hydraulics and electricity, engaging employees in training programs, implementing tools to measure internal and external energy usages and evaluating and offering more sustainable products to the consumer are all pillars of plan execution.
