Member Article

Consider switching the switch to green

For companies willing to take the challenge, going green with their business practices can be great for the bottom line. Using more eco-friendly initiatives to accomplish the same objectives can actually give companies a boost both economically and socially, and it also places these businesses miles ahead of the competition when it comes to innovative operations. Are you considering turning the switch to green? Read ahead to find out why now is the perfect time to take the leap.

Going green — What’s in it for me?

To start, going green can be good for the health of your employees, as well as yourself. Businesses who made the effort of offering organic lunches and snacks, encouraged their employees to bike to work, and made use of natural, chemical-free cleaning supplies around the office maintain that they cut the amount of missed work days by one-fifth of previous totals. Even a practice as small as utilising natural sunlight instead of fluorescent lighting for a few hours each day can provide workers with more vitamin D, which helps balance mood and improves decision-making skills. In addition, working for a green company increases employees’ sense of well-being, which overall makes for happier and more productive workers.

The bottom line

If you want new, more creative ways to stay in the black, your new favourite colour should be green. Over the past two decades, the UK government has taken more of an interest in offering financial help to businesses that take the initiative to make their operations more environmentally friendly. This includes providing tax breaks for renovations that make your business less harmful to the environment as well as interest-free loans to help you purchase green equipment.

One of the best ways to save money for your business is by incorporating more energy efficient practices. Major cost savings can come from green energy projects like powering off equipment at the end of each work day and waiting until peak hours have passed to use big machinery. Going paperless in the office by implementing an email communications policy can also help.

Attracting more loyal consumers

As UK policy makers and environmentalists continue to stress the importance of cleaning up the environment by reducing carbon emissions, consumers are starting to pay even closer attention. This means that you can benefit from making your green practices known to the public through a strategic public relations plan. “Deep green” consumers are those who place a company’s environmental practices on the same level or higher with product quality and price point, and this sector of the population is growing. You can attract these loyal customers by using packaging made from recycled materials and advertising the ways in which you have cut energy consumption. But while this strategy can pay off big, you should be aware of the consequences, as well. Never market green practices that you’re not sure your company participates in, and never exaggerate your green initiatives because these are two of the best ways to turn consumers off to your brand.

Whether it is switching your service to a renewable energy company or simply starting a recycling programme in the office, there are tons of ways to go green. The more creative your approach is, the more consumers will remember your name, so going green is a great way to boost your business.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .