What are the 6 key actions to add value to environmentally friendly initiatives?

It has become essential for companies to enhance their eco-friendly initiatives. The aim is to comply with the new sustainable development standards and to adopt best practices for a sustainable approach in the workplace. In this article, discover the 6 actions that companies can implement for a committed approach.

What does being environmentally friendly mean?

An environmentally friendly company takes into account its environmental impact and sustainable development in its strategic decisions and in the management of its internal processes.

There are several actions that a business can take to improve its eco-friendliness and enhance the value of its sustainable initiatives for both its customers and suppliers.

What actions should be taken to add value to environmentally friendly initiatives?

1 – Reduce heating of premises

Heating accounts for more than half of the total energy consumption of a building. Reducing the heating of the premises by 1°C can lower the electricity bill by 7%. Saving energy is a fundamental best practice when it comes to being environmentally friendly.

In addition, scheduling the heating in accordance with the opening hours of the premises is a good and efficient approach. This can save up to 25% of energy consumption. Reducing power energy consumption is essential: by implementing this practice a reduction of up to 278kg of CO2 per year can be achieved.

2 – Recycle the waste generated by the company

In a company, waste management is essential. For example, the cafeteria consumes energy and generates waste on a daily basis including cups, plastic bottles, spoons, plastic packaging etc.

You can also compost your organic food waste: there are now associations and companies that provide composting equipment suitable for the professional world. Last but not least, recycled paper is another means to help enhance your environmentally friendly initiatives!

To limit the environmental impact of your waste, you can switch to recyclable and eco-friendly packaging.

3 – Work-related travel

An employee travels approximately 10 miles between home and work. This produces significant greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide) every year. This is why reducing the number of trips to the workplace or using public transport are both environmentally friendly actions.

There are several ways to favour a zero-carbon approach and optimise work-related travel in order to reduce the production of greenhouse gases:

• work from home, if the job allows it;
• Limit travel to the client’s premises, if it’s not essential;
• Car sharing;
• Encourage employees to use bicycles, electric bicycles, or walk.

4 – Maintain and recondition computer equipment

All employee equipment, whether computers, mobile phones, or printers, contain finite materials and have a limited lifespan. Nevertheless, it is possible to extend the life of the equipment through regular maintenance and reconditioning of the relevant equipment parts. Instead of throwing away equipment when it is worn out or broken, it can be repaired. If not, recycling the raw material remains an environmentally friendly alternative.

Similarly, for first-time purchases of IT equipment, favour sustainable procurement!

5 – Obtain green labels or certifications

Obtaining a nationally or internationally recognised certification or label is a guarantee of credibility and value in the eyes of the public. It also allows employees to be rewarded for their daily eco-friendly actions within the company.

There are various labels and certifications. The most well-known include:

• CSR labels that guarantee the implementation of sustainable development initiatives, in accordance with the international ISO 26000 standard;
• The B Corp certification is awarded by the B Lab organisation, which aims to reduce poverty and promote a healthier environment;
• EU Ecolabel promotes products that have a reduced impact on the environment throughout their life cycle.

6 – Develop internal communication

Within the company itself, it is necessary to communicate the commitments made internally to enhance eco-friendly actions. Eco-responsible practices concern all employees and it is important for everyone to feel involved in the process. Through an internal newsletter or notice boards, you can share this information and communicate new actions that have been successfully implemented.