How to Create a Safe and Sustainable Workplace

Today’s workforce is becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues and their impact on our planet. The world has become increasingly aware of the need for sustainability in business practices. This awareness has led to many companies adopting policies that promote sustainability. These policies include reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and encouraging employees to adopt environmentally friendly habits.

Learn how to create sustainable workplaces through these tips!

1. Create An Environmental Policy

A company’s environmental policy should address three main areas:

• Reduce Waste
• Use Renewable Energy
• Encourage Employee Sustainability

Companies should encourage employees to reduce waste, use renewable energy sources, and adopt environmentally friendly habits. Employees who follow these guidelines will feel better about themselves, their company and the environment.

Reduce Waste

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste at work is by using reusable items instead of disposable ones. This includes things like water bottles, coffee mugs, pens, etc. If possible, try to use products made with recycled materials whenever possible.

Recycle

Another easy way to make your workplace more sustainable is encouraging employees to recycle. Companies should provide recycling bins throughout the office so employees can easily dispose of recyclables. Employees should also be encouraged to bring their own reusable items to work, such as water bottles, coffee mugs, and other items.

Use Renewable Energy

Where possible, switch to solar or hydropower suppliers. Did you know in the USA, 3% of electricity is solar-powered? It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s an industry on the rise, and it currently employs 250,000 people – just think, how many will be working in the industry with just 10 % of solar-powered electricity?

2. Support Local Businesses

If you’re looking for ways to support local businesses, consider buying products from them. Many small businesses rely on repeat customers who shop at their stores regularly. By supporting local businesses, you help keep jobs in your community while helping to reduce waste. When you reach for the mouse and visit an online store offshore, take a moment to consider your carbon footprint if you choose to get something sent to you, particularly by air or sea, over walking or cycling to the local store.

3. Be Transparent About Green Initiatives

One of the easiest ways to impact the environment is by being transparent about green initiatives within your company. This will encourage employees to participate in sustainability efforts and give them a sense of ownership. Employees should know what the company is doing to reduce its environmental impact and encourage others to follow suit. If employees feel that the company is being secretive about its efforts, they may question whether those efforts are genuine. For example, have you heard of greenwashing marketing?

Companies that want to attract younger customers must show they care about their environment, even if it’s not true! If proven to be misleading consumers in advertisements, product and company statements, digital marketing, and social media, a brand can suffer reputational damage or, at worst, business failure.

However, deliver on your green initiatives, which not only helps secure your business’s green credentials but also creates an opportunity to attract talented employees and customers.

Final Thoughts

Supporting green environmental causes and reducing your carbon footprint is part of being in business today. Another part of being a good corporate citizen is ensuring you have a corporate social responsibility and corporate governance focus!   How your business treats the community and its stakeholders and not just thinking about profit for shareholders is the true measure of success.