A couple tips from eco-consultant Jim Simcoe about greening up your business.
Many large businesses and corporations have started funding and promoting greener ways and strategies. Take, for example, Wal-Mart’s funding of the first heavy-duty diesel hybrid 18-wheelers or the Philadelphia Eagles having their cleaning crew go over the stadium twice: once for recyclables, once for trash. (More examples of what other companies have done can be found here).
While many businesses out there do not have the funds nor the resources to be investing money into building new trucks or the like, it does not mean that small changes here and there wont help or be noticed. Here are seven examples of things you can implement at your business:
1. Reduce the use of paper. Take a look at how Arnold & Porter used this and how it helped them.
2. Encourage carpooling, the use of public transit, biking, or walking to the office. To help do this you could offer rewards or benefits to those who set the example or facilitate green behavior among their co-workers.
3. Telecommute. Not only does it cause fewer cars to be on the road, it could significantly increase your employee’s time and productivity. People are more comfortable and feel less rushed causing them to be happier- thus allowing them to produce higher quality work with a more positive attitude.
4. Pick more environmentally friendly products. If you must use paper, why not get some that’s made from recyclables or stone- same quality, smaller carbon footprint. There are also things like soy-inks and non-toxic chemical cleaning agents to look into. Check out The Green Office for more ideas.
5. Recycle. You probably do this at home, why not at the office? It is a simple and effective way to be greener.
6. Be sure to shut down all the electronics in the office before you leave for the night. A computer works as hard to produce a screensaver as it does during many normal tasks, like checking your email. Making sure everything is off at night will help save you money on your electric bill by using thousands of watts less per year.
Keep in mind the recommended times for the “power management” setting on computers. They are 10 minutes until shutdown for monitors and 20 minutes for the hard drive.
7. Hire a “Go Green Speaker” for your office for a day. Hearing, seeing, experiencing, and understanding the reason’s for going green from an expert and someone other than their boss will inspire a deeper loyalty towards the movement and other green ideas among your employees.
This is just a small sample of ideas (adapted from Lighter Footstep and Working) out there to help transform your business.
The benefits do not just end with lowering some energy bills for your company. More and more, clients and other businesses are looking to see what you’re doing to be greener in order to decide whom to work with.
Do not hesitate, do not be left behind, and do not be left clientless.
Jim Simcoe is a tree-hugging capitalist and green real estate expert who has been featured on Fox, NBC, SmartMoney, etc. Mr. Simcoe has been published in Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine, Bigger Pockets, EcoHome Magazine, etc. He is an EcoBroker, Certified Green Building Professional, Real Estate Broker and contract Chief Green Officer. He helps RE investors create thriving green businesses that are hugely successful. You can contact him directly at jim@ecorockstars.com or at www.ecorockstars.com
