The business case for going green has never been stronger
Is there a reason for businesses to go green?
Is there a reason not to?
In this post we explore some of the benefits to a business "Going Green" - we actually consider there is so many upsides there is really no reason NOT to Go Green!
Another way of saying the business case for going green – is to say, the business case for sustainability.
Or perhaps even the business case for preserving the bio
diversity we have, keeping species from going extinct, minimising climate change
and keeping the planet alive.
Remember when saving the world meant saving it from some
evil arch overlord who was bent on world domination? It seems we have achieved
that. Not the saving the world part but we, as a species have certainly
achieved domination over the natural environment in all its might.
So does that make us the evil that the world needs saving
from? There is an argument that could be made on that all right. A case, you could
say.
Now lets talk business.
There are three main reasons businesses should go green, to
borrow a phrase, if they have not already done so.
The first, is that going green and minimising a business
impact is simply the right thing to do. Some people do the right thing because
they want to. Others because they see direct benefits in doing so. Others only
because they have to. And businesses are the same.
Many employees want their employer not just to talk about sustainability
but to do it, and provide evidence that they are making the effort. To be an
employer of choice its not all about the coffee and the biscuits anymore. No
one wants to work for an environmental destructor. And think of all that good
publicity that can be spun!
Now we have your attention? Good.
The second reason a business should go green, and in our opinion
the most compelling, is that progressively, laws are being enacted that make it
harder – and more expensive – to do the wrong thing, environmentally speaking.
Compulsory recycling and procurement of recycled goods as source ingredients is
becoming more common. It is something we could and should have done years ago.
So if the carrot and stick approach works, and that was the
stick, what is the carrot? Simple. The bottom line is the bottom line. Saving
money equates to increasing profits. And if a business can help the environment
and save money at the same time, then demonstrate that it is doing that, particularly
to it’s employee base, then that is a win on three levels. How good is that?
Here are four examples of businesses that have embraced green thinking in their everyday processes - and what happened as a result of that.
Tesla: At the forefront of the
electric vehicle revolution, Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry
with its commitment to sustainability. By producing electric cars powered by
renewable energy sources, Tesla has significantly reduced carbon emissions
associated with traditional combustion engines. This move not only caters to
environmentally conscious consumers but also positions Tesla as a leader in
innovation, attracting investors and enhancing brand reputation.
Unilever: As one of the world's largest
consumer goods companies, Unilever has made substantial strides towards
sustainability through its Sustainable Living Plan. By prioritizing
eco-friendly packaging, reducing water usage, and sourcing sustainable
ingredients, Unilever has not only reduced its environmental footprint but also
cut costs and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, this commitment to
sustainability resonates with modern consumers who prioritize ethical
consumption, thereby driving sales and brand loyalty.
Patagonia: Renowned for its commitment to
environmental activism, outdoor apparel company Patagonia has set a benchmark
for sustainable business practices. From using recycled materials in its
products to donating a percentage of its profits to environmental causes,
Patagonia demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in
hand. By fostering a loyal customer base passionate about conservation,
Patagonia has cultivated a strong brand identity and differentiated itself in a
competitive market.
Google: Tech giant Google has pledged
to operate on 100% renewable energy and has made significant investments in
solar and wind energy projects. Beyond reducing its carbon footprint, Google's
green initiatives have proven financially advantageous by stabilizing energy
costs and fostering innovation in renewable technologies. Moreover, by
prioritizing sustainability, Google attracts top talent who are drawn to its
ethical business practices and commitment to environmental stewardship.
The
benefits of businesses embracing green initiatives extend beyond mere
environmental stewardship. From cost savings and operational efficiencies to
enhanced brand reputation and consumer loyalty, sustainability has become a key
driver of success in today's business landscape. As businesses continue to
recognize the value of going green, we can expect a shift towards more
sustainable practices that not only benefit the planet but also contribute to
long-term business prosperity.
Now its fair to say that to do this though, some change is
often required. From internal processes at the company level, to perhaps implementing
new services and reducing others, from their waste management service provider.
One example would be recycling paper and cardboard. If you have documents you
need destroyed, perhaps you are looking for document destruction Brisbane – you
might find that the company that provides the service recycles the shredded
documents. Win!
Not all waste companies embrace this philosophy would you
believe. Some just want to fill their garbage trucks. Others, that often own
landfills, don’t see a financial incentive to divert materials away from these
expensive holes in the ground. Hence the legislative approach, creating a framework
that makes diverting recyclables away from landfill compulsory.
We will post more on this topic in further posts as it is
one we get questioned on often.
Sustainably yours – the Sustainability Journey Team.
Related topics:
