Why Starting Up a Business Shouldn’t Cost the Earth!

It today’s highly competitive business place, it’s vital that businesses are taking steps to ensure their sustainability.

Whether small start-ups or large cooperation’s, being sustainable as a company no longer means being able to forecast future trends and adapt to market conditions, but being able to stay environmentally friendly too.

What was once seen as an expensive life-style choice has now become an everyday way of doing business whilst saving money and the planet; living green now ensures that business doesn’t have to cost the earth (literally) whilst being eco-conscious.

It’s never been easier for companies in every sector to make responsible choices for the environment from the moment they start up.

For those starting a business, the biggest area for green consideration is the use of energy and fuel.

Those companies which need large amounts of electricity and transportation can be the biggest culprits for the greenhouse gases which have such a negative impact on our world.

Choosing renewable energy sources is the most productive way to ensure the well-being of the environment for the future, but if this is not realistic, paying to cover your organisation’s carbon footprint – and help promote the plantation of new trees – is also beneficial.

New office based businesses, where fossil fuels are not directly required, can have just as high an impact on the environment. Paper usage can be unnecessarily wasteful if the right recycling practices are not followed.

The same can be said for electricity; many offices will leave unused conference rooms, meeting spaces and hallways lit whilst not in use or have high energy light bulbs where long-lasting energy efficient alternatives could be in place.

There are up-font costs to installing eco-bulbs, timers and sensors – but in the long run will make a real impression on energy consumption, and in turn company energy bills.

Making a switch from desktop computers to laptops will dramatically cut energy use in the office workplace too, with a single desktop computer left on for 24 hours a day costing £50 a year.

Business heating is another unnecessary energy waster. Heating costs rise by as much as 8% each time the room temperature is increased by 1 degree.

In winter, insulate your office spaces and warehouses as best possible with draft exclusion systems where possible and invest in double glazing throughout.

In summer, refrain from using air condition and open windows, or simply ensure that air conditioning is not being used in rooms that are unoccupied.

Buying your new business supplies responsibility can also have a positive impact on the environment whilst cutting down on costs.

Purchasing second hand materials and furniture means you will be saving items from the landfill whilst saving your much needed start-up capital.

Taking an eco-friendly approach to a new business venture can even help your company stand out from the crowd.

As consumers become more eco-aware, a sustainable business is a more attractive business. By showing your environmental consideration, you may attract new customers and even help secure investors.