The importance of going green to save the environment from total collapse has long been emphasized. However, the benefits of sustainability on your brand are not talked about as much.
Contrary to popular assumption, you will not have to make huge sacrifices to reduce your negative impact on the planet. While making changes to your business will come with a cost, in the long run, you can expect to see these amazing rewards.
Reduced Costs
You have to cough up a bit of money to stall solar panels into your building and more for regular maintenance, but switching to a renewable energy source has been proven to be a worthwhile investment.
According to estimates, the average 20-year savings that a home that went solar in 2011 is around $20,000. If the house is located in a populous state like New York or California, the 20-year saving can go over $30,000.
You can talk to a solar panel service in Utah about how relying on the unlimited power of the sun can save you and your business money.
Smaller, eco-friendly habits you can pick up such as turning off the lights and your office equipment when not in use can also decrease your overall energy expenditure. Although you may not realize the effects of these changes, these things add up and create a significant impact on the environment and your business.
Future Preparedness
The adverse effects of climate change on the planet do not merely exist in the far future; they are happening now. From the several months-long bushfires in Australia to the unusually warm winters in the Northern Hemisphere, the world is already feeling the consequences of unmitigated greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.
That said, more countries are deciding to mandate environmental compliance from local businesses. When laws that seek to fight climate change go into effect at the local, state, and federal levels, you will not be scrambling to abide. You will have a leg up against your competitors.These changes are not a question of “if,” but “when.” It is best to start a green initiative early.
Improved Employee Morale
The impact of a sustainable business does not only extend to customers. Your employees will be happier and more motivated to work knowing that they are part of a business that cares.
Last year, thousands of workers at Amazon walked out to demand that the trillion-dollar e-commerce company reach zero emissions by 2030. As a response, Jeff Bezos promised that Amazon will measure emissions regularly and adopt strategies to cut its carbon footprint.
Higher Profits
The negative impacts of consumerism on the planet have been well-documented. Many people around the world are withdrawing their support from big corporations that have been exposed as major polluters. Small and local businesses that commit to going green are benefitting for the public’s change in mindset.
In a poll conducted in 2015, Nielsen found that 73% of Millenials are willing to pay more for goods that are deemed as sustainable. Meanwhile, according to a survey by CGS, 68% of Gen Z shoppers have made an eco-friendly purchase in the past year.
The primary goal of sustainability is to reduce personal and commercial carbon footprint. These changes are being made with the goal of saving the planet from a catastrophic future. However, these benefits should hopefully sway more business owners to be more eco-conscious for their and the environment’s sake.
