How To Make Your Business Sustainable

Sustainability is no longer a fashion statement. It is the need of the hour because of the growing concerns about global warming and the havoc it is creating on the planet. In recent years, we have witnessed the impact of devastating bushfires, rising temperatures, and droughts. Since businesses in QLD can make a substantial difference to the climate change movement, it is the right time to adopt an environmentally conscious model that reduces emissions.

Consumers across segments have become vocal about going green and prefer eco-friendly brands. However, most entrepreneurs are unaware of how to limit their carbon emissions and non-biodegradable waste. Thus, if you intend to purchase a business for sale in Brisbane, you must know how to reduce its carbon footprint. Here is how you can transform your business into a sustainable entity.

1. Set Sustainability Goals

Sustainability is crucial and involves operating a business ethically and with the least negative impact on the environment and the community where it is located. A recent survey revealed that 87% of Australians prefer shopping for goods that are sourced and produced sustainably. They want businesses to maintain transparency about their carbon footprint and are even ready to pay a few more dollars for environmentally friendly products.

Thus, changing the standard operating procedures and going green is imperative. It requires setting goals for achieving zero emissions that the QLD government has also proposed through its clean economy pathway by 2035. The countdown to the target year should be filled with activities that help accomplish the goals with the help of the carbon calculator.

2. Opt for Responsible Sourcing

The first step towards eco-consciousness is getting the raw material or stock from a supplier within Brisbane who follows eco-friendly practices. The supplier should use renewable energy to produce the materials and reduce their non-biodegradable waste through recycling and reusing. They must be in nearby areas so that the pollution created by transportation is reduced.

The light vehicles used for freight must be fuel efficient and well-maintained so that their emission intensity is minimal. The suppliers must follow fair trade practices and ethically treat their employees. The stock must be produced in a cruelty-free manner to uphold ethics and values of sustainability in business operations.

3. Reduce Business Waste

Entrepreneurs who are looking for a business for sale in Brisbane must understand the importance of waste reduction to reduce the burden on landfills. Businesses have a variety of waste, ranging from outdated equipment to broken furniture. To avoid creating waste, businesses must go paperless and adopt a digital working model. They must also refurbish and recycle old electronics and equipment to reduce electronic waste.

Entrepreneurs can also donate obsolete items to not-for-profit organisations that recycle to prevent toxic materials from polluting the oceans and the atmosphere. They must ensure that the office pantry does not have paper, plastic cups, or disposable cutlery for food and drinks. These items must be replaced with steel bottles and ceramic cups.

4. Save Natural Resources and Energy

Businesses consume a large amount of energy because of lighting, air conditioning, kitchen appliances, machines, and equipment. To build an energy-efficient business, they must switch to solar power and energy-efficient LED lights in the office. Also, rainwater harvesting and a designated green area should be part of the office policy.

If you have purchased a Brisbane business for sale that needs to be refurbished, you must create a set-up with a lot of natural lighting and ventilation to reduce the use of air conditioning and lighting. The basement parking should have motion sensors, and employees must be sensitised to switch off the systems when not in use.

5. Use Sustainable Packing and Shipping

Businesses must avoid using plastic for packaging. They can opt for biodegradable packing peanuts, recycled boxes, compostable bags, and organic materials. If they must use hard plastic because of the fragility of the products, they should provide reusable containers that the consumers can recycle. Packaging that is convenient and attractive encourages buyers to reuse the boxes.

Driven individuals looking for businesses for sale in Brisbane must invest in custom shipping boxes so that small items are not put into large boxes, which lead to wastage. Also, the items should not be packed into several layers or boxes to increase sturdiness. Instead, packing paper and organic cloth must be used for wrapping delicate items with fragile labelling. In addition, all orders addressed to the same postcode should be sent in a single freight.

6. Regional Development and Donations

Many businesses in Brisbane regularly partner with charities working towards a greener tomorrow for community development in regional areas. They take initiatives like investment in infrastructure, tree-plantation drives, creation of local jobs and contributing to local economies. They also organise fundraisers for charities and engage locals in volunteering for environmental causes.

Entrepreneurs also get certifications that help them become eco-conscious businesses, such as B Corporation, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Rainforest Alliance, Green Star, Fairtrade Certification, etc. All these efforts help in adopting sustainable practices and creating eco-conscious communities.

7. Make Your Employees Responsible

The workforce should be aware of the business sustainability goals and help to accomplish them. The company must offer remote work and encourage employees to use public transport. It can also start a vanpool and ask the teams to compost organic waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Employees must use the cloud for data storage and online automation tools that increase efficiency and reduce power consumption. Businesses can also opt for carbon-neutral data centres and use eco-designed equipment.

8. Ensure Water Conservation

Water is a scarce resource that is important for human and animal life, plants, and soil. Businesses waste a lot of water because of high traffic in the washrooms, leaking faucets, landscaping, etc. Entrepreneurs must educate employees in water preservation practices and install low-flow toilets and faucets in the office, as well as water-efficient dishwashers.

Green areas or gardens must be planted with drought-resistant plants, and irrigation systems must be upgraded to smart devices that reduce water consumption. They must also conduct regular inspections to detect leaks and maintain pipes to prevent any mishaps that lead to water waste.

Conclusion

If you wish to purchase a business for sale in Brisbane, you must invest in building a sustainable entity that does not affect the environment. Also, maintain transparency about your eco-friendly practices to educate your customers and enjoy trust and goodwill in the market.