Discover 7 practical sustainable practices every business should adopt in 2024 to enhance their environmental responsibility and strategic success

Sustainable business practices are essential for both environmental stewardship and strategic success. Companies that embrace eco-friendly initiatives contribute to the planet's health, enhance their brand reputation, engage with conscious consumers, and often see improved financial outcomes.

Why sustainability matters to businesses

Sustainability underscores the necessity of responsible business practices. Companies that prioritize eco-friendly initiatives enhance their brand reputation, engage with conscious consumers, and often see improved financial outcomes. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability is increasingly important to investors and customers alike.

Quick wins and strategic shifts for sustainable impact

While long-term sustainability programs are essential, many short-term solutions can significantly impact. Here are seven practices businesses should consider:

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Alternatives: One of the most straightforward ways businesses can enhance their sustainability is by upgrading their lighting and appliances to energy-efficient models. Switching to LED bulbs, for example, offers a prime opportunity to cut energy consumption. LEDs use less power and last 25 times longer than traditional lighting options, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. Replacing old appliances with those that meet Energy Star standards is another impactful measure. Energy Star appliances are designed to be more energy efficient than standard alternatives In addition to direct upgrades, conducting an energy audit is valuable for identifying critical areas where energy usage can be optimized. An audit can pinpoint specific appliances or systems that consume excessive amounts of energy, highlighting opportunities for further improvements. While this is typically the starting point for long-term energy-efficient improvements, it can be used in tandem with near-term solutions.
2. Reduce Water Use: Installing low-flow faucets and toilets immediately decreases water usage. Implementing greywater recycling systems allows businesses to reuse water for non-potable purposes like irrigation. These strategies demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and lead to long-term savings.
3. Digitalize Your Operations: Embracing a paperless policyis a powerful step towards sustainability, reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency. By transitioning to digital documentation and utilizing cloud-based systems, businesses can minimize their reliance on physical paper. This shift conserves natural resources and streamlines workflows, reducing clutter and enhancing productivity. Digitizing your operations also benefits the company’s ability to work remotely and globally as files are easily accessible from near and far (and all day long!). Just be sure your cloud service is able to report on GHG emissions and has a plan for overall reductions. (FYI: There is an environmental impact to cloud storage!) 
4. Source Renewable Energy: Partnering with local utilities for renewable energy sources or purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are quick ways to ensure your power is green. Developing onsite renewable energy systems is a long-term goal worth pursuing.
5. Promote Green Commuting Encourage sustainable commuting by installing bicycle racks and EV charging stations. Offer incentives for walking, biking, or using public transportation. These initiatives reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a healthier workplace culture.
6. Assess Remote or Hybrid Work Models Remote work can significantly reduce emissions related to commuting and office energy use. However, this is not the case for every company. Understanding the impact this can have on your business’s emissions requires conducting a companywide emissions inventory, which is a critical component of greenhouse gas reporting.
7. Educate and Engage Employees in Sustainability Educate employees about sustainability to encourage greener choices at work and in their personal lives. Regular training sessions and workshops can embed these values deeply within your corporate culture.

Sustainability as a business strategy

Adopting these sustainable practices provides numerous benefits, including cost savings, enhanced corporate reputation, and reduced risk. Companies seen as environmentally responsible are better positioned in the marketplace and can attract and retain top talent who prefer employers with strong environmental ethics.

Laura Steinbrink and Emerald Built Environments help teams identify whole system visions for sustainability that create practical success for stakeholders. They use keen facilitation skills to move clients and project teams through difficult decisions by pinpointing what matters and exploring team knowledge for innovative solutions. Laura has directly participated in over 50 LEED projects nationwide, including BD+C, ID+C, O+M, C+C, ND, and Homes. She is the firm’s founder and managing member and continues to work with clients, helping them set and achieve sustainability goals and strategies. Recently, she's been busy leading the firm's E in ESG practice area, which supports sustainability strategy development, stakeholder engagement, GHG emissions reporting, and compliance frameworks, including TCFD and GRESB for large privately held companies. 

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