How can you create a sustainable business that has a low carbon footprint on the environment? Energy and fuel costs have soared so much in recent times that it’s become more than vital to focus on green practices to avoid layoffs or closing down offices, more so in these economic times than ever before in recent history. Many businesses are unaware of the fact that they can shave at least 20% of their energy costs just by employing simple measures like turning off lights when leaving rooms, switching off computers when not in use, unplugging cell phone chargers etc.

Making your business sustainable not only benefits the environment, it also gives it a competitive edge over other firms in the same field. Businesses of the future will need to be environment friendly and making a move towards that right now gives your business that advantage. Going green can be a challenging thing for businesses since it requires a certain amount of effort and the co-operation of multiple groups, vendors, employees, investors etc.

Here are some ideas that can help take your business into the future.

1) Energy audit – It’s best to carry out a complete energy and environmental audit for your business operations and practices and use the findings to draft sold policies and management systems that can help “green up” your business. Even doing something as simple as following the basic 3R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle) can help contribute to big differences yet it’s amazing how few people do this.

2) Enlist your employees to your cause – It’s difficult for employees to care about your business unless you take care of their basic needs first and give them the feeling that it’s their business too. You can do the former by sharing or underwriting their healthcare costs and the latter by having them involved in decision-making while also appreciating their contributions.

3) Better Business Model – It’s no secret that businesses which operate on a profit-sharing basis have happier employees who are committed to the success of the organization. A good profit-sharing program boosts employee morale, increases profits and helps employees feel a sense of ownership. A business that invests in the growth of its employees by making them partners through an employee stock ownership plan will continue to prosper over time. Consider implementing a plan that allows your employees to share in the wealth generated by your business and put it into action.

4) Better Product Design – How do you design your products? Are they designed to be environment friendly? Do they have a long life span? How can they be disposed of? Consider every aspect of product design from the materials that go into them to the time they will be disposed of before you design them. Aim for creating energy efficient greener products. Also try to deal with suppliers and vendors who share similar values. Do they follow environmental polices? Are they socially responsible? Are they aligned with your long-term vision and goals? Try to do business with those who more closely support your vision for a sustainable, greener business.

5) Greater involvement with the community – Get the word out on your sustainable business. Let the whole world know your stand. Describe your position, vision, values and mission on your website or print out flyers and distribute it to investors, employees and leaders in your community. Get your employees involved in any activity that helps your local community or support an environmental cause that benefits the community in a tangible way. It’s a great way to inspire your employees and create awareness of your vision to make your business sustainable and ‘greener’ to one and all.