The world faces an increasing climate crisis, accelerating the need for sustainable practices in all areas of society from government policy to our habits at home.

SMBs have a vital role to play here. While many small business leaders recognise the importance of sustainability, they often overlook the impact that small steps can have in driving meaningful change. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that every action, no matter how small, plays a role in achieving a more sustainable future.

When all businesses commit to seemingly small sustainable practices, the cumulative effect can lead to substantial positive change. Here are some easy-to-implement steps and ideas for small businesses looking to embrace sustainable practices at work:

1. Eradicate single use plastic

One of the most pressing environmental challenges is plastic pollution. Small businesses might think that their plastic usage is negligible compared to larger enterprises, but collectively it adds up.

Business leaders can start by encouraging staff to use reusable alternatives to disposable plastics – perhaps you can provide employees with reusable water bottles, for example. A report from 2020 found that 20% of surveyed SMBs reported replacing some or all of their single-use plastic, which is encouraging. But there is still so much more to do. Making simple, easy switches away from single-use plastic is a great place to start. Additionally, where businesses are working in the IT channel or with other partners, encouraging the supply chain to follow suit and ditch single-use plastics can have a positive knock-on effect.

2. Introduce motion sensors and energy efficiency policies

Traditional office environments often waste a significant amount of energy due to outdated lighting systems and inefficient use of resources. By adopting motion sensors for lighting, small businesses can ensure that energy is used only when necessary. This can help reduce your carbon footprint and also leads to long-term cost savings.

Taking this energy saving to the next logical step, businesses can also consider how to be more space-aware by only operating or opening areas of the office actually occupied by employees. This flexible approach can significantly lower energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable work environment.

3. Electrify business vehicles

Transportation is another major contributor to carbon emissions. Small businesses that rely on a fleet of vehicles for their operations can explore the option of electrifying their transportation. Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in terms of technology and performance, making them a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. In the U.K. there are additional benefits for businesses that opt for electric vehicles in the form of tax breaks and cost-saving incentives.

EVs may not be suitable for every business, and the upfront costs can be significant. But switching to EVs both reduces emissions and leads to long-term cost benefits, thanks to their lower operational and maintenance costs.

Where EVs aren’t an option for your business, promoting the use of public transport and encouraging employees to consider carsharing or cycling to work can further reduce your business’s carbon footprint.

4. Reduce face-to-face meetings

While some industries may still require face-to-face interactions, many businesses can benefit from reevaluating their travel practices. As we all know well by now, advancements in technology have made video calling and online collaboration tools more accessible and effective than ever before. By reducing unnecessary travel and relying on digital communication, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and save on travel expenses.

5. Embrace efficient devices

Small businesses can make a big difference by opting for energy-efficient devices and laptops. Encourage employees to power down their devices when not in use and utilise power-saving modes to conserve energy.

Investing in equipment that is certified as low-energy can help in reducing energy consumption and minimising the business's environmental impact.

SMBs play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. By embracing sustainability and making even the smallest of changes in their operations, these businesses can collectively contribute to a significant positive impact on the environment. From eradicating single-use plastic to implementing energy-efficient measures, every step matters.

In my next blog for Techies Go Green I will explore the ways businesses can engage their employees in sustainability plans, and provide tips for how to foster a culture of sustainability. By empowering and inspiring individuals, we can ensure that sustainability becomes a core value in every business.

Remember, the path to a sustainable future begins with a single step, and no step should be overlooked.

Joining Techies Go Green.

If you want to learn more about sustainability and what your company can do to become more sustainable, consider joining Techies Go Green. Techies Go Green is a movement dedicated to decarbonising IT and tech-oriented companies through collaborating and sharing knowledge. Membership is open to companies within the UK and Ireland. We would love to have you join and to help you in your journey towards sustainability and decarbonisation.

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