How to make your business more sustainable

Heat, extreme rainfall, drought: the alarming consequences of climate change are undeniable. The warning signs have surely reached your employees as well. However, knowing something doesn't necessarily mean you actually adapt your behavior to that knowledge.

As an employer, you may feel partially responsible for this emergency. Because to help the planet, it's not just individuals who need to live more environmentally consciously: businesses must also become more sustainable. You may already notice that more and more customers are asking critical questions about your company's sustainability. So, you have likely already implemented some sustainable innovations for ethical or commercial reasons.

What is sustainable business?

Sustainable business, eco-friendly business, or corporate social responsibility: it all comes down to respecting and preserving the earth as an entrepreneur, organization, or company.

You do this by investing in three key pillars in a proper, balanced way:

• People - your employees
• Planet - environmental issues
• Profit - the bottom line

If you ensure these three pillars are in balance with each other, you can also do business sustainably in the long term. It’s not just about ensuring the planet doesn't suffer from your organization's profit motive. It also means, for example, that you produce in an environmentally conscious way while ensuring your employees don't suffer any harmful consequences and your profits remain stable. Balance is key!

Why would you want to do business sustainably?

There are several reasons to choose sustainable business practices. Of course, it's good for the earth, but it can also be a boost for the well-being of your company and your employees. Firstly, working greener can help retain your customers. For instance, various studies show that consumers increasingly value spending their money on products or services from companies that focus on sustainability. This is why more and more people are switching to more sustainable banks, such as ASN.

Another, perhaps more surprising reason to ensure sustainability in the workplace is that it can make your employees happier! Research shows that sustainable behavior contributes specifically to 'eudaimonic well-being'. That is the feeling you get when you "do good things in life." You feel like a morally better person because you are committed to a good cause. Working in a sustainable organization ensures that employees experience more happiness and purpose in their work. An additional, not unimportant benefit: a happy employee is also more productive!

"Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy. A fool is happy until his mischief turns against him. And a good man may suffer until his goodness flowers." - Buddha

How do you get your employees to actually make the right sustainable choices at work? We’ll help you get started with some practical tips and examples.

5 examples of actions to make your business more sustainable

1. Make environmentally conscious working a topic

Of course, your employees haven't been living under a rock. They have undoubtedly heard about climate issues. But sometimes it is difficult to make the shift to a change in working methods or mindset. You don't know exactly how or why you should do it.

Therefore, make sure that environmentally conscious working becomes a topic of conversation at the coffee machine. Communicate clearly why it is necessary to make certain sustainable choices. Explain what it yields – in terms of cost savings, the climate, health, and, last but not least, your competitive position in the market.

Make the theme of sustainability a regular feature in newsletters and on the intranet. Make communication a true two-way street.

A fun example of sustainable business is to hold a contest for the colleague with the best sustainability tips. Set up a chat box where people can post their questions regarding the environment and sustainability.

2. Working greener doesn't happen overnight

The switch to sustainability doesn't have to be made grand and sweeping. Breaking it into smaller, manageable projects makes it easier to bring people along in a change. A step-by-step approach is also easier to handle budget-wise.

A few examples of environmentally conscious “quick wins” you could explore:

• How sustainable is the coffee brand you use?
• Offer leftover waste from your production line for reuse elsewhere.
• Is a company car coming off contract? Replace it with an electric one!
• Replace all trash cans with separate waste bins.
• Only use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

3. Set a good example of sustainable behavior

We can put all kinds of things on paper and demand them of our employees. All those good intentions are quickly wiped out if management doesn't live up to the norms and values. Don't underestimate the example set by the top.

So don't just train your employees in more sustainable behavior. Turn off the lights yourself when you're not in the office (or install automatic sensors!), separate your waste, and take the bike more often. Going on a business trip? Don't automatically book a plane ticket, but look into the feasibility of traveling by train or car.

Yes, sometimes less attractive choices may have to be made. But you get something in return! 

4. Make sustainability the norm.

In the past, vegetarians and vegans were the exception. That seems to be shifting more and more into everyday life. That's not surprising, because aside from greater environmental awareness, there are also more and more alternatives for sale that don't involve any animals. In the workplace, however, we often still get stuck on the usual croquette sandwich and soup with meatballs. What's it like at your company? 

Take a critical look at the menu in the company restaurant in terms of sustainability. Offer more fish-free and meat-free options, and choose organic products. Organizing a dinner? Go with a vegetarian or vegan menu by default. If someone really does want meat or fish, they have to specify that. That way, sustainability becomes the norm in business dining too.

Read more here about how to get your employees to carry your company vision forward through internal branding.

5. Buy socially responsible products - and explain why

Socially responsible business means sustainable purchasing. That means you don't just look at the price of products or services, but also weigh the impact of your purchasing on the environment and social aspects. Purchasing circularly minimizes the use of raw materials, and materials and products are reused and replaced less quickly. If you shape your purchasing based on this vision, your company can have a considerable impact on the environment and society.

Explicitly ask suppliers and service providers about the origin of their products and services. Maybe everything is already in order, and if not, they may have more sustainable alternatives you didn't know about. If you run into a very complex landscape, it can be smart to join forces and pool knowledge.

Join a so-called buyer group: a group of entrepreneurs who research options together and can negotiate attractive pricing agreements with suppliers.

Using production or cleaning materials that contain fewer harmful raw materials is a good step. But a move or renovation is also a good moment to get started on sustainability. Take stock of which furniture could, perhaps with a small adjustment, last a while longer. Want a complete restyling? Then choose a supplier of refurbished furniture.

Using other products or service providers can raise questions among employees. Sometimes they've been used to working with certain people, brands, or materials for years, and we are creatures of habit. So involve your employees in the decision in time, and give them a hand with introducing the change. Not only by explaining why certain choices were made. Also offer clear, customer-oriented manuals so that the chosen resources are used properly. 

Whatever you do: sustainable business includes knowledge sharing! 

Research shows that training and knowledge transfer are the best guarantee of lasting behavior change.

That means that whichever steps you take to make your business more sustainable, it needs to be communicated about regularly and clearly. Don't make it too heavy, difficult, or boring. You'll achieve more with a pub quiz, an interesting video, or a regular pop-up. 

Looking for tips on this? You're in luck, because we know everything there is to know about knowledge sharing and smart communication! So, get in touch with us!