Environmental responsibility is big business buzzword but it can also be costly. But what if there were a way to have the best of both worlds? For many businesses going green can actually improve the bottom line. Here are some options to consider.
Greener Delivery Routes
If you’re running a business that relies on having products delivered then you can reduce your carbon monoxide contribution by optimising your delivery routes. One way to do this is with a software program such as Eco-Optimizer which uses a huge database of worldwide delivery routes to plot your existing supply chain and how you can tweak these routes to save tons of CO2 emissions. Put the new routes into practice and you’ll be able to tell your customers that your business is going greener.
Greener Transport
Another option is to change the type of delivery van you are using. Recent research in the UK estimated that 14% of the CO2 emissions generated by freight transport came from delivery vans. There’s an easy way to fix this — go electric! Unlike the old days, going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing speed, which is a key metric for any business that relies on deliveries. Electric vehicles eliminate pollution and are economical to drive. You won’t have to worry about fluctuating gas prices and you’ll spend a lot less on maintaining your delivery fleet. Most businesses find that the delivery side of their business costs less to run, with the main expense being replacement batteries every 3 to 5 years.
The Hybrid Option
If you don’t want to go completely electric, then a hybrid delivery vehicle or one that relies on alternative fuel is a good middle ground. You can use cleaner biofuels made from substances such as cooking oil or, in the case of a hybrid, reduce your petrol consumption, especially on short journeys. Use of hybrid vehicles would cut your carbon emissions in half and you can further improve your green credentials by taking the fourth option on our list.
Carbon Offsets
It can be difficult for businesses to cut out carbon emissions altogether. However an environmentally responsible business can make up for the greenhouse gases it can’t avoid producing by participating in a carbon offset program. This type of program allows businesses (and individuals) to balance any carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. Typically, the purchase money contributes to eco-friendly projects such as tree planting, energy generation (through wind and water power) and more.
The Three Rs
Finally, a truly green business will look for ways to reduce packaging consumption, reuse packaging and other production material and encourage recycling both within the company and via its customers.
Amazingly, going green does not have to be expensive and can increase your reputation with your customers. Long-term, this means benefits for both your business and the environment.
Sharon Hurley Hall writes for Eden Springs, the UK’s No.1 water cooler supplier.