Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for all types of businesses. With environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities evolving, it is crucial for companies to track their commitments and enhance their efforts. It’s time to embrace new strategies and work towards a cleaner, greener future.

As highlighted in our latest Sustainability Impact Report, we have adopted a number of strategies which we would encourage others to follow to ensure eco-friendly practices. Following this, we have outlined some strategies which we believe you can adopt to enhance your sustainability practices.

1. Climate Action

Climate crisis affects the whole planet, meaning all countries need to better their efforts to reverse the damage. Research conducted by

With the UK being a smaller island, we are at risk of our coastal cities flooding. With harsh weather changes, businesses have a duty to enhance their sustainability practices to create lasting impact.

Over the years, the UK Government has introduced several schemes to help businesses tackle climate change. To identify the key significant sources of emissions within your business, you can partner with companies within your supply chain, such as your cleaning partner.

As leaders in the cleaning industry, we partnered with a sustainability certified organisation. This allowed us to measure and analyse our carbon and social data to reduce emissions and reach our ESG targets.

Here are some targets your business can set to tackle climate action:

• Set a net-zero target.
• Track, measure and reduce carbon footprint.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.
• Introduce renewable energy projects such as reforestation.

2. Waste Management

Waste can be reduced through recycling and reusing. Usually, waste management is managed by your building management, but with the help of your cleaning partner new solutions can be implemented to minimize waste output. The UK Government released a statistic that on average each year, UK businesses produce 4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste. Highlighting the need to improve the current waste strategies of businesses.

Waste management is divided into various categories: organic, hazardous, liquid, recyclables, electronic, and metals. Within these categories also lie subcategories. By implementing strategies such as visual signage, colour-coded bin schemes, and on-site education, your business can enhance your waste strategy and reduce your output effectively.

For a full list of UK Government Recycling Guidelines please see here.

Here are a few waste management strategies your business can adopt:

• Encourage staff to reuse consumables such as coffee cups, water bottles and food containers.
• Recycle food waste into fertiliser for farms and gardens.
• Adopt a paperless filing system and introduce a shared digital documents file.
• Donate unused electronics and furniture to the local community.

3. Energy Efficiency

Energy usage can vary depending on the type and size of your business. With electrical equipment being on left overnight, these contribute to energy wastage. Resolve Energy found that on average, large businesses (250+ employees) use 50,000+ kWh of electricity annually.

Reducing energy usage in the workplace can be done by enhancing current practices or introducing new technologies. Encouraging staff to power down devices when not in use or collaborating with partners to introduce new greener products. For example, collaborating with your cleaning provider to use data-driven solutions can elevate the standard of cleaning whilst improving environmental responsibility.

Ways to reduce business energy consumption:

• Conducting regular energy audits.
• Introduce renewable technologies, such as solar panels.
• Installing LED lighting, lights with motion technology and smart thermostats.
• Improving insulation for the colder months and opening windows in the warmer months.

4. Responsible Products

Running a successful business requires a lot of equipment. Investing in green products used in your offices and by your staff can go a long way.

Suppliers who share similar values and offer products made from recycled or biodegradable materials can limit your environmental damage. For example, partnering with a professional cleaning provider who priortise a chemical-free cleaning will further your efforts and demonstrate your commitment to a green future.

Responsible products can also protect staff from health risks. For example, eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products can improve air quality and reduce exposure to allergens and irritants. Creating a healthier work atmosphere for your employees has also been proven to boost morale and productivity.

Some responsible products may come at a higher face cost; however, your business will generate long-term savings due to their ESG benefits such as reducing carbon footprint emissions and boosting efficiency levels.

5. Encourage Green Travel

Travel is inevitable and a lot of the time unavoidable for some businesses. Whether it is your supply deliveries, or your staff are traveling to their place of work, traveling to client premises or volunteering, all of these involve a form of transport.

Fleet World found that on average, per year UK car commuters contribute to nearly a tonne of CO2 emissions. By implementing green travel to work schemes and investing in company electric vehicles can reduce the carbon emissions generated by your business.

6. Staff Investment

Investing in staff is key to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment. Without a healthy work atmosphere, staff morale can decline. This decline can negatively affect growth and employee commitment.

Some key staff investment strategies can include:

• Regular training and progress meetings.
• Encourage work from home practice.
• Encourage green travel by offering schemes such as ‘cycle to work’.
• Providing branded reusable products such as lunch boxes and tote bags when new staff join the company.

 

By following these six steps, you can reduce your company’s environmental impact, save long-term costs. You will also improve your brand reputation and adopt stronger relationships with staff, suppliers and consumers.

 

Speak With Our Team

With 50 years of professional experience, we aim to lead by example and help drive positive meaningful change across all industries.

If you’re looking for a sustainability driven professional cleaning company, get in touch with our friendly support team today. You can give us a call on 01279 944332 or email helpdesk@doccleaning.com and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Reach out today and let us help you strive towards a cleaner, greener future.