How to Make Your Small Business More Sustainable

As swathes of consumers switch to green alternatives, sustainable development for small businesses has never been more poignant or profitable.

In response to the ongoing climate crisis, the UN set 17 sustainable development goals. From ending poverty to embracing global partnerships, these goals provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet and deliver a rallying call to action for all participating countries.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) was hosted in Glasgow last month and brought parties together to accelerate action towards achieving the goals.

But, what does all of this mean for small businesses? 

How can small businesses be more sustainable? 

 

Sustainable development goals for small business

Sustainable small business

A recent study by the FSB, the UK’s largest business group, revealed that whilst a clear majority (56%) believe that the planet is facing a climate crisis, only a third (36%) have a formal plan in place to combat climate change.

The report also showed, however, that many have taken steps towards becoming more sustainable:

  • 67% have addressed energy usage
  • 64% have increased recycling efforts
  • 36% of small businesses in accommodation and food services stated that they have switched or plan to switch all or some of their fleet to zero-emission vehicles.

How can we make simple steps towards sustainability? Inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s rousing address to world leaders at the recent COP26 summit, we’re sharing 10 simple ways to make your small business more sustainable.

 

supporting local business for sustainability

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1. Support local business

Cut down on your carbon emissions by investing in local businesses and switching to sustainable consumption and production patterns.

For example, look at where your organisation sources its food and drink. How is it produced, transported, prepared and disposed of? Eat local produce, or grow your own, to help reduce emissions in your supply chain.

You could also research green businesses in your area that are actively involved in the fight against climate change. The Carbon Coach shop in Taunton stocks eco everyday essentials and has grand plans to expand into an eco-school that facilitates lessons on how to increase your climate activism and how to live with less. 

Taunton is also home to Lesser Litter, a refill shop that helps locals shop ethically, organically, and packaging-free. Put your money where your mouth is and invest in eco-friendly businesses! 

 

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

 

2. Embrace an inclusive hiring process 

Enforce non-discriminatory policies during the hiring and recruitment process to build a more diverse team. 

Offer equal pay for work of equal value, make your workplace more accessible for disabled and neurodivergent employees, award management positions to women and marginalised individuals, and support parents of young children and dependents. 

You could also offer apprenticeship opportunities, work experience, mentoring or training programmes for those from disadvantaged backgrounds as a way of supporting the local community and building a more inclusive workplace. 

 

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

 

how to boost workplace productivity

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3. Create a fair and secure workplace culture

The work doesn’t end once you’ve hired a diverse team. It’s your job to facilitate and develop a fair and secure workplace culture where your employees feel respected, appreciated, and able to vocalise their thoughts.

Here at New Leaf, we pride ourselves on being a Next Stage Organisation that celebrates a fluid self-management structure and promotes greater employee autonomy.

Invest in the wellbeing of your employees, establish a zero-tolerance culture when it comes to violence, inequality and discrimination in the workplace, develop a living wage policy, and pride yourself on your exemplary standards. 

 

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

 

4. Offer opportunities for personal and professional development

Small businesses can promote lifelong learning by offering training sessions, work-based learning programmes and diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

When you invest in the continued education of your team, you’ll reap the rewards of this development for years to come through their growing initiative, confidence and expertise.

Look out for local events that your team could attend to boost their green learning. For example, Taunton Chamber recently held a ‘Making Green Normal‘ event and our Founder, Becky Wright, was one of the guest speakers. 

Celebrate the ongoing personal and professional development of your employees and watch your profitability and productivity bloom. 

 

Goal 4: Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 

sustainability and the local community

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5. Use ethical & sustainable suppliers

Look at who you’re banking with. What impact are they having on the climate crisis? 

In our quest to switch to a more ethical bank, we found Triodos Bank. It’s their mission to create a society that protects and promotes quality of life and human dignity for all. Don’t forget to look into ethical pensions too!

We also made a conscious decision to use green energy. Octopus Energy is a renewable energy supplier that offers 100% green electricity and you can also carbon offset the gas you use to minimise your environmental impact even further. 

Sustainability doesn’t begin and end with how you operate as a business. It’s about supporting companies who also champion a green ethos and encourage you to do and be better. 

 

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

 

6. Support your local community

It isn’t enough to support local businesses. It’s also hugely important to help your local community through charitable donations, activism and positive action. 

Get involved! Work together! Rewild surrounding land, participate in planting schemes, hold fundraising days, donate your time and services to local charities, embrace sponsorship opportunities, and elevate the voices of those who struggle to be heard. 

Become an active member of the wider community and work to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

 

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

 

how to embrace flexible working

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7. Champion flexible working

If there’s one thing that the global lockdowns taught us, aside from increased patience with our loved ones, it’s how impactful low-intervention was for the environment.

Breathe London reported that levels of nitrogen dioxide fell by 20-24% in Central London during the first lockdown, leading to improved air quality. Whilst this reduction happened during restrictions, it highlights the difference we can make if we implement small changes to our routines and invest in green infrastructure. 

Encourage your team to work from home where appropriate. Working remotely not only allows your employees to prioritise their wellbeing and make healthier lifestyle choices; it also lowers energy consumption and reduces pollution caused by commuting. 

If that’s not an option, or you prefer a hybrid approach, you could encourage your team to cycle to work or car share to reduce emissions. Update your office facilities to include bicycle storage, lockers, and showers, where possible, to encourage more sustainable transport options. 

 

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

 

8. Engage employees

Build a more effective and inclusive strategy for sustainability by engaging your employees. 

Encourage active input from your team when establishing how you can be more sustainable in your small business. Your employees know your processes, frameworks and procedures like the back of their hands, so they can often give valuable input when highlighting the ways you can reduce the negative impact you’re having on the world. 

Make them feel like an important part of the process and you’ll soon see success. Once you’ve finalised your approach, share it with your clients, stakeholders, board members, suppliers, so they too can be part of the change. 

The key to consistency and realising your sustainable development goals is to prioritise them as much as your general business goals. Report on your progress, celebrate your wins, share updates with your customers/clients and be mindful of your green credentials in all that you do. 

Check out our blog post all about how to engage your employees

 

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access for justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

 

how to make your office sustainable

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9. Make your office space sustainable

Look at the ways you can make your workplace more ‘green’ to improve employee wellbeing, boost your profile, reduce your carbon footprint and have more of a positive impact on the world. 

There are many simple switches you can make to embrace green alternatives:  

  • Buy eco-friendly office supplies – we use The Green Stationery Company!
  • Power equipment down at the end of the day.
  • Use energy-efficient bulbs.
  • Add plants to the rooms.
  • Reuse and repair resources instead of needlessly replacing them.

Check out our blog post on the many ways you can green your office space with ease.

 

Goal 13: Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

 

10. Build and share your knowledge

Future-proof your business by building on your existing knowledge and sharing what you have learned along the way. 

Take accountability for your actions. Have open conversations with your team, clients, suppliers, friends and family, about your goals and what you’re doing to reach them. Inspire others into action. 

We’re in the stages of becoming a B Corp. Certified B Corporations are businesses that ‘meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose’. It signifies an ongoing commitment to tackling climate change through sustainable business practices. 

Throughout the COP26 summit, businesses were encouraged to sign up for the UN Race to Zero Climate Commitment. Race To Zero is a global campaign to ‘rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive sustainable growth.’

Once businesses have taken the pledge, the SME Climate Hub provides support to help organisations keep their promise. There are resources to help you reduce your emissions, tackle your carbon footprint, and share what you’re doing with your customers.

Community and collaboration are hugely important for SMEs who want to have a positive impact.  

 

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

 

how to make your small business more sustainable

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Why should small businesses be more sustainable?

Sustainable business practices contribute to the resolution of the climate crisis, making the world a safer, more diverse, and happier place to live and work. 

Sustainability can also boost your profits by lowering costs and repositioning your business as the go-to for mindful, forward-thinking solutions. Sustainability also welcomes new investors, new customers, new employees, and encourages you to act on your company values.

Don’t get left behind. 

In growing more in tune with the world around us, we revolutionise how we lead our businesses, and your company should be a part of that change. How will you make your business more sustainable?

 

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Here at New Leaf, we are passionate about building a more mindful and compassionate culture. Delve into the archives and read some of our green-focused blog posts on everything from reimagining the nature of business with regenerative leadership to greening your office space.

Enjoyed this post and learned something new? Share it!

Are you keen to discover how New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing can help you act upon your conscious social responsibility? Email Becky at [email protected] for information.

This post was written in collaboration with Bee Higgins, the copywriter and content writer behind Vivatramp Creatives.

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