As a small business owner, with the determination to practice sustainability, there are several practices that can be adopted to benefit the environment, the community, and the company. 

Sustainability in business is taking place on a global scale, hence finding resources for improvement are easier now than ever.

We at Nobby Hub would like to share some of tips and resources to help other similar small businesses in implementing sustainability practices.

Sustainable Business Development

"Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" – UNESCO

Simply put, sustainable business development is about adding practices to your business model which not only makes you achieve your goals but also takes care of the environment. 

According to experts from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, sustainable development is affected by several factors, such as:

• access to quality education,
• reduced inequality,
• decreasing poverty,
• strong economic growth,
• innovation in infrastructure,
• climate action, and
• peace and partnership among the nations.

While governments, charitable organizations, and individuals worldwide hash out the details of large-scale improvement in these areas, small businesses and ventures can access accumulated information and resources from the United Nations official website. You can also learn more about sustainability through agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, online forums, and other eco-responsible businesses in your area.

What are sustainable business practices?

You may or may not already be incorporating many impactful practices at work, such as:

• Converting lighting and utilities to energy-efficient models
• Adding solar panels to your building’s roof for alternate energy consumption
• Appropriately recycling products, including electronics, lightbulbs, and other supplies
• Switching away from chemical cleaners and pest control to green products
• Powering down equipment each evening
• Adjusting lighting and climate controls for energy savings
• Locating your business in a walkable area

Some harmful practices

It's also crucial that you identify practices that harm your environment:

• Wasting food, water, products, and energy
• Traveling separately to meetings and events
• Having in-person meetings that could have easily been done virtually
• Driving when walking is a possibility
• Leaving PCs and Laptops on while away from desk

What changes should a business promote?

Have proper Policies and policy administrators in place.

Any level of business must ensure they have proper Sustainable Policies in place, that ensures adherence to the policy and its defined practices. The implementation of such Policies can only be successful if they are executed diligently. Which is why besides having Policy makers, businesses need to have Policy administrators as well.

Create a culture of sustainable habits

Sustainable habits lead to lowering power bills, eventually being cost effective for the company. As you discuss your sustainability goals with coworkers and employees, you're likely to see more success in these and other areas.

Start off with small changes

Many small changes can have a big impact, so regularly encourage and reward employees for developing environmentally positive habits.

Collaborate with peers for sustainable initiatives

In addition to making these convenient and inexpensive changes, you can and should work with other organizations in your community to make larger improvements. Some of these ideas may include sharing parking spaces, supporting initiatives for green energy, and encouraging updated building codes.

Will changes affect profits?

At first, it may seem that some of these changes require more effort and financial investment. However, the more you learn and the better you become at implementing these practices, the sustainable growth of your business can ultimately lead to increased profit, lower costs and a positive reputation in your community. After all, sustainability, at its essence, is all about using resources wisely. As you and your company reduce your negative impact on the environment around you, you can meet your current needs while protecting future resources.

How will consumers respond?

One concern for some small business owners is that their efforts to go green will be received unfavorably by customers. Well, unless you point out your changes, many customers may not even notice your sustainability practices, and some clients may object when your products or packaging change. Remember, today's consumers want evidence of social and environmental responsibility. You can involve your customers positively by showing how your efforts offer solutions, pointing out how you've saved money and reduced pollution, and asking consumers for their ideas.

When should change happen?

In our opinion, the change has to start as of yesterday. If we all want a better world to live in, then the change for the better must start immediately. By focusing on sustainability efforts, you can both affect change and even influence your community. Small steps taken today will make a difference tomorrow.

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Nobby Hub strongly believes that it is time to be more responsible and make a change today for a better tomorrow. WhatsApp @ (307) 395-0222 for quick chat.