The Profit Potential of Running an Environmentally-Conscious Office
Green technology is often associated with rising costs. For some reason, the perception is that adopting more sustainable and environmentally friendly measures will be more costly. However this is not the case. In fact, very often the ‘green’ option goes hand in hand with cost savings. This is why as an entrepreneur, one should consider running an environmentally conscious office.
The very first question which comes to mind is what exactly do we mean by an environmentally conscious office. Not only does this include the use of eco-friendly technology in energy, but also a change in how things are run.
First off, invest in renewable energy. Not only is solar energy much more eco-friendly than a regular power supply, it is also cost efficient. Within months of adopting renewable energy, you will be making enough money in savings to make up for the costs of transitioning.
Next, replace all office materials with recyclable materials: buy products which have been upcycled, try to cut down on the use of paper in the office, get ink cartridges which can be refilled. These may seem like small measures but they go a long way in reducing the environmental impact of your office.
While the benefit of these changes may not immediately be clear, they do add up. Aside from savings, transitioning to a green office also provides other benefits —
- PR
Consumers want to buy from companies using sustainable technology. Adapting renewable methods may be the one thing that sets a firm apart from the competition. Think of it as free PR. - Team Morale
Studies have found conclusive evidence that employees are likely to be more productive in green and eco-friendly office spaces. The idea seems to be that there is a ‘moral quotient’ attached to working in firms which are more sustainable than others. - Attract Better Employees
Following the same logic, it’s easy to understand why people would want to work for firms which are environmentally conscious. People want to feel like their work makes a difference. Working for a green firm, promotes that idea.
In the long run, adopting an environmentally conscious approach to your office pays off in both direct and indirect ways. It paves the way for further development of your brand image as a firm that cares about community and takes its responsibility in said community seriously. It is no wonder that all important multinationals seem to be following this approach. It’s time that smaller entrepreneurs followed suit.
