A business can make a big impact on the environment, for better or for worse. Through efforts such as clean energy initiatives, water conservation and recycling, businesses can play a major role in
environmental protection.
(i) Energy Efficiency: The average commercial workplace wastes 30 percent of all energy consumed, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR website. Luckily, there are many ways a business can become more energy efficient. Ensuring all nonessential electronics are turned off at night is one way. The same tactic can be used during the day: lights can be turned off when natural
lighting through windows will suffice. And windows can be equipped with blinds to prevent heat getting in during the summer and escaping during the winter.
(ii) Clean Energy: While conserving energy is one way to reduce a business's environmental impact, another involves changing the sort of energy used. Using renewable energy, such as solar, not only cuts down
on green house gas emissions but also takes pressure off the local power grid. Though the cost of installing solar panels can be expensive upfront, they are usually more cost effective in the long run.
(iii) Preventing Water and Soil Pollution: Along with curbing green house gases emitted in the air, a business can also help protect the water and soil in its community. A first step could be choosing cleaning solutions
or other solvents that have fewer toxic chemicals. Another way is to assess all aspects of the production and cleaning process to ensure that the smallest amount of toxic chemicals are being used. A company can
also ensure that, once used, solutions containing these chemicals are disposed of properly, via either treatment to combat the toxicity or storage in leak-proof containers.
(iv) Recycling: Many businesses produce waste of some kind, be it paper, metal or glass products. Recycling these products instead of throwing them away can have several environmental benefits. It can reduce many kinds of pollution, including air and water. In addition, recycled products cut down on the amount of waste buildup in landfills. Businesses can also use recycling programs to cut down on their own disposal costs. A business could even offer its waste products to another company that can utilise them in its own production process.
