Recommendations for a more sustainable business

In a world threatened by climate change and its devastating effects on the ecosystem, companies in all sectors of production must take responsibility and adopt sustainable practices for the planet. Doing so not only benefits the environment, but also the image they project to the outside world. Companies that act in a way that respects the ecosystem help preserve the environment and improve their reputation, positioning and turnover.

Key steps to implement sustainable practices in your business

While there is no one key formula for becoming a sustainable business, there are recommendations for becoming a planet-friendly company. Some of the most important are:

• Assess and set goals: before implementing sustainable actions, it is necessary to assess the state of your company in terms of environmental practices. This task will allow you to identify the shortcomings of your business in this regard and to set realistic goals that will allow you to move towards a more sustainable future. Goals should be measurable and can include, among other sustainable actions, reducing carbon emissions, efficient resource consumption and waste disposal.
• Promote a culture of sustainability: there is no point in implementing sustainable actions in your business if they are not followed through. Making your employees aware of the need to care for the planet and providing them with the necessary tools to meet this challenge is essential to achieve it. Organise training and awareness programmes to promote sustainable practices at all levels of the organisation. Employee participation and engagement is critical to the success of any sustainable initiative.
• Optimise energy efficiency: energy efficiency is key to curbing climate change and moving towards a greener future. Therefore, another step to implement sustainable practices in your business is to carry out an energy audit. This way, you can identify areas for improvement in your business’ energy consumption and implement measures such as the use of LED lighting, the installation of energy control systems and the adoption of renewable energies. Energy efficiency not only reduces operating costs, but also reduces your company’s carbon footprint.
• Promote the circular economy: adopt practices that encourage reuse, recycling and waste reduction in your business. Evaluate your production processes and look for opportunities to reduce the use of non-renewable materials. In addition, establish business partnerships with suppliers who share your commitment to the environment and prioritise the use of recyclable materials. The 3Rs of the circular economy in the fight against climate change.
• Life cycle analysis: in addition to assessing the initial state of your company, carry out a detailed analysis of the products or services you offer and identify the stages that generate the greatest environmental impacts. This analysis will allow you to make informed decisions on how to reduce and mitigate these impacts at each stage, from the procurement of raw materials to their commercialisation.

• Integrate sustainability into the supply chain: Another key action to drive sustainable development in your business is to work closely with your suppliers. This way, you can ensure that they adopt sustainable practices and establish clear criteria and demand transparency on issues such as carbon footprint, responsible water use and waste management. Prioritise sourcing from suppliers who share your sustainability values.
• Innovate and develop sustainable products: devote time and resources to research and development of more environmentally friendly products and services. Consider aspects such as durability, resource efficiency, use of recyclable or biodegradable materials and design for recycling. Sustainable innovation can open up new market opportunities and improve your company’s competitiveness.

Importance of sustainability in the business environment

As we have explained, incorporating sustainable actions not only has positive effects for the environment, but also offers many advantages to companies. Some of the main ones are:

• Reputation and customer relations: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of companies and consider this factor when choosing one company over another. By adopting sustainable practices, you can enhance your business reputation and attract customers who value environmental responsibility. It can also build loyalty and stronger relationships with existing customers.
• Regulatory compliance and risk reduction: society is changing, but so are the laws. Environmental legislation is becoming stricter in many countries. Adopting sustainable practices ensures that your company complies with legal requirements and reduces the risk of penalties and litigation. In addition, sustainability helps prevent and mitigate risks associated with natural resource scarcity and climate change.
• Efficiency and cost savings: adopting sustainable practices leads to greater efficiency in the use of resources. Ultimately, this translates into savings and cost reductions. Energy optimisation, waste reduction and the adoption of clean technologies can improve your company’s profitability.

Measuring and monitoring the environmental impacts of your business

Measuring and tracking the environmental impacts of your business is essential to assess progress towards sustainability and make informed decisions. Some recommendations for measuring and tracking environmental impacts include:

• Carbon footprint: calculate your company’s C02 emissions and set targets to reduce them. You can use internationally recognised tools and standards, such as ISO 14064, to measure and manage your carbon footprint.
• Natural resource consumption: track your business’ consumption of energy, water and other key resources. By doing so, you will also identify areas of high resource intensity and develop plans to optimise their use.
• Waste management: record the amount and type of waste generated by your company. Also implement recycling and reuse policies to minimise waste and look for opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of your waste.
• Sustainability reporting: Produce regular sustainability reports that disclose your sustainability efforts and achievements. These reports help to increase transparency and build customer loyalty.