Along with the rest of the world, the UK government has stated its claim in fighting climate change, actively reducing its carbon emissions by more than 40% in the last 30 years. No matter the size of the business, the corporate sector contributes a large percentage of carbon emissions, and changing how the company operates may help further reduce these emissions. Yet, how does creating sustainable goals affect a business?
This guide will compare the advantages and disadvantages of starting a sustainable business, and how the right working equipment can help.
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Discover what business sustainability is, and why it is becoming more important.
Read about the benefits of becoming a sustainable business.
Find out if there are any downsides to becoming a sustainable business.
Read our summary on business sustainability, and what you should consider.
Read the most commonly asked questions on business sustainability.
Why are businesses focusing on becoming sustainable?
Climate change is a global concern that has affected how certain sectors have started operating. In 2015, the Paris Agreement set long-term goals for all nations, including reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the temperature increase in this century to 2°C.
From this, the UK government have stated their aims of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050; starting with businesses that account for a large percentage.
What are the advantages of becoming a sustainable business?
With the new environmental goals set by the UK government, many businesses are focusing on creating and developing sustainable strategies offering various benefits. This includes:
Helping the environment
In 2020, businesses accounted for 18% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming is an international concern. If companies focus on implementing sustainable working practices, the risk of this environmental impact is reduced.
Attract new customers, consumers and employees
The consumer market is slowly becoming more eco-friendly, including the largest generation, “millennials”, prioritising sustainable brands over other companies. Businesses that present their sustainable goals and how they are actively reducing their carbon footprint can help attract new customers, consumers and clients who are also environmentally conscious.
This also may include potential employees. Consider providing sustainable products for staff members that optimise the working environment, and environmentally friendly practices. This can help improve your overall brand reputation.
CMD promotes and provides sustainable working practices and equipment for businesses. This includes office products, such as ergonomic and power distribution devices.
Browse through our range of bestselling products here.
What are the disadvantages of becoming a sustainable business?
Before creating a sustainable strategy, businesses should consider certain issues they may face.
The budget may need to be adjusted
Utilising sustainable business practices in the workplace may have certain expenses, as you must find sustainably sourced products, alter transportation methods, and work with environmental suppliers.
To meet your business’s sustainable standards, you may have to allow extra room in the budget to accommodate these new requirements.
It may take time to get started
Starting a new sustainable strategy can be difficult, especially if research is required. Despite a potentially long process, developing an eco-friendly strategy will ultimately benefit the environment and contribute to the national goal of reducing carbon emissions.
Consider creating short and long-term sustainable goals. At CMD, we have 5 and 10-year aims for where we want our company to be regarding greenhouse gas emissions and general environmental work practices.
Contact our team today for more information.
How offices can lower their carbon footprint and energy emissions
To keep up with the rest of UK businesses, consider implementing sustainable strategies amongst your workforce. This can be done simply by ensuring that only a few appliances are plugged into sockets and switching fleets to electric vehicles.
CMD is dedicated to environmental protection, and we support recycling waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) to decrease pollution. To ensure business sustainability, educate your staff on the best environmental practices.
At CMD, we provide products you can implement in the office to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Recommended power distribution product:
20 Series Floor Box (Single Box Base) – CMD Ltd (cmd-ltd.com)
Our fast-fit floor boxes are a simple, efficient way to increase the number of available power sockets and avoid overcrowding in the office. Not only can you make your work life more energy efficient, but you can improve your compliance with environmental law.
Browse through our entire power distribution range here.
Shop products that are sustainably sourced
CMD provides a range of office products, including devices that have been locally and sustainably sourced.
Recommended sustainable product:
Miro Monitor Arm | Sustainable Ergonomics | CMD LTD (cmd-ltd.com)
Frequently asked questions
What does net zero mean?
Net zero refers to the target of reducing greenhouse gases as much as possible, which typically involves balancing any remaining emissions by removing an equivalent amount. This may include planting trees and restoring peatlands.
How can companies move towards a net-zero supply chain?
Moving towards a net zero supply chain may take time; however, it will ultimately benefit the environment in the long run. To do this, setting up short- and long-term sustainable development goals and working with like-minded suppliers is important.
CMD supplies office and homeworking products to businesses, considering the environmental impact of the company and actively taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
