Unusually warm temperatures, melting ice caps, increasing natural disasters like forest fires and droughts—chances are, you’ve heard talk about these pressing issues over the past few years. You may even be seeing the effects of climate change in your own day-to-day life, whether you realize it or not. What you may not know is that these symptoms can and do have a large economic impact, including raising the overall cost of healthcare.
As individuals, we often struggle with the idea of how we can make an impact on our own. Where do we even begin? Well, we start by improving how we interact with the natural world around us, and then we can magnify these actions by working together to make an even greater impact for the good of the planet (and one another)!
That’s where your company comes in.
As an organization, you can decrease your healthcare costs and increase employee satisfaction and productivity by transitioning into a sustainable business; not to mention all of the wonderful results this can and will have on the environment in your community. We’ve put together our top ten tips to help you achieve these goals and more.
Internal Efforts
What can you do to adapt the internal structure and processes of your business to be more environmentally-friendly? Figuring out what to do first can be challenging, especially for first-time environmentalists, so we’ve put together a few suggestions to get you started.
1. Conduct an environmental audit.
Environmental audits are a great way to measure your organization’s current environmental practices and to help set new goals. EarthShare members such as Ceres, Conservation International, and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offer services that help companies just like yours develop a better understanding of their environmental impact, from water and energy usage to toxics and waste production.
2. Get LEED certified.
Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) is a green building rating system that measures the health and efficiency of a building’s design, construction, and day-to-day operation. The Green Building Council’s LEED certification program can help you make your building a healthier, more earth-conscious place to work.
3. Take your supply chain green.
The purchasing power of the supply chain gives your business a unique opportunity to redefine your relationships with your customers, employees, and suppliers—and to make earth-friendly decisions along the way. Check out EDF’s Supply Chain Solutions Center to discover greener solutions at every level of the supply chain.
4. Become a bicycle-friendly business.
Join hundreds of leading businesses and institutions that are transforming their communities by encouraging bicycling to work. Not only does it create more energized, alert, and productive employees, bicyclist programs can help decrease your overall healthcare costs and make a positive environmental impact at the same time.
External Efforts
How can you develop and improve your understanding of conservation? It’s a group effort. Making connections with other businesses just like yours can have a major impact when it comes to developing a more sustainability-focused workplace.
5. Network with other companies.
Learn from other organizations who have already made the transition into a sustainable company. Get tips from other companies and connect with sustainably-minded businesses and experts to share ideas and support for conservation efforts. The American Sustainable Business Network business leader events are a great way to get involved.
6. Join the conversation.
Companies can have a significant influence on the public discussion surrounding climate change solutions. Take part in these conversations through resources like the Ceres BICEP Network, which promotes discussion, education, and lobbying on topics like clean energy and climate resilience.
Employee Offerings
In today’s work culture, employees expect competitive compensation and benefits. Two of these essential benefits include, 1) a commitment to health and well-being, and 2) recognition. It’s up to the employer to continuously discover new and innovative ways to engage employees with these benefits, and conservation and sustainability efforts are great ways to do just that.
7. Recognize and reward proactive employees.
Employees want to feel recognized and appreciated by their companies, and a great way to do this is to celebrate the work they do both in and outside of the office. Do you have employees that have organized green teams in their community? Or perhaps individuals who have initiated green programs (like recycling) in the office. Reward these efforts with recognition and resources like monetary bonuses or time off.
8. Educate staff.
Workplace sustainability initiatives are most successful when employees are inspired to take action together. Not sure how to take the first step? EarthShare’s Engage App offers ready-made employee engagement programs designed to create and grow green workplace culture and inspire staff to meet sustainability goals.
9. Offer benefits for sustainable commuters.
Reward employees who take public transit or bike to work by offering subsidies. Trending employee wants in 2021 have also shown a strong desire for flexible remote work. Allowing more teleworking options make employees happier, more productive, and fights traffic pollution at the same time!
Join EarthShare
When transitioning into a green, sustainable company, networking and resources are essential. We have you covered.
10. Take Part in EarthShare’s Earth Month Program for April 2022.
Discover how you can build a culture of sustainability at your company and make earth conservation and sustainability a permanent part of your company’s culture. Another great way to get involved is by joining the EarthShare business program for access to our giving and engagement platform, volunteering advisors, and American’s largest network of environmental organizations.
To learn more about our services or to talk to a member of our membership team, reach out to us today. Together, we emphasize the need for sustainable businesses and build a healthier, greener, more sustainable future for all.
