Doing business better: simple steps towards a more sustainable future

Lighting, heating and running computers all require energy. Paper waste and water consumption generate emissions while business travel – for meetings or court appearances – all add to the carbon footprint.

Taking steps to run your practice more sustainably can help both to reduce that footprint, and potentially cut costs.

In a world where clients, investors and regulators increasingly expect firms to show that they are taking meaningful action to reduce their impact, being environmentally responsible is also fast becoming a license to operate.

An environmental audit impact is the first step towards understanding the impact your organisation is having, and developing a robust action plan based around agreed targets for reducing consumption and waste.

Here are a few things to think about as you plan your own audit.

Manage your supply chain

Your overall environmental impact isn’t just about how you operate – it includes the impact of all the businesses you work with along the supply chain, from energy providers to IT support to cleaners.

Your supply chain also includes your clients, whose requirements and expectations drive the way you operate.

Setting and communicating clear sustainability standards to all stakeholders, backed up by robust processes (including contracts and other documentation) due diligence and monitoring will help to drive up sustainability performance across the chain.

Cut the waste

There are some simple practical steps you can take to reduce consumption and cut down on waste.

Going paperless as far as possible, and using recycled paper where it can’t be avoided is one of the most obvious small changes you can make.

Virtual meetings cut down on business travel. Reusable coffee cups, water bottles and cutlery reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastic.

When it comes to energy, switching to energy efficient lighting and turning equipment off when not in use are small changes that can have a big impact in terms of both sustainability and the bottom line.

You could also ask your energy provider for advice and guidance on cutting energy consumption and reducing your carbon footprint.

Take control of your energy use

Smart meters offer another simple and effective way to manage your energy consumption and be more sustainable.

If you are with a supplier that provides them, the smart meter display can help you monitor how much energy you’re using and when.

If you can’t get a smart meter display, your supplier will provide that information by default starting this October.

Over time, you’ll be able to identify patterns and work out where you can make changes to cut down – a huge benefit for any practice trying to manage costs.

This could help you in terms of understanding the likely impact of taking on more people, or investing in new equipment – all crucial to making informed decisions about the future of your business.

Creating a greener future

As well as helping reduce the environmental impact of your own practice, smart meters have a part to play in creating a greener future for everyone.

Smart meters provide energy suppliers with more accurate information about energy use patterns, which means they can understand the energy use of their customers better.

They can use this information to develop tariffs that encourage customers to use less energy at peak times, which helps them to manage demand.

That reduces the maximum amount of energy needed in the system, enabling us to make more use of renewables and rely less on fossil fuels.

As a business, you can then look at how to adapt your operations to take advantage of these lower tariffs, cutting your own costs at the same time as helping to make our energy system more efficient. It’s a win-win.

If you’d like to know more, talk to your energy supplier about getting a smart meter.

You can agree the time and date that best suits you to have it installed, so there’s no disruption to your business.

You may be eligible for a smart meter whether you own or rent your premises.

You may need to check with your landlord that changes to your meters are allowed within your rental contract.

Alternatively, if your landlord pays the energy bills, contact them and ask if they are planning to get one for your building.