As soon as you mention the words "go green", most CEOs usually roll their eyes and declare that it's something they would like to do but just can't afford at the moment. However this stance could be robbing organisations of opportunities to improve their bottom line and at risk of losing market share.
In today's business world, running a lean and green business is not only good for the environment - it's downright essential to staying relevant and competitive. Discover some key areas of focus when beginning your green journey.
With energy costs steadily on the rise, organisations must take sensible measures to cut their energy use. By following some simple, yet logical steps, you will reap the rewards of their energy efficiency - not only in carbon emissions but also in your back pocket.
There are a number of new government initiatives to help businesses reduce their impact on the environment. The Australian Government has allocated $240 million over four years to establish Clean Business Australia, a grant package aimed at tackling climate change. It aims to improve energy and water efficiency and increase sustainability, with a focus on productivity and innovation.
Most people naturally recycle their waste at home but find it difficult to apply this habit at work. Even though employees generally understand the values of recycling, waste management in the office needs to be planned very carefully.
Often the impact of far reaching policy initiatives are only considered in relation to their effect on major corporations, but with small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) making up 80% of Australian businesses, the challenge of climate change will be hardest felt by these organisations.
Organisations that wish to grow profitably in the future must focus their efforts to benefit shareholders, society and the environment simultaneously.
Corporate responsibility can no longer be viewed as a discretionary activity. Ethical behaviour goes hand in hand with reputation and to ignore its strategic implications is, at best, short-sighted.
The benefits of early action on climate change are reduced costs, improved public image and reduced impacts of future compliance requirements. As importantly, it will mean profits and growth, and gaining a competitive edge.
Small to medium-sized enterprises account for about 90 percent of businesses worldwide and are responsible for 50-60 percent of employment. As such, they play a fundamental role in society and can potentially have a huge impact on social welfare.
Here are 10 tips that will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of a typical office without breaking the bank.
Important business values that set a business apart from its competitors and attract staff easily include:
Assessing a corporation's performance may become easier with the introduction of a less complex sustainable balanced scorecard with a single indicator outcome.
Businesses are increasingly under pressure to remain globally competitive. To secure success, decision-makers must recognise the need for fundamental change in organisational structure, management of diverse workforces and corporate culture.
Change happens so fast now that no organisation can be profitable and sustainable in the long-term unless it ensures that it makes a positive contribution to the world of the future.
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