With the UK committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050, the pressure is on for businesses to introduce strategies in the workplace and play their part in helping reach this target.
As well as environmental gains, sustainability in the workplace can support economic and social aspects, benefitting both businesses and the planet. Here’s how:
- Environmental impact
Embracing sustainability practices reduces a company’s carbon footprint. Simple steps like energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction and responsible sourcing of materials can significantly decrease environmental harm.
- Cost savings
Sustainability measures often lead to cost savings. Reduced energy consumption and waste minimisation translate to lower utility bills and operational expenses, ultimately boosting the bottom line.
- Legal compliance
Many countries now have stringent environmental regulations in place. Companies that fail to comply with these laws may face fines and legal challenges. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can avoid such issues and safeguard their reputation.
- Employee engagement
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. By championing sustainability, employers can attract and retain top talent and foster a motivated workforce.
- Brand reputation
Consumers are becoming more conscious of where they spend their money. Companies known for their sustainability efforts enjoy a positive brand image, which can lead to increased customer loyalty.
- Competitive advantage
In a crowded marketplace, sustainability can set a company apart from its competitors. Businesses that prioritise sustainability often find themselves ahead of the curve, attracting eco-conscious clients and partners.
- Resilience and longevity
Sustainable practices promote long-term resilience by conserving resources and ensuring business continuity. This is especially important in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.
Sustainability in the workplace is not just a responsibility but an opportunity for businesses to thrive. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, save costs, enhance their reputation and remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.
Sustainability at the 3M BIC
Becoming more sustainable is very important to us at the 3M BIC. Collectively, we are driven to reduce our impact on the environment, minimise our energy use where possible and develop more sustainable operating practices across the business.
We have a rainwater harvesting system, which is used as part of the toilet flushing system, a waste management process that focuses on reduce, reuse and recycling and we convert our food waste into bioenergy.
We are also implementing an improved procurement process which cuts out single-use plastics and have updated our supply chain to only procure produce from sustainable and locally sourced providers.
And that’s just the start. We have longer-term plans to introduce systems and technology that will make the building more sustainable and energy efficient.
Our environmental steering group consisting of 3M BIC team members and businesses meets regularly to discuss ways we can reduce our impact and promote good practice. Several of our businesses have EcoVadis sustainability ratings.
To learn more about the 3M BIC’s environmental policy and sustainability pledge, head here.
