Achieving environmental sustainability for your business entails identifying methods to enhance resource efficiency and minimise waste. Here are some significant and minor ways to assist you and your business in becoming more environmentally sustainable.
Being environmentally sustainable can enhance a business’s efficiency and reduce operating costs. Environmentally sustainable businesses also typically achieve a stronger financial performance while safeguarding New Zealand’s natural environment for future generations.
To make your business more sustainable, starting with waste reduction is a beneficial step.
The first, easy step is to check if everything that enters your business is really necessary. Consider the packaging that your suppliers send you. Can it be decreased or recycled? Can they take it back to use again?
If possible, steer clear of low-quality products, materials and tools. These tend to turn into waste quickly, particularly single-use or disposable items and plastics.
As an example, Kōkako Organic Coffee Roasters, based in Auckland, reduces waste by asking suppliers to use less packaging when sending goods. They’re also in the process of switching to a returnable bucket system for wholesale coffee bean deliveries, which removes the need for packaging.
Investing in reusable cups, refillable soaps, and reusable hand towels or dryers is a smart choice, not only for the environment but also financially. Think about whether you or someone else can reuse leftover materials or equipment. Look into products that you can share or rent instead of owning.
A common practice is to use a simple three-bin system: landfill, recycling, and paper. Regularly check all bins to identify your biggest waste and consider adding a bin for the next most commonly used material. Involve your staff so they’re aware of the system.
Waste disposal varies in each region, so it’s crucial to check with your local council to learn about available options as this may impact your recycling process.
Your supply chain may also generate waste and by-products, so it’s worth examining what happens to your products at the end of their lifespan. Can you create, manufacture, or package them in a way that generates less waste? Consider the lifecycle of your products after both you and your consumers use them.
General waste resources — Ministry for the Environment
Myth: “The landlord/our cleaners are responsible for managing waste, and I don’t have much say in it.”
Fact: Generally, negotiating your own waste services is not difficult. You can request the current contractor to adjust their approach to suit your needs. Alternatively, you can locate your own waste companies to collaborate with you on matters such as recycling and food waste.
Travel, particularly air travel, is a substantial expense for many businesses. It contributes significantly to pollution and climate change, takes up considerable staff time, and can impact health and well-being. Reducing travel for you and your team is one of the most effective solutions. Avoiding driving during peak times is particularly beneficial as congestion can increase travel time, stress, and fuel consumption.
When choosing a location for your office or workshop, consider its proximity to public transportation and whether it’s convenient for people to store bikes and walking equipment. Encouraging your staff to walk, cycle, e-bike, or run to work can have a positive impact on the environment while also providing a significant boost to mental health and well-being.
Workplace cycle guide — NZ Transport Agency
Vehicle total cost of ownership tool — Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Adapting the way your staff works can help reduce your impact and save costs. Here are some ways you can encourage them to do so:
- Flexible working or working from home
- Using video conferencing
- Car sharing with planned routes to optimise each trip
- Choosing the most energy-efficient vehicles
- Providing training to your staff on fuel-efficient driving.
Lower energy transport — GEN LESS
Considering how you obtain your products and supplies is also crucial. Purchasing from local suppliers whenever feasible can reduce transportation needs. Additionally, seek advice from your couriers or delivery companies on how to consolidate and schedule deliveries effectively to minimise transportation use, particularly airfreight.
Reduce travel costs for businesses — NZTA
Cycling for business
People’s Coffee, a company based in Wellington, places a great emphasis on cycling not only for commuting but also for delivering its products. When one of their employees left to establish a cycle-courier package service called Nocar Cargo, People’s Coffee began employing them to make deliveries that previously needed a van.
More on People’s Coffee sustainability journey — Sustainable Business Network (SBN)
Leaks are one of the main causes of water wastage. If your premises have a water meter, check that all taps are turned off overnight and no water-using machines are left on. If the meter reading changes overnight, there may be a leak. If you cannot access your water meter, ask your landlord to help you.
Washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, showers, taps, and urinals are all potential sources of water wastage. Consider implementing water-saving measures such as:
- Installing low-flow showerheads, tap aerators, and dual-flush toilets
- Keeping hot water at the recommended 60ºC to avoid unnecessary mixing with cold water
- Checking for toilet leaks by adding a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. If the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, there may be a leak
If your site has a stormwater drain, take steps to prevent contamination by keeping litter, dirt, and soil runoff out of the drains. This will help prevent these materials from ending up in our rivers and seas.
Check with your local council to see if a litter filter is installed in the drain. If not, consider installing one and make sure to clean it regularly.
Be waterwise for businesses and organisations [PDF, 7.8 MB] — Watercare
Many New Zealand businesses can reduce their energy bills by up to 20% with a few simple changes. This also helps to lower pollution.
Follow these steps to reduce your energy consumption:
- Ensure your building is properly sealed and insulated.
- Check that heating and air conditioning are properly maintained.
- Choose the most energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, and equipment.
- Turn off all appliances when they’re not in use.
- Minimise the use of hot water when possible.
Schedule the use of high-energy machines outside of peak hours. Keep all equipment well-tuned and maintained. If your business relies on non-renewable energy sources like coal, gas, or diesel generators, consider switching to electricity or another more environmentally sustainable option.
Check your energy bills and account information to get an idea of how much energy you’re using and when. A smart meter can provide hourly updates on electricity usage.
Energy management for businesses — EECA
Lowering the temperature setting on your heater has the potential to reduce your bill by as much as 10%.
Making changes to your business’s purchasing habits can enhance its sustainability and can also be an influential tool for others.
Opt for products and services that demonstrate a dedication to sustainability, whenever possible. Certification schemes that have independently verified high standards are an excellent way to achieve this goal. For instance, selecting paper and cardboard that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can aid in promoting better forest management. Similarly, selecting Fairtrade products can aid in supporting the rights of workers and small-scale producers in local communities.
A brief guide to sustainability certifications — The Sustainable Business Network
You could enquire with suppliers about:
- Their sustainable options and any evidence supporting their sustainability claims.
- The origin of the products and the working conditions in which they are produced.
- Packaging details, such as the material used, disposal options, and if the supplier will take back the packaging.
- The potential for the product to be reused, recycled or repaired.
Many larger companies provide detailed sustainability information on their website, annual reports, or dedicated sustainability reports. If such information is not readily available, ask for it when requesting a quote. This information will make your products more appealing to environmentally conscious customers who are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.
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