Business Sustainability Services - More Than Just A Gimmick

Many businesses feel that social responsibility and environmental policies represent

no more than a nod to the green lobby and perhaps dont take the issue of sustainability quite as seriously as they should. This is a fundamental error for two reasons. First, while they may not be paid up members of Greenpeace or any other eco- friendly organisation, most young people under the age of 40 tend to sympathise strongly with the aims and aspirations of these bodies and constitute a very powerful but silent pro-green majority. They may be customers or they may be employees. Either way, sensible businesses will want to keep them onside and acting as both ambassadors and advocates.

Secondly, todays Social Media constitutes a hugely powerful weapon that can mobilise opinion on a global scale within a few hours. News about any form of environmental abuse can spread like a wildfire and destroy a companys reputation overnight. The time is probably fast approaching when businesses will be ranked in league tables according to their green credentials.

In recognition of these very real threats to corporate reputations, most larger companies are now making conscious efforts to monitor and, where necessary, reduce their carbon footprints and to focus on the sustainability of their products and services. Quite apart from anything else, this forms an important element of employer branding.

The best place to start an evaluation of sustainability levels in any business is to conduct an internal or, preferably, an external sustainability audit. There are a number of very good independent consultants out there who do this kind of work while most of the top accountancy firms now have specialist teams who provide such audits and other sustainability services. Even when a company has passed muster in respect of its current operations, it needs to plan ahead and ensure that it is provided with ideas and strategies to improve on its existing green footprint in future years.

Finally, every well- managed company will understand that sustainability services are not just about product and employer branding, there is also a very strong financial incentive to become more efficient and reduce consumption of as many basic commodities as possible. As world economic growth recovers, particularly in emerging markets, demand pressures on most commodities are bound to inflate prices. Relatively modest sums spent now on sustainability audits and innovation to reduce direct and indirect use of carbon based fuels and other raw materials should pay off in spades.

by: Brendan Wilde

POST COMMENT

Ways To Save Money In Having Your Own Business Insurance Chicago Benefits Of Using Blogs For Business How Can Payroll Services Simplify Your Business? Independent Contractor Or Hvac Repair Business? Window Film Reduces Costs For Your Business Ways On How To Become Successful In Your Plumbing Business Sample Of A Business Plan Will Give You A Fair Idea Of Writing Great Business Plans How To Become A Successful Businessman? Reasons For Taking Corporate Law Attorney For Business Majors Advantages Of Utilizing Business Consulting Services Small Business Loans Apply Here For Fast Small Business Loans Funds Stress Free Unsecured Business Loans Lenders Found Here At Unsecuredbizloan How Eb5 Investment Visa Can Help In Growing Business