Businesses nowadays are focusing on developing strategies that can encourage audiences to trust them. One such method is sustainable practices that emerged a few years ago. Today, it is not just a strategy but an approach that emphasizes business practices that can protect the environment. Since the consumer of this era desires more knowledge about the product and the company to ensure fair practices, it is crucial to be transparent. Companies have some responsibilities toward the community and society. Hence, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a necessity for organizations.
With time, sustainability has become a discipline and a degree program for students to acquire essential skills. Firms need to consider all the stakeholders during planning because environmental safety is as critical as any other business practice. Abiding by the rules for sustainable practices is mandatory for companies. Now, hiring authorities demand personnel with expertise in sustainable practices; therefore, teaching students about compliances and trends is crucial.
According to NASA, 95 percent of human activities damage the earth’s environment, so the corporate world must play its role to save Mother Nature by going green. Sustainable practices are essential for all industries to protect the environment. Following acceptable practices and going green can help a company enhance brand image, get a competitive edge in the market, reduce costs, and enjoy higher revenues. Everybody talks about a company’s duty toward the environment and its surroundings, but why is sustainability so important for businesses? Several reasons can justify its importance and the rising demand for sustainability degree in the corporate world. Here are some of the reasons for your better understanding.
ENHANCE BRAND IMAGE AND EARN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
According to a survey, approximately 58 percent of people purchase goods or services from a company after knowing their sustainability practices. In simpler words, a firm’s focus on going green improves its brand image. The more you contribute to sustainability, the better the reputation. Getting a competitive edge gets more straightforward. Encouraging such efforts penetrates deep in society over time, and customer loyalty increases too. However, the entire brand image is at stake if the company does not do as it claims.
1. COST REDUCTION AND INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
By sustainable practices, companies develop plans to streamline processes, improve all employees’ efficiency, and reduce costs. Going green also conserves energy and promotes reducing and reusing concepts that also make a business cost-efficient. Installing a geothermal or all-in-one heating and cooling system, solar power sources, and wall insulation are some of the expensive efforts a business has to make. However, the impact in the long run is fruitful for the companies.
2. COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS
Governments across the world are enacting regulations to save the environment. All organizations are obligated to contribute to the government’s cause. Nevertheless, motivating all the employees to follow the rules individually may not be sufficient. On the contrary, sustainable business practices can help a firm comply with the laws at all costs.
3. ATTRACT NEW TALENT AND INVESTORS
The new generation of students is well-informed about the going green campaigns, and companies need fresh graduates to enhance business growth. Attracting new talent only by a competitive salary and employee benefits may not be practical every time. On the other hand, the sustainability strategies of an organization always attract new talent.
Amidst the employees, companies need investors to assist their financial needs. One method of attracting high profile investors is discussing sustainable business practices.
4. CONTRIBUTE TO WASTE REDUCTION
All firms seek better revenue and profit, customer trust, and loyalty, but as humans, everybody has some responsibilities toward the surroundings. Personally, contributing to waste reduction is vital and noble, but organizations must follow green practices to contribute to the cause at a larger scale. Entrepreneurs can help save the ozone from depletion and organize plantation drive for healthier air. Moreover, recycling efforts can significantly reduce waste on the planet. Did you know that 71 percent of businesses play a significant role in waste on earth? Taking proactive steps, such as implementing efficient business waste collection, can contribute to the larger goal of reducing waste.
5. SATISFIED SHAREHOLDERS OF THE ORGANIZATION
The entire sustainability concept for businesses revolves around one idea, i.e., a better company profile. Shareholders have an essential role in companies – making them happy is one of the biggest challenges for all managers globally. A sustainability strategy can help; however, it is not easy to implement any of the practices. Once a company implements, employee morale increases, affecting productivity, and better productivity leads to higher profits. When profits are high, shareholders are happy, and so are all other employees of a company. In a nutshell, sustainability brings a win-win situation for everyone.
6. ENSURE EMPLOYEE RETENTION
Retaining talented employees is a tricky job, especially when the market has become extremely competitive. Individuals want to work with stable companies with good brand names. Attracting them with a competitive market salary is easy, but what about employee retention? According to research, employee turnover costs a business $3.8 billion monthly, and three-quarters of the employees leave within the first five years of employment. A company’s efforts to make the environment green attracts new talent and motivates existing employees to stay and reduce turnover.
SUMMING IT UP
A positive brand image results in profits, which make shareholders happy. Ultimately, the overall company profile gets better. If you haven’t adopted green practices, start working on the strategy now and enjoy all the benefits you can, along with keeping the environment clean and healthy.