In the digital age, it’s becoming easier than ever to leverage the power of technology to implement eco-friendly ways of running a business. The internet has single-handedly spurred massive changes like remote work, which frees companies from having to rent expensive office space and lets employees cut down on driving. But there are several other solutions that are already making a substantial difference in the battle to use less energy and keep the natural environment as clean as possible.
For more than a decade, smart owners have converted to paperless offices, begun using electric cars and trucks in commercial fleets, installed environmentally friendly heating and cooling devices, encouraged the use of public transportation, and taken other measures to make sustainability a priority. Here are details about some of the specific methods that are making a positive difference for companies of all sizes.
Paperless Offices
Paperless offices are a great way to be more environmentally friendly and they made their debut in 2000 when a number of large East Coast law firms chose to convert to all-digital work systems. At first, the experiment was not very successful, but after a few attempts, the firms achieved their goal. Today, businesses all over the world and in every industry are saving money by eliminating paper-based operations. Several IT companies have introduced apps that make it easier for organizations to make the change to fully digitized work environments.
Fleets That Use Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Many don’t usually think of transport fleets when they envision environmental solutions. But many of today’s commercial fleet owners are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve sustainability goals. Not only are EVs much cleaner than combustion vehicles in terms of emissions, but they are fuel efficient and can save owners a substantial amount of money across the company’s operations. Electric trucks and cars require less maintenance, run quieter, and last longer than their combustion counterparts. Recent news that at least one major manufacturer will be selling large electric-powered trucks has led to widespread optimism that every facet of the industry could soon become electrified.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Office-based entities can slash their utility bills by implementing HVAC systems that are designed to monitor and minimize power consumption. Large spaces can achieve savings of as much as 50% compared to their original HVAC arrangements. Smaller offices can take a shortcut by installing programmable thermostats to reduce their monthly energy expenses.
Incentives for Public Transportation Use
Owners are getting creative in the 2020s as they face employee populations who want compensation for taking public transportation. Large corporations pioneered the concept that quickly spread throughout the commercial world. Ride payment plans are popping up in every industry and in organizations of all sizes. A typical arrangement is one in which ownership offers workers free or subsidized bus and light-rail passes.
Other plans give workers flat fee payments for walking or riding bicycles to work. Many local and state governments have gotten into the act by legislating tax incentives for companies that encourage employees to use public transport, walk, or carpool to their job locations. In major metropolitan areas, the plans can significantly impact vehicle emissions and air pollution levels in city centers.
