Coral Pearce-Mariner, of Evander examines whether construction firms should implement sustainable solutions into their company policy…
Due to a rise in consumer awareness and the growing scientific evidence of mankind’s impact on planet Earth, environmental considerations and long-term sustainability should be a priority for businesses in all markets and sectors. Of course, many companies are already embracing the inevitable changes in policy that we’ll all eventually have to make.
As the world moves into this new era of social and environmental responsibility for businesses, it’s important for every company to keep up with the changes, challenges and guidelines. Safeguarding your business’ place within the market is likely to mean recognising and addressing the environmental impacts of what you do. For construction companies and for those working in the home improvement industry in particular, these responsibilities should already be fully understood and action should already be being taken due to the high energy and raw material usage common in this sector.
As a general rule, customers are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and their expectation is that businesses should do the same. The Natural Marketing Institute has conducted a survey which has found consumers are 58% more likely to buy products or services from environmentally aware businesses. Additionally, it’s important to note that they’re also prepared to spend up to 20% more for an ‘environmentally sound’ product or service. However, implementing ‘green’ policies is not just for more loyal and improved custom – its benefits go much further.
From a purely practical perspective, the future of governance and regulations surrounding environmentally-friendly business policy should also be a motivating factor for business owners and CEOs. Businesses in a variety of markets are already being given guidelines on emissions, waste reduction and sustainability, and these restrictions are likely to grow in scope and develop over time. It’s within any business’ interest to get the basics sorted so that future red tape becomes easier to deal with.
Waste management, both from both a resource and refuse perspective, is the cornerstone of environmental responsibility. Ensuring that recycling is available and possible, whether you’re dealing with construction materials or office paperwork, for example, is basic but fundamental. From a resource perspective managing waste is about ensuring things are done correctly the first time. If you are organised enough to know exactly how much of a certain product or material to buy in order to complete the work efficiently, then there will be less waste and fewer mistakes. Checking your supply line to see if the materials and products you’re purchasing are from environmentally conscious sources is also important. Using as few resources as possible for any job undertaken – big or small – will have a positive knock-on effect to the majority of departments.
Considering the environment in all aspects of your company can be a time-consuming and seemingly difficult task. By enlisting the help of a regulatory body such as the NQA (National Quality Assurance) and using their experience, knowledge, resources and guidance to attain the ISO 14001 Environmental Certification, you’ll get a good foundation to build upon as we move into a new era of sustainability.
Coral Pearce-Mariner
Copywriter & Marketing Assistant
Evander
