By: William Tehero Jr.

For a business owner, the concept of “Greening” a business can be painted with many colors.  One may be intimidated with the terms: Net Zero, Earth Friendly, Carbon Neutral, or Eco-Friendly, but greening is a reality that is here to stay. By adopting a vision to become more environmentally friendly, businesses will realize an increase in employee morale, positive public perception, and most importantly, an increase in the bottom line.  Contrary to popular opinion, a firm’s financial performance has no impact on employee happiness levels. According to a study from the Charlton College of Business at The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, employees are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs if they work for a company that’s perceived to be environmentally friendly. Another study completed by UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and the UCLA Anderson School of Management affirmed that, “Employees in green firms are more motivated, receive more training, and benefit from better interpersonal relationships.” Many employers often lament: “If only I had more trainable and disciplined employees, it would be so much easier.”  Perhaps implementing a change to embrace sustainable practices may be one of your answers to the woes of running a more efficient operation, resulting in more fulfilled employees.

From the eyes of a business owner‘s most important asset, the valued customer, having policies that support sound environmental stewardship can influence repeat business. Businesses have started to understand consumers’ attitudes towards environmental problems and have begun to provide “Green” products and services that provide an alternative for consumers.  There is a growing consumer base that do want to make a positive impact on the planet by choosing an item made from “recycled plastic,” “post-consumer recycled content,” or “made from fair-trade organic fabric.” Consumer buying behavior is influenced to a large degree, by ideals and perceptions; they will choose to open their wallets at a place of business for environmental, human, and personal welfare.  An organization that targets an altruistic individual who would rather spend his/her money on a product that has in some way “saved the planet” has a strategy that could affect sales in the long-term and increase margins at the same time.

A firm does not have to invest in micro wind turbines, solar panels, energy efficient windows and furnaces, geothermal heating systems, or exorbitant building certifications to take advantage of green strategies.  A business can implement cost-effective measures by assessing how waste can be reduced from each department: switch to LED lighting; start internal recycling programs; collaborate with external environmental stewardship programs and discuss earth friendly options with your supply chain. A business can take small steps to implement positive change such as giving out pens made out of recycled cardboard with your business name and logo.

The mindset to adopt a long-term program to transition to eco-friendly strategies must be woven into the fabric of a company’s culture; embraced by management and followed by employees to make this work.  As you watch your “green” program unfold, the course of positive flow will take place throughout your organization because you just allowed the synergy to flow…naturally.

Resources:

Why is it important to be green than to be profitable: http://www.inc.com

Employees at “green” companies are significantly more productive study finds: http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu

Green Marketing: A study of consumer attitude toward environmental friendly products: http://www.ccsenet.org