How to maintain sustainability in the workplace in 2024

Why is sustainability in the workplace important?

Sustainability in the workplace means doing things in a way that helps the environment.

It’s a big deal because it helps businesses have a good name, keeps employees feeling good about where they work, saves money in the long run, and most importantly, contributes to a cleaner environment.

Studies and stats show that more and more people want their workplaces to be eco-friendly. 

According to Smart Way 2, over 50% of employees won’t work for a business that doesn’t strongly commit to social or environmental causes.

Furthermore, 75% of people say they feel happier in their job when they get chances to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues.

So, understanding sustainability in the workplace is like finding the sweet spot where everyone, including the planet, wins. Let’s explore this more as we go along.

8 innovative strategies for sustainable workplaces

Let’s explore in detail eight smart moves businesses make to create more environmentally friendly workplaces.

Renewable energy usage

Here are steps you can take:

• You can use solar panels on buildings to get energy from the sun.
• Wind turbines can be set up to make electricity from the wind.
• Buying renewable energy credits helps support projects that make clean energy.

Zero-waste policies

Imagine a workplace where everything gets used, reused, or recycled. That’s what zero-waste policies aim for. They help the environment and can make your company look good.

Here are steps you can take:

• Start recycling programs to throw away things the right way.
• Use things like mugs and containers that can be used again, instead of using things you throw away.
• Work with waste management companies that are good at recycling and managing waste.

Sustainable sourcing

Where businesses get their materials matters. Sustainable sourcing means getting materials in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. 

Here are steps you can take:

• Choose suppliers who are good at being eco-friendly and use materials that are good for the environment.
• Support using wood in products that comes from forests that are managed well.
• Make sure everyone knows where materials come from to see how it affects the environment.

Green technology integration

Technology can be a big help in sustainability. Companies are using energy-efficient appliances and smart systems to save energy and reduce their overall impact on the environment.

Here are steps you can take:

• Get new office machines that don’t use a lot of energy.
• Use smart systems that control lights and temperature based on if people are there or not.
• Use computer programs to watch and control how much energy is used.

Eco-friendly commuting

Encouraging employees to use eco-friendly commuting options, like biking or carpooling, reduces the environmental impact of daily travel to work.

Here are steps you can take:

• Make it easy for people to bike to work by having places to lock bikes and showers.
• Encourage people to share rides to work and give them special parking spaces.
• Help with the cost of public transportation to get more people to use buses or trains.

Remote work solutions

Here are steps you can take:

• Let people work from home so they don’t have to travel to the office.
• Give people the tools they need to work together when they are not in the same place.
• Use less office space, which means less energy and less travel for work.

Water conservation measures

Water is precious, and some companies are taking steps to save it. Efficient plumbing systems and awareness campaigns about water conservation contribute to a sustainable workplace.

Here are steps you can take:

• Put in things like toilets and faucets that don’t use a lot of water.
• Teach everyone how to use water the right way to not waste it.
• Check regularly for leaks and fix them fast.

Employee education programs

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to sustainability. 

So, educate your employees about eco-friendly practices to empower them to contribute to a greener workplace.

You can delve into topics like:

• Waste reduction: How to sort and recycle waste in the office properly.
• Energy conservation: Tips on saving energy in the workplace, such as turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use.
• Sustainable commuting: Encouraging alternative commuting methods like carpooling, biking, or using public transportation.
• Water conservation: Educating employees on responsible water usage in the office kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• Sustainable sourcing: Understanding the concept of sustainable sourcing and its environmental impact.
• Green technology: Explaining the benefits of energy-efficient office equipment and technology.
• Carbon footprint awareness: Explaining the concept of a carbon footprint and how daily activities contribute.
• Community engagement: Involving employees in local environmental initiatives or cleanup events.

These strategies are real actions that companies are taking to create environmentally friendly workplaces. 

How to measure and communicate your sustainability efforts

Having strategies for environmental sustainability is the first step. However, you need to ensure these strategies are maintained and well-monitored. So, here are tips on how you can measure and communicate your sustainability efforts effectively.

Set clear goals

Start by deciding what you want to achieve with sustainability. For example, plan to use 20% less energy in the next year. Make sure your goals are clear, so everyone understands what needs to be done.

Track resource consumption

Keep an eye on how much energy, water, and resources your workplace uses. Use tools to measure and regularly check to see where you use the most. Find ways to improve and use things more wisely.

Monitor waste reduction

Keep track of how much waste your workplace produces. See if your efforts to reduce waste are working. If you’re recycling or using fewer things, it’s good to know if it’s making a difference.

Employee engagement metrics

Measure how much your coworkers are involved in sustainability. Keep track of who joins training, takes part in green activities, and goes to awareness events. Recognize and reward those who actively contribute.

Calculate cost savings

Count how much money you save by being sustainable. Look at bills, waste costs, and expenses before and after going green. This helps see if being eco-friendly is also good for the wallet.

Evaluate supplier sustainability

Check if the companies you get things from are doing things sustainably. Make a list of things like ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices. Keep an eye on them regularly to make sure they’re still doing well.

Assess carbon footprint

Measure how much greenhouse gas your workplace produces. Use tools to calculate emissions from energy, transportation, and other activities. It’s like figuring out how much your workplace affects the air around us.

Analyze social impact

See how your sustainability efforts help the community. Count things like job creation and support for local causes. This is about understanding how your workplace contributes to making the neighborhood better.

Customer feedback

Ask customers what they think about your sustainability efforts. Use simple surveys or reviews to understand their thoughts. This helps know if your customers appreciate your efforts to be more eco-friendly.

Benchmark against industry standards

Compare how well your sustainability efforts are doing with what other companies are doing. Find out where you’re doing well and where you can do better by looking at what others in your industry are doing.

Regular reporting

Share updates regularly. Use your website, newsletters, and meetings to keep everyone informed about your sustainability progress. This helps everyone in the company know what’s happening and how well you’re doing in being environmentally friendly.

Communication tips

As a leader, you have to lead by example so your team can follow your steps. 

According to a Better Up, leading by example increases employee morale, builds trust and respect, fosters a positive work culture, and increases productivity.

So to better lead by example and communicate with your team effectively, you can try these:

• Use simple language: Talk about sustainability in simple words. Avoid using hard words that might be confusing.
• Utilize multiple latforms: Share news in different ways. Put it on your website, on social media, and in newsletters so everyone can see.
• Visualize achievements: Make pictures or charts to show what you’ve achieved. This makes it easier for everyone to understand and remember.
• Celebrate milestones: You can say a simple “well done” when you reach goals. This could be reducing waste or saving energy. Celebrating keeps everyone happy and motivated.
• Seek feedback: Ask people what they think. Use surveys or meetings to find out what they like and what could be better. This can make them feel a sense of involvement and fulfillment with the team.
• Integrate sustainability into training programs: Teach new employees and keep reminding everyone about sustainability in training. Make sure everyone understands why being eco-friendly is essential for the company. This helps create a work culture where sustainability is a part of daily routines.

By following these steps and communicating your sustainability efforts effectively, you can show everyone that you care about the planet and your company. 

Implement these sustainability strategies today

Sustainability isn’t just about being eco-friendly; it sets the stage for long-term success:

• Business reputation: Being sustainable improves your company’s image, building trust with customers and stakeholders.
• Employee satisfaction: Engaged employees create a positive workplace, boosting morale and a sense of purpose.
• Cost savings: Sustainable practices often lead to lower costs over time, contributing to long-term financial health.

Embrace sustainability as a continuous improvement process. Small steps today lead to significant impacts tomorrow. This is the case whether you’re real estate or technology.

Integrating sustainable practices isn’t just good for business—it’s good for everyone. Businesses thrive, employees flourish, and the planet benefits. The path to a sustainable workplace is a journey worth taking—one that leads to lasting success and well-being for all.