Taking the right steps towards sustainability

Legal: Birkett Long LLP

The important thing about each sustainability journey is that we are all taking steps in the right direction.

Businesses will find that they are coming under increasing pressure from all stakeholders to have an environmental business plan, and Birkett Long is no different. We have a plan and have advised other businesses on preparing their own, and helped produce their annual sustainability reports.

Energy is a vital component of these plans. Reducing energy consumption or changing to a ‘greener’ source will help you answer questions from your customers, owners, shareholders, regulators and employees, and even your bank. Additionally, it will save your business money and help you win contracts, especially with national and local government and larger businesses, who will require proof of your sustainability credentials.

Forming a strategy

To build a sustainable business, start by ensuring you have a sustainability plan that is supported at all levels of the organisation. Establishing a ‘green team’ can help generate ideas, drive engagement and ensure accountability. Leadership involvement is key to making it a success.

It is also important to assess your environmental impact. Consultants can assist with this and we can help appoint the right ones. In addition, improving energy use and management is a key focus. Small but impactful changes, such as using timers for equipment and ensuring it is energy-efficient, and switching to renewable energy suppliers, can make a significant difference.

Another area to focus on is improving energy efficiency in your premises. Simple actions like ensuring equipment is turned off when not in use, improving insulation and ventilation, and investing in solar panels can significantly reduce energy waste and costs. Making necessary changes to your premises can further cut energy consumption, but legal guidance may be required.

Sustainability is more than just improving energy use. Another key focus is waste management. Prioritising prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery before disposal can make a substantial difference. Additionally, businesses should focus on water efficiency and explore ways to promote more sustainable transport and travel arrangements for employees and deliveries.

However, a word of warning. Do not indulge in ‘greenwashing’. The Advertising Standards Authority and other regulators are clamping down on businesses that make false claims. Birkett Long has assisted various clients to ensure that what they say can be justified and won’t risk enforcement action.

A valuable resource for businesses looking to begin their sustainability journey is the Essex County Council’s ‘Business Advice Pack’, which offers practical guidance on implementing sustainable practices.

By taking even small steps toward sustainability, businesses can reap both environmental and financial benefits. The key is to start now, ensuring that changes are aligned with long-term success and growth.