~ by Chloe Taylor ~.

If you’ve been around the green business block over the past few years, you probably know that sustainable business operation entails low environmental impact, long-term utility savings and increased customer appeal. If your company hasn’t been a byword for eco-friendliness by now, however, 2017 is a good year to make some green changes. If you don’t know how to make your brand board the “environmentally safe” boat, here are a few smart and simple suggestions that will help you dial up your corporate game in line with hot and profitable green trends.

1. Office Appliances Gone Green

Energy Star office appliances have been growing increasingly popular in the past few years, and for a reason. Although they cost a tad more than non-energy efficient models, green office equipment is better for both the environment and your brand’s bottom line. When buying energy-saving technology for your office, check energy rating labels: more stars mean higher long-term energy savings.

2. Alternative Power Mode On

As global fuel supplies continue to dwindle, more and more brands are switching to alternative energy for an environmentally and financially viable change. For a clean and green power twist, go solar with your office power supply. The transition to solar energy will allow you to cut long-term electric bills, minimize your company’s ecological footprint, and perhaps even earn some cash by feeding surplus energy to the grid.

3. Go Paperless (or at Least PCW)

Many brands have gone paperless in the past couple of years, and you can make the switch, too. By replacing printed documents with digital data which you can store on a cloud service, you’ll drastically reduce the amount of paper waste and office storage space requirements while doing the environment a big favor. If you can’t go paperless in your workplace, you can at least switch to post-consumer waste paper, which requires 45% less energy to produce and entails a waste footprint that’s 50% lower compared to that of standard paper.

4. Switch to Green Office Lights

Another simple way to up your brand’s green game in 2017 is to switch to energy-efficient light. Although slightly more expensive as compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, CFL and LED lights last a dozen times longer and use significantly less energy. If you don’t know which type of lighting will work best for your workplace, you can consult with an industrial lighting expert and inquire about the most cost-efficient option based on office size, budget, and lighting requirements.

5. Recycle, Repurpose, Repeat

If your brand is not recycling waste already, now is the perfect time to start doing so. In addition to paper, electrical waste can be taken to the local recycling plant to minimize your company’s impact on the environment. Also, you can repurpose or reuse hardware such as desks, shelving, chairs, and other furniture for an extra dose of environmental safety and productivity-conducive workplace décor. Bonus point: participation in the community recycling programs may earn you a few dozen new green-minded customers.

6. Eco-Friendly Side of Cleaning

Biodegradable cleaning supplies are safer for the employees, the environment, and your brand’s bottom line. Swap commercial cleaning staples such as hand soap, dish liquid, glass cleaner, and bathroom cleaner which contain harmful chemicals with DIY or eco-friendly counterparts: it will allow you to prevent toxic waste from getting into the drainage system and polluting water and soil while attracting eco-conscious consumers and reducing office maintenance costs at the same time.

7. Save Water, Don’t Flush Cash

Water scarcity has become a pressing environmental concern in most third-world countries and it may not be long before it comes knocking on your town’s doors. Fortunately, you can help save the planet by outfitting water outlets with water-efficient extras such as faucet aerators and low-flow toilets and shower heads. You should also have a professional inspect the waterways around the office and fix any leaks or damaged pipes: it’s only a matter of time before a minor hitch evolves into a serious and costly problem. If your office has a lawn or backyard, you should switch to drought-tolerant landscape design to minimize water waste through regular upkeep.

In the world of business as it stands today, sustainability, success, and growth are synonymous with green office design. Are you ready to turn your corporate headquarters into a hotbed of comfort and peak profits? If your answer is ‘Yes’, don’t hesitate to put the tips above to use this year. It’ll help you improve brand image, reduce running costs, and do good by Mother Nature. Good luck with your green business moves!

Meet the Author: Chloe Taylor

Chloe is a young blogger and a huge fan of social media. She enjoys learning and writing about design, business, psychology, and productivity related topics. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. You can find Chloe on Facebook and Twitter.