Incorporating Sustainability into Your Safety Program

A lot of companies are starting to embrace the push for sustainability. Organizations often list “environmental stewardship” or something similar as a core value. This doesn’t appear to be a phase that we as a society are going through. Respect for the environment is quickly becoming a standard trait that is expected of all successful businesses - big and small.

Sure, the government might regulate environmental protection. But sustainability goes beyond what they require. And the fact is, there are some real benefits to incorporating sustainability into your business operations.

Benefits of Incorporating Sustainability

Attract consumers, employees, and investors

People appreciate businesses that are doing good for their community and their environment. This is especially true of the younger generation - millennials and other young adults. Consumers are more likely to buy products from a company that practices sustainable habits. Employees and investors have the same thought process. They’d rather take part in something that promotes positive change.

Increase productivity and reduce costs

Simple acts can go a long way in reducing cost. For instance, installing LED lights might mean an investment upfront, but it’s going to save you money in the long run. The same goes for other energy conservation efforts. Turning off unused lights, equipment, etc. and insulating buildings will save on your monthly energy consumption bills.

Prepare for compliance

As you know, federal and state regulations are constantly evolving. It’s likely that compliance requirements are only going to get tougher in the years to come. By implementing a sustainability program into your organization, you’re giving yourself a jump-start. Prepare for new laws and regulations by adjusting your habits, trends, and environmental impacts now.

How to Incorporate Sustainability

The first thing you need to do is get your team on board. Train your workers on the importance of sustainability. Educate them on why you’re making these efforts within the company.

Then, you need to hold yourself accountable. Don’t just let “Think Green!” be something you post on your company wall. Lay the foundation and set some ground rules into place. Conduct surveys, perform environmental audits, and communicate progress.

A great way to incorporate sustainability is by using a software system that can make the job easier for you.

Sustainability Software

Sustainability software makes it easy for you to collect data and hold yourself accountable. Gather, track, and measure your sustainability efforts and analyze your data to measure progress. With software systems in place, you can monitor things like energy and resource consumption, waste production, recycling, carbon emissions, and more. Save time and reduce errors by using a reliable EHS software program. With EHS Insight, you can easily incorporate sustainability into your company's safety program.

See what Sustainability Software can do for your EHS program.