With growing concerns about the impact of the manufacturing industry on the environment, it's a good time to start thinking about how you can make your processes more sustainable.
The manufacturing industry receives a lot of scrutiny in this regard due to its high volume of input and output and use of energy in the process.
It can be quite daunting to consider large changes to the way your business operates but don't worry, you can start small and build up, even slight changes can see rewards for your business and allow it to operate more sustainably and better for the environment.
Need some more convincing? Here are our top advantages of becoming more sustainable.
Lower Costs
Who doesn't love to save a bit of money? Embracing sustainable manufacturing can often lower costs for your business. A change in your energy use from fossil fuels to cheaper renewable energy like solar or wind power can make operating your business much more affordable, as well as having less impact on the environment. Smart technology can also be used to regulate your energy consumption that will then mean you can save energy and reduce your overheads. The initial cost of these sustainable changes can be significant, but the saving over time makes up for it and then some. The payback period can be very short as well.
Greener options can also help you to be more efficient with your materials, giving you more value for money. Disposal costs can therefore also be reduced. Additionally, there are certain tax benefits and schemes surrounding the use of green energy that can reward you for taking a more sustainable route. The Government's recent green taxes page can let you know if you are eligible for this.
Improved Company Image
With more focus on how our lives affect the environment, the public is becoming more aware and seeking out a sustainable product. For this reason, it can greatly help your image to be known as doing what you can to ensure you're environmentally friendly. More people are placing value in green practices and so if you market yourself effectively, you can greatly improve your reputation with your existing customers and let potential customers know you are doing your bit.
New Market Opportunities
Sustainable measures can help you open up new markets that may be more strict about how your practices affect the environment. Ensuring that you do your best to go green means that you could be included in future prospects that would otherwise not be available to you. As an example, the government initiative Greening Government Commitments for 2016-2020 is one that is supportive in continuing buying greener products and services, your business could be part of similar initiatives that boost your reputation and income stream.
We hope we have helped you see the benefits of greener energy and how they can improve your business.