Running a sustainable business PART 1
Part 1 - Power down
At Ralph, we are passionate about operating sustainably and responsibly. It’s not just lip service, we’ve made small changes to the way we operate to ensure we are doing everything we can, within our control to limit the impact of our business on the environment and the planet we love. We haven’t got it perfect, there is still a lot to learn about operating sustainably, but we wanted to share our learnings to date in this three part series. Part 1 is all about Power.
Switch off
It’s a simple thing, but remembering to turn off equipment when it’s not being used, like turning off computers at the end of the day, can make a huge difference. By turning devices off, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 25% and switching computers off at the end of the day can save you an additional 50%.
Replace old equipment with newer more efficient versions
If you are operating equipment that is 3-5+ years old, then it’s likely there are newer, more efficient models available. By recycling your old equipment and upgrading to newer more efficient technology, then you will save on the power you are using.
Buy 100% UK renewable energy
If your business is in a position to directly procure its own energy supply, then 100% UK renewable energy is the only truly sustainable option. There are only two providers in the UK, Good Energy and Ecotricity. Beware of other suppliers offering ‘green tariffs’ where the energy is not actually from renewable sources, but rather they authenticate their ‘green’ energy through green-washing and off-setting. These tariffs are better than non-green tarifs, but the 100% UK renewable tariffs from Good Energy and Ecotricity are the only truly clean energy tariffs available in the UK. Check out:
www.goodenergy.co.uk
www.ecotricity.co.uk
Green web hosting
Your business website runs 24-7 and collectively the internet is causing an enormous amount of damage to the environment. By choosing green hosting, you can ensure your website is reducing carbon rather than increasing it. Green web hosts use a variety of activities to create their sustainable credentials, including using renewable energy or carbon off-setting the environmental cost of their running servers and infrastructure. Most green hosts costs are the same or cheaper than non-green hosting options. Check out:
www.greengeeks.com
www.green-hosting.co.uk
www.ecohosting.co.uk
Committing to running a sustainable business can be confusing, but you don’t need to go all out! Even adopting one of our suggestions can make a difference. Look out for our part 2 on running a sustainable business, which focuses on reducing consumption and minimising waste and part 3 on getting everyone involved!
We’d love to hear your ideas on running a sustainable business. Please feel free to share your ideas with us.
