Earth Month is here, and as we reflect upon our responsibility to the health of our planet, it’s important to remember that finding sustainable solutions for industrial settings should be a priority year-round. While we work to prioritize eco-friendly practices in our industries, we face numerous choices, from the shipping materials we use to our water usage and waste management— all of which can positively impact the environment while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Importance of Eco-Friendly Industrial Solutions
In 2024, companies worldwide are increasingly recognizing sustainability's importance for several key reasons:
- Increasing Operational Efficiency: Any reduction of waste and operating cost enhances overall efficiency and profitability.
- Achieving a Competitive Edge: Prioritizing sustainability will draw new customers and can help make your organization or company stand out amongst competitors.
- Securing Long-Term Success: Sustainable practices prepare businesses for future challenges, which can ensure long-term viability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to environmental laws and non-legally enforced standards alike not only helps companies avoid costly legal issues, but also encourages innovation.
- Improving and Safeguarding Brand Reputation: Public (and authentic) efforts towards sustainability creates loyalty and trust from consumers, further bolstering brand reputation.
The Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Approach: The Facts
There's a lot of evidence that proves the benefits of being a leader in sustainability within the industrial sector. Ernst & Young report that 40% of industrial sector CEOs consider being a sustainability leader an effective cost-cutting approach that gives them a leg up over the competition, meaning that going green can be good for business, both on a financial and strategic level. A recent study by The Kantar Group found that purpose-driven businesses experienced an impressive 175% growth between 2008 and 2020, compared to just 70% growth for brands with lower purpose. The meaning is clear: having a clear purpose not only helps a business grow but also sets it up for sustainable practices.
Consumer favor is also moving towards companies that sincerely care about the environment and sustainable development and take action to prove it. According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), about 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that takes a clear stand on environmental issues, showing how important it is for companies to be environmentally responsible when it comes to attracting and holding on to customers. Moreover, the majority of business leaders believe companies committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies will outlast their competitors. PwC found that 88% of business leaders feel this way, further proving how focusing on ESG practices and principles can give a business a real competitive edge.
Suppliers and Logistics: Things to Consider
The critical first step towards building a sustainability initiative is evaluating your supplier’s practices as well as their locations. Any company that’s committed to eco-friendly operations has to make sure it’s working with suppliers who have the same values and practices. For example, through its ESG initiatives, Global Industrial has committed itself to environmental sustainability by addressing:
- Geographical Impact on our communities
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Energy use and mindfulness
- Environmentally friendly solutions
- Natural resource conservation
Global Industrial equipment is often made with sustainability in mind. Considering location when it comes to suppliers is also crucial. Local suppliers often require fewer resources for transportation, while national suppliers with distribution centers nearby can help reduce transportation distances and costs, thus lowering the environmental impact.
Shipping Materials
Evaluate materials based on sustainability and make changes where better options are available. There are a wide array of sustainable packaging options available on the market for practically all industrial settings.
Paper Use
Install things like hand dryers and automatic paper towel dispensers to reduce your facility’s paper waste.
Water Usage
Installing water bottle filling stations and water-saving devices like high-efficiency toilets will reduce water and waste plastics consumption in your facilities and further reduce its environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency
Switching to LED lightbulbs and favoring electric tools like electric snowblowers over gas-powered ones, replacing inefficient heat pumps with eco-friendly solutions, and monitoring solar panel efficiency can greatly reduce power consumption, saving your company money and decreasing carbon footprints simultaneously. Affordable and clean energy sources should also be prioritized.
Air Quality Control
Regularly replacing air filters and purifiers improves both efficiency and indoor air quality, making for a healthier work environment and improved employee morale.
Waste Management
The use of biodegradable products like and recycling bins will reduce waste and encourage better recycling practices. Food service waste in your facility is a great place to start- consider looking into things like recycled paper cups and sustainable utensils.
These are some of the major building blocks to a sustainability plan, and by introducing these initiatives, industrial spaces of all kinds can significantly reduce their environmental impact, improve and maintain operational efficiency, save money, and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for both your company and the planet itself.
The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional. Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.