5 Simple Ways to Make Environmentally Friendly Changes for Your Building

Julie Starr • February 28, 2022



Making more sustainable choices in business is something that more and more consumers are demanding from companies. It isn’t enough now to remove the use of plastic, for example, from your packaging or supplies; looking at your overall business practices, buildings, and environment can further cement your commitment and improve your customer relations at the same time. A recent study found that over 55% of people are willing to pay more for products or services from companies with a vested interest in promoting ethical or green practices . This further reinforces that consumer habits influence their spending and who they do business with.

If you are looking to make eco-friendly upgrades , it is essential to remember that to be fully sustainable; you need to use existing products where possible until they have reached the end of their lifespan or donate them to a facility that can reuse or recycle them. Then you can implement some or all of the following suggestions to your business and building.

Smart Lighting

Lighting has been a hot topic in the sustainability world for some time now. Old, traditional lighting systems are being replaced by more efficient and environmentally friendly lighting that also looks great.

What is Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting uses LEDs or other light-emitting diodes that can be turned on or off via an app or remote control. This can lead to a reduction in energy consumption which means lower bills for your business. What’s even better is that LED lights last longer and are more durable than old lighting systems, so you will not need to purchase new lights as often as before.

Smart lighting systems are computerized and connect to a grid that controls when light is on or off. This means you can set schedules for your lights so that they turn off automatically during the hours when no one is in the building. You can also set them to turn on automatically if someone walks by.

The best part about this system is that it uses sensors and motion detectors, which means it will only use electricity when necessary.

Use Asphalt for Roads and Car Parks

Road asphalt is a product that can be recycled and used as an alternative to concrete or bitumen. Not only is it cheaper than other construction materials, but it also has a lower environmental impact. Asphalt requires less energy to produce and will last longer than regular concrete. It’s one of the most sustainable building materials on the planet.

Work with an experienced asphalt and concrete contractor to apply new surfaces or pathways to external areas where required.

Improve Insulation

Insulating your business is a wise and cost-effective way to improve the environmental footprint of your building. A smart investment in insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs, as well as boost your property value.

It’s not difficult to install insulation. Vinyl, foam, fiberglass, or cellulose are all affordable materials that can be added to walls and ceilings for increased efficiency. In addition, you might consider installing radiant barriers in attics and adding extra weather stripping around windows and doors.

The process of insulating a building or office space is an essential step in making it more eco-friendly. Improved insulation will help reduce the amount of energy used by the building during the winter months and summer months. This also saves money on utility bills for the building and the occupants. The energy savings from insulated buildings also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 20%.

Have A Preventative Maintenance Plan

One of the easiest things you can do to make your building more environmentally friendly is to have a preventative maintenance plan . That will mean regular checks and cleanings, correcting any nagging problems that may have been ignored before, and having building professionals come in regularly to do inspections. This will increase the lifespan of many parts of your building and keep your utility bill under control.

The best way to do this is to use software that can monitor and automate the process and keep detailed records. You can keep track of an asset’s age, previous issues, and maintenance history, as well as schedule any future appointments with the right software. A further advantage of using automated facility software is that it eliminates the need for paperwork orders and service requests, which tend to accumulate, get misplaced, or get thrown away. Additionally, your team’s efficiency will almost certainly improve, and you will eliminate paper waste as a result of the process.

Use Green Cleaning Products

Switching to green cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to make your business more environmentally friendly; instead of using harsh chemicals, which can impact the air quality in your building, use eco-friendly products that are safe for you and your employees. This will not only save money on long-term health care costs for employees who might be exposed to these chemicals, but it will also reduce the risk of workers’ compensation claims.

Another thing you can do is switch from disposable products to durable and reusable ones. This will help you avoid spending money on items that need to be thrown away after they’ve been used once or twice. Use refillable water bottles instead of disposable cups and coffee mugs, utensils made from biodegradable materials instead of plasticware, and cloth napkins rather than paper ones. You can even purchase durable supplies like pens, markers, and even paper, so you never have to worry about repurchasing new ones.

Conclusion

The green movement has infiltrated every facet of our lives, so it is not surprising that we see the same trend in the business world. We want to do everything we can to be environmentally conscious, and you can start by making some simple changes to your business.

No matter the size of your company, there are several small changes you can make to promote environmental friendliness.

By implementing these five simple changes, you can reduce your building’s environmental impact and make a positive difference in the world. The best part? You’ll also be saving money and time!

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.