8 benefits of going green
In a world that is increasingly environmentally conscious, consumers want to spend their hard-earned money on products that will not harm the planet. They also seek companies that are doing their part.
However, not all businesses are ready to embrace the need for “going green.” One reason is that many executives still believe that green investments are overly expensive. Nothing could be further from reality.
In many cases, the return on investment of environment-friendly technology is excellent. While the initial purchase price may be higher, this equipment will quickly pay for itself through energy savings, visible on the electricity bill. On a small scale, think of traditional light bulbs and the more expensive LED lights. Sure, the latter is more expensive but they outlast their predecessors by years and consume much less energy.
The same is true for many other green investments – on a much larger scale.
But going green has many benefits apart from the return on investment (ROI).
Benefits of going green for a business
1. Electricity costs
Energy savings are a major economic benefit.
In the case of an air compressor, for example, electricity costs make up 80% of the total cost of ownership. As a result, an energy-efficient model will quickly pay for itself.
2. Tax credits and other benefits
Many governments now offer tax credits and other benefits for purchasing environment-friendly technology, which speeds up ROI even more. This is especially true now that many countries have committed to meeting ambitious emissions goals shortly.
Also since the industrial sector greatly contributes to an economy’s total energy consumption, offering these tax credits to manufacturers makes a lot of sense. However, governments not only try to meet their emissions targets through incentives but also through more stringent regulations.
3. Tighter government emission standards
Hoping to meet their climate change goals, governments are increasingly putting in place regulations to reduce pollution and promote efficiency. As a result, companies purchasing outdated equipment now may soon find themselves on the wrong side of tighter emission standards.
Only investments in cutting-edge, green technology can ensure that machinery will comply with new environmental rules for a long time to come.
4. Going green is the right thing to do
The overwhelming majority of scientists, and countless studies, tell us the planet is warming at a fast rate. According to them, this pace will radically change how humans live on it. Natural disasters like droughts, wildfires, floods, and storms are already gaining strength.
This is why people want the companies they buy from to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Energy-saving investments are one way to show consumers that your business is determined to play its part in preserving the habitable earth. That does not just help the planet.
5. Attracting customers and building brand loyalty
Research and polling have shown that customers increasingly value companies that help protect the environment. In the age of social media, this is especially important. Businesses do not want to be branded as polluters or as dragging their feet on switching to green technologies.
Always keep in mind that nobody has been boycotted yet for consuming too little energy or being too green.
6. Becoming an attractive employer
Your green investments could also end up being an investment in the next generation of skilled employees. Young people are especially concerned about the environment. That makes sense because, unless drastic actions are taken, they will feel the negative consequences that will be the result of a changing climate.
Highly qualified individuals looking to enter the workforce or make a career change generally prefer to work for industry-leading companies. This applies to those with environmental goals.
7. Increased job satisfaction
Your investment in "going green," including using recycled products, planting trees, and subsidizing public transportation will increase the job satisfaction of environment-conscious employees. This helps you retain your best workers.
8. Improved occupational safety and health
One example is providing cleaner air at work. That, in turn, means fewer sick days and a healthier, more energetic staff.
As you can see, from direct financial benefits to marketing considerations and staff recruitment and retention, green investment is not just a smart investment in the present but also in the future.