Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks
For many companies the first steps to becoming greener companies begins with the desire to be doing more than just making a dollar in this world. Their initiatives are the type of trailblazing that publications and “Bloggers” love to read and write about. That all being said, there was nobody that ever said becoming green didn’t have to be a good business decision as well.
In today’s blog we will briefly look at some ways companies can leverage some financial incentives for their organization while they are saving the planet.
Reduced expenses – One of the most import of the 4 R’s (see series from last July’s SafeSourcing Blog) is Reduce By its very nature the concept of getting greener by reducing waste will allow companies to reap financial rewards in the reduction of expenses. These can come in the form a reduction in printer costs by using more online publications, or they can come in the way of reduced utility expenses by changing the way lights, heating and electricity are managed within the organization.
Rebates & Incentives – During a time when there is such a push to protect our environment, incentives are piling up for companies to take their first steps toward becoming a greener company. Government organizations from the Federal level all the way to the local level are offering thousands of different incentives for taking steps. Some of these are tax breaks which translate straight to the bottom line and some are outright cash incentives. Other companies such as insurance companies are providing additional discounts off of their rates to companies who choose greener ways to heat their buildings or that purchase environmentally safer vehicles for their internal fleet.
Increased revenue – The fact of the matter is that along with price and value, people “like” to buy products from companies who are trying to do the right thing in their business practices (i.e. Getting greener). In the mind of the consumers, companies that invest in the future of our planet are the types of companies who are more likely to produce items they want to buy. In 2010 Clorox invested millions towards the process of moving away from chlorine gas transportation. In the end the move was a breakeven one in terms of expense but it has generated an overwhelming perception that Clorox is a company that is “committed to doing the right thing.” Clorox sales as a result are “up.”
Regardless of why your company takes its first step to becoming greener, one thing is for sure, it doesn’t have to be without benefits. For more information on becoming a greener company or in sourcing from companies who do, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.
We look forward to your comments.
