Technology offers many benefits for businesses aiming to increase their revenues during the pandemic. It allows businesses to increase the efficiency and productivity of their employees. It also allowed businesses to reduce the spread of the virus in the workplace.
But technology can also promote sustainable practices in businesses. Calls for sustainable business practices increased after people became aware of the need to counter the effects of climate change. With this, businesses started implementing sustainable practices in their operations.
And they are now using technology to promote these practices to help protect the environment. Here are the ways businesses are using technology to promote sustainable practices in their operations.
Use Renewable Energy Sources
One way for businesses to use technology to promote sustainable practices is by using renewable energy sources. One renewable energy source that businesses should consider using is solar energy. Solar energy is affordable and accessible in different areas in the country.
Many households across the country are using solar energy for their power needs. In 2020, around 11 percent of the total renewable energy used in the country came from solar energy. Solar energy came from rooftop panels of homes and solar thermal power plants.
While it’s smaller compared to wind power and hydropower, it’s still a significant percentage. It also shows an increasing acceptance of the use of renewable energy in the country.
Recycle Whenever Possible
Businesses should also recycle whenever possible. Recycling is important in sustainability as long people do it properly. It’s important to ensure recyclable wastes do not end up in landfills. Recyclable wastes end up in landfill when non-recyclable waste contaminate them. The most common contaminants are plastic bags, scrap metal, non-recyclable plastics, and shredded paper.
So, businesses need to start the recycling process on their premises. They should make sure to separate recyclable and non-recyclable wastes to prevent contamination. But it is easier said than done. So, businesses need to educate their employees about the importance of segregating waste in the office.
Businesses should also aim to implement a zero-waste plan. Developing a zero-waste plan is challenging, especially with all the challenges businesses have to deal with during the pandemic. But there should start working on a plan and gradually implement it in their office.
Highlight Online Sales
The pandemic highlighted the importance of connecting with the market through the online marketplace. Selling online offers more benefits than just allowing businesses to stay afloat. It also allows businesses to save on rent expenses and reduces their carbon footprint since they do not have to maintain a physical location.
While selling online can increase the amount of packaging to the landfills, businesses can deal with this by using sustainable packaging materials. Businesses should also use paperless transactions to reduce paper waste in their industries.
But these businesses should make sure their shift to online sales is cost-effective. Due to this, they should work with companies offering web design services at affordable prices. This allows them to save on the cost of setting up their websites. These companies should offer a host of services that help businesses set up responsive websites that are appealing in the market.
These companies should also offer search engine optimization (SEO) services that help increase the rank of these websites on search engine results pages (SERPs). Additionally, they should provide other digital marketing services to allow businesses to connect with their market.
Reduce Energy Use Through LED Technology
Businesses can reduce their energy expenses when they replace traditional incandescent light bulbs in the office with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are durable and safer compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also do not emit as much heat as traditional incandescent light bulbs, which means they efficiently use electrical energy. Additionally, LEDs last longer compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Decrease Pollution Using Electric Vehicles for Deliveries
Electric vehicles have seen their popularity increasing in recent years. Even though they entered the market over a century ago, the entry of Tesla, Inc in the industry saw the sales of electric vehicles going up. Businesses can use electric cars when they deliver products to their customers.
Using electric vehicles allows them to reduce carbon emissions. And when they combine using electric vehicles with solar energy, they will have a considerable impact on protecting the environment. The electric vehicle market consists of electric cars. But once electric trucks become available, it will help businesses reduce pollution further when they use these trucks for their deliveries.
Some businesses are using technology to improve their efficiency and productivity. But they can also use it to reduce their impact on the environment and help preserve it for future generations.
