An MBA in a Nutshell: Business Ethics - Part II : The Environment for Business Research shows - Businesses, big and small, add to the pollution of the earth, air and water; the depletion of natural resources for future generations and creation of land-fill waste which increases greenhouse gas emissions. Increased Greenhouse gases like methane from landfills, and carbon dioxide from deforestation and the burning of fuels for energy, create global warming and climate change. Here’s how you as a business can do your bit for the Environment and our future: Waste Management & Recycling (can also save 4% of annual turnover!) Non-biodegradable waste goes to landfills somewhere on earth, increasing methane emissions. Electronic waste with mercury and other toxins is also a growing problem. When possible, purchase products made from recycled materials, segregate your rubbish and recycle everything you can. Keep electronics for as long as you can, then recycle or donate them. Recycling one toner cartridge will keep approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills and conserve about a half gallon of oil. Inform your employees about what can and can’t be recycled. Transportation, Purchasing & Conservation Consider options for online storing, posting and updating of documents and manuals. Think of emails instead of fax. Get printers and fax machines with options for duplex printing (prints on both sides of the paper), lower print quality, and using lower melting point inks. Switch to Fair Trade, organic and local products. Buy furniture, carpeting and paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and toxic chemicals. Put a plant in every room to absorb indoor pollution. Encourage public transport, videoconferencing and technological solutions to reduce the amount of employee travel. Install a water diffuser in your taps to save water. A dripping tap can cost you £400 a year! To advertise with us, please contact Christine on 01609 777401
Peter Tarren For business planning and tax advice call Peter on: 0845 330 0451 or email him at: p.tarren@euraaudituk.com or drop in at: 87 South Parade, Northallerton Energy Conservation to reduce Carbon Emissions (your ‘Carbon Footprint’) and energy bills Office equipment policies should include enabling energy saving features on all equipment, switching off computers after work, putting PC’s on standby mode (screensavers don’t conserve energy) and plug-in 7 day timers for printers, if need be. When replacing equipment, check energy efficiency ratings – Energy Star Models for computers, monitors, printers and fax machines use up to 70% less electricity and have the capability for duplex printing. When needed, replace kitchen and digital display equipment with European Ecolabel Scheme or ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ branded products. Switch to energy-saving light-bulbs. It’s worth noting laptops use 10% of the energy of desktops, flat screen monitors use less energy by two thirds, photocopiers use most energy but digital photocopiers use less (and require less maintenance). Turning your thermostat down one degree can save 8% on your heating bill. Position equipment in cool places, implement a good maintenance schedule and prevent overheating by cleaning equipment filters and fans regularly. The Government has introduced incentives for renewable heat deployment and interest free energy efficient loans. New green legislation is mandatory for commercial buildings from 2016 – businesses that own property, especially property dealers, should plan ahead – talk to your accountant for further details.
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