Make your small business more sustainable

Making a sustainable business is about the more efficient use of resources (energy, materials and water).

It's good for your bottom line and good for the environment. And while it's easy to do, it does require commitment.

Here are 10 ideas to make a change and keep it working.

1. Make a plan that's achievable

• Start with your current resource usage. 
• Focus on your biggest problem.
• Stay realistic. 
• Small steps are a great start.

2. Inspire your staff

• Get your staff involved in the planning phase, and then make sure they're committed and enthusiastic participants. 
• Reward good behaviour and initiatives.
• Spread the word to your business's suppliers and clients.

3. Be informed

• Keep up-to-date with best practice resource efficiency in your sector. 
• Use your industry associations and environmental networks. 
• Consult online resources from government bodies such as the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the ResourceSmart website.

4. Record your improvements

• Measure your use of electricity, gas, materials and water to know if your plan is working. 
• Ask your waste contractors for help. 
• Apply for a Sustainability Victoria grants through the Resource Efficiency Assessment Program.

5. Reduce, reuse and recycle waste

• Consider how you might reuse materials in the workplace. 
• Double-sided printing is an obvious place to start. 
• Make sure there's recycling bins on-hand.
• Think about composting and worm farms if you have a garden available.

6. Stay energy efficient

• Maintain equipment.
• Turn electrical equipment off when not in use.
• Install timers to shut off non-essential equipment after hours. 
• Don't turn the heating up too high in winter.
• Try opening a window if it's getting warm.

7. Use outside light to your advantage

• Use less artificial light for desks near windows.
• If different spaces have their own lighting controls, bright or unused areas can remain unlit. 
• Think about installing movement sensors for corridors and storerooms.

8. Reduce water consumption

• Develop a water management plan with your water authority.
• Install low-flow equipment. 
• If possible, install rainwater tanks and use grey water for gardens.

9. Be a good housekeeper

• Keep your business premises well-organised to reduce waste and environmental damage. 
• Maintain equipment - from printers to hydraulics. 
• Practise good record keeping for waste management.

10. Keep up the good work

• Schedule regular reviews.
• Assign monitoring duties to interested team members.
• Report back to your staff regularly.
• Keep looking for ways to reduce your use of resources and improve your bottom line.