A joint study conducted by Green America, EcoVentures International, and the Association of Enterprise Opportunity found that companies that have fully embraced green practices experienced higher sales than those that adopted fewer green initiatives since the Great Recession of 2009. If you are a warehouse owner or manufacturer, here are some reasons to consider creating a sustainable workplace that does not interfere with employee productivity.
The Benefits of Going Green for Warehouses and Manufacturers
According to MSNSB.com, large chemical manufacturer DuPont received $3 billion in energy savings over two decades through the reduction of carbon emissions. As a manufacturer or warehouse operator, you may also qualify for certain tax credits and other incentives made available to businesses that choose clean energy options.
Five ways you can go green in your warehouse or manufacturing business include adopting a specific plan of action for going green, find out how the use of alternative fuels in your equipment improve your carbon footprint, change existing lighting to eco-friendly LED lighting, phase in the use of electrical co-generation stations and heat transfer systems that captures existing energy output for reuse, and, implement and encourage a strong internal recycling system.
Adopt a plan of action for going green
One of the ways for your business to establish a commitment toward green energy is by adopting a green or clean energy plan. Such a plan, which may be referred to as an environmental management systems plan, allows you to set forth your green energy priorities as it relates to your operation, as well as communicate how such a plan can be implemented. The plan can also help you explain to your stakeholders such as employees, key officers and directors how such a plan will benefit the company and not detract from existing productivity.
Consider the use of alternative fuels for existing equipment
Alternative fuels may be an option to consider for your operation. Different types of alternative fuels, such as ethanol and other green solutions can help your machines, such as forklifts, operate more efficiently and reduce people hours needed for maintenance. This increases both output and productivity, to factors that lead to an improved bottom line for your business.
Incorporate LED lighting solutions
The use of eco-friendly LED lighting solutions has been seen as one of the best ways for companies to reap the benefit of going green. The cost savings derived from switching to more efficient LED lights is estimated to be as much as 80 percent for energy consumers. A 2010 U.S. Department of Energy report released January 2012 also pointed out that changes in lighting has the added benefit of improving employee health and productivity.
Adopt electrical co-generation stations and heat transfer systems
Electrical co-generation stations provide your business with a way to capture energy used in your buildings and reuse it, thus saving you on energy costs. Although the consideration of such a retrofit may seem costly, tax credits available on the state and federal level may be used to offset the cost of such an investment. Such a retrofit can also lead to more efficient facilities that operate without the need of wasted employee hours used to maintain outdated or inefficient energy systems currently in use.
Encourage a strong recycling program
Recycling has always been an important component of a green energy program. Since many people, including your employees, have been made accustomed to recycling through their own community programs, making the transition should not take away from productivity as recycling has become a part of our history for some time. Adoption of these and other initiatives provide you with the benefits of going green and the added benefit of maintaining or even increasing employee productivity.