How to Incorporate Sustainability into Your Business

A business’ sustainability is becoming increasingly important to today’s investors and customers. While overall sustainability incorporates environmental, social and governance factors, in honor of Earth Day, let’s concentrate on environmental sustainability in the workplace and explore examples of positive environmental business practices. These suggestions will not only appeal to potential clients who seek environmentally savvy businesses to partner with, but also make your operations more efficient in the long run, potentially saving you money.

First, let’s think of ways to be green in the workplace. The simplest option is to encourage impactful habits for your employees. This can be as easy as installing recycling guides in common waste areas, like an infographic of what is and is not recyclable. Utilize a filtered water dispenser and glasses or recycled paper cups instead of bottled water. Another option would be to encourage carpooling and public transit with your employees. You can approach this by prioritizing office space near public transit when possible, or if you have the capability to do so, offer a commuter expense reimbursement program.

Next, discover recycling opportunities. This applies for both consumable goods (like paper) and technology. For example, in 2020 alone Stewart avoided 68,076 pounds of electronics and technology going into landfills by finding recycling, reusing, and reselling outdated equipment.

Electronics recycling 2020
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(Data pulled from Stewart’s 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance Report)

If you are in need of an equipment recycling organization, the EPA has a good article you can read on how to find a certified electronics recycler. Now, let’s talk about energy efficiency. If you own your office space, here are a few ways you can conserve energy and waste in your building. (Note, if you lease your space, consult with your landlord and see which of these suggestions are possible.) Let’s look at your lighting. Whether it’s replacing your light bulbs for something more energy efficient, installing motion sensors so lights can turn off in unoccupied spaces, or simply prioritizing buildings that already offer these things when seeking office space, there are many ways you can approach this in a green way. Next, don’t forget to examine your water usage. Consider installing low flow faucet aerators to reduce water consumption. According to the EPA, switching to faucets that release 1.5 gallons of water per minute can reduce a sink’s water flow by at least 30% without sacrificing performance. (The standard faucet releases 2.2 gallons of water per minute.)

Paper recycling 2020
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(Data pulled from Stewart’s 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance Report).

Last, but not least: reduce paper consumption as much as possible. (This is a challenge in the title industry, we know!) Adding digital closings to your offerings can save you mountains of paperwork and be easier to handle from a data management perspective. (Added plus, they can increase your business too.) Interested in learning more about digital solutions for title agencies? Visit this page to deep dive on all things digital closing.

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