Sustainable business practices: make 2025 your greenest year yet

Table of contents

Defining sustainability

Importance of sustainable technology

Eco-friendly business practices

What should I use?

How can Focus Group help?

It’s easy to pass the sustainability buck in business—there are so many decision-makers that responsibility often feels diluted. But here’s the stark reality: corporations contribute to roughly 70-80% of global emissions. That’s a hefty slice of the pie.

The good news? If every business made even a small change, the collective impact on the environment could be monumental. From integrating green technology to adopting sustainable business practices, your company can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the planet.

Let’s explore what sustainability means, why it’s vital in the tech space, and practical steps you can take to build a greener future.

How do we define sustainability?

Sustainability is about creating systems that last—without depleting resources or damaging the planet. It’s the art of taking only what the Earth can regenerate.

In practice, this means:

• Using energy sources that don’t add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
• Reducing waste and maximising efficiency in every aspect of your operations.
• Building a future where progress and the environment coexist in harmony.

It’s not just a moral obligation; it’s a business necessity in a world increasingly shaped by environmental concerns.

Why is it so important in the technology space?

The technology sector is often a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives incredible advancements, but on the other, it frequently overlooks environmental impact.

From power-hungry data centers to mass e-waste, the tech industry has left a hefty carbon footprint. As discussions about climate change intensify, there’s a growing need for environmentally friendly technology that balances progress with sustainability.

What’s the point of cutting-edge innovations if we don’t have a planet to enjoy them on?

Eco-friendly business practices

Implementing sustainable business practices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether your business is taking its first steps toward sustainability or looking to make larger-scale changes, there are options for every effort level. Here’s how you can incorporate green tech and environmentally friendly technology into your operations:

Effort: small

These are quick wins that require minimal time, cost, or disruption but can still make a noticeable difference:

• Switch to LED Lightbulbs: LED bulbs consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer, reducing waste and energy bills.
• Go Paperless: Ditch the printers! Use digital signatures, cloud-based file sharing, and online forms to minimise paper consumption.
• Recycle Old Tech and Waste: E-waste is a massive environmental issue. Partner with certified recyclers to dispose of outdated tech responsibly and keep it out of landfills.
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Swap conventional cleaning products for biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives. This reduces chemical runoff and improves air quality in your office.

Effort: medium

These changes may require a bit more investment or planning but deliver substantial environmental benefits:

• Switch to Renewable Energy Providers: Transitioning to a green energy supplier allows your business to power operations using solar, wind, or hydroelectric energy. It’s a straightforward way to drastically cut your carbon footprint.
• Promote Public Transport: Encourage employees to use public transportation by offering subsidised passes or introducing carpool incentives.
• Cycle-to-Work Schemes: Support cycling by providing bike racks, shower facilities, or subsidies for employees purchasing bicycles. Cycling cuts down emissions and promotes healthier lifestyles.

Effort: large

These are transformative steps that position your business as a sustainability leader:

• Install Solar Panels: Generate your own energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. Solar panels are an excellent long-term investment, with savings increasing as energy prices rise.
• Rainwater Collection Systems: Install systems to collect and store rainwater, which can be used for plumbing or irrigation, significantly reducing water usage.
• Donate to Green Causes: Dedicate a percentage of your profits to environmental organisations or sustainability initiatives. This not only supports critical work but also enhances your brand’s reputation as an eco-conscious business.

By integrating these sustainable business practices, you can reduce your environmental footprint while often saving money in the long run.

What should be avoided and what can be used instead?

Sometimes, achieving sustainability is about recognising inefficient habits or outdated tools and replacing them with smarter, greener alternatives. Here are a few examples:

Avoid: generic AI tools. use: Microsoft Co-Pilot.

Many AI tools require significant computing power, often supported by energy-inefficient data centers. Opt for solutions like Microsoft Co-Pilot, whose parent company, Microsoft, aims to be carbon negative, water positive and zero-waste by 2030.

Avoid: traveling for meetings. Use: reliable internet and VoIP.

Business travel is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Instead of flying employees across the country or globe, invest in high-quality VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and reliable video conferencing platforms. These technologies not only reduce emissions but also save time and money.

Avoid: overstocking inventory. Use: IoT to optimise stock levels.

Overstocking leads to wasted resources, unsold goods, and inefficient use of space. Implement IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to track stock levels in real time, predict demand, and automate replenishment processes. This improves efficiency while minimising waste.

Avoid: power-hungry appliances. Use: energy-efficient technologies.

Replace outdated office equipment like computers, printers, and HVAC systems with energy-efficient technology. Look for devices with certifications like ENERGY STAR, which consume significantly less energy.

How can Focus Group help you become more sustainable?

At Focus Group, we’re committed to helping businesses embrace sustainability through smarter technology and energy-efficient solutions. Here’s how we can assist:

• Renewable energy providers: We can guide you in switching to renewable energy suppliers that align with your goals.
• Technology upgrades: Our team can help you implement green tech, from smarter IoT systems to renewable energy infrastructure.
• Ongoing support: Whether your focus is being more energy efficient or meeting sustainability targets, we’ll partner with you to build a greener future.

Let’s make 2025 your greenest year yet. Together, we can create a future where businesses thrive while respecting the planet.