Our ProductsBottom Line Reasons to Go Green
One of my local television stations recently started broadcasting some shows from the late 1960s and early 1970’s. I watched a number of episodes (it made me feel like I was young again) and was struck by the relevance of the issues they faced then in relation to today’s hot issues. Was it really 30 years ago that the environment, energy challenges, race relations, and immigration were all hot topics?
Now, anyone who’s studied history knows that most factors that challenge us are cyclical in nature. So it should be no surprise that a television shows from 30-40 years ago should be addressing topics seemingly pulled from today’s headlines.
There are many people arguing back and forth as to what to do about various challenges (e.g. global warming, energy shortages, over population, etc.), and even whether they are legitimate issues in the first place, or are just fulfilling some other agenda for the standard bearers on both sides.
Where you fall on the spectrum of belief and philosophy regarding something like global warming is not my professional concern. However, how your business deals with the opportunities it presents, is.
More and more companies are discovering that going green and staying in the black are actually quite compatible. And your business systems – ERP, Accounting, Human Resources - can help to ensure that it happens.
So use your IT and software technology to track the direction your carbon footprint is taking you:
1. Saving money. Despite the perception that greening a business is an expensive proposition, if you reduce, reuse and recycle, you can cut costs. It’s basic, but very true. Whether it’s as simple as turning off lights and computers when not in use and recycling paper, or as ambitious as exploring alternate energy sources and having your staff do more telecommuting, it stands to reason that using fewer resources can mean spending less money.
Use your accounting systems to track the costs of a lighting retrofit versus the reduction in your utility bill. Make use of newer tools such as web-cams, internet chat / instant messaging, online project management applications, and more, to make telecommuting a more effecting solution.
2. A powerful marketing tool. Eco-savvy consumers are looking for companies that either offer green products or are known for their green business or manufacturing processes. Wal-Mart is becoming as famous for being the world’s largest producer of organic cotton goods as they were for some of their less friendly business practices. Nike is not shy about letting the consumer know about their shoe recycling program that puts old shoes to work by grinding them up to produce the materials to build safer playgrounds for children. If you are being ecologically responsible, this is not the time to be humble. This is a marketing tool you should not be afraid to use.
However, as more and more companies jump on this bandwagon, it’s going to be important that you’ve got some documented results. Use your ERP system to track the amount of waste reduction in your manufacturing processes. Are you considering adding more warehouses to cut down on fuel-driven distribution costs? Make sure you’re separately tracking the costs you’ll later want to compare and publicize.
3. Enhanced image and reputation. This is a natural extension of reason number two. There’s nothing wrong with standing out from the competition for all the right reasons. Perhaps you could rank your suppliers based on their eco-sense, or use more green products. Taking a leadership position on such an important issue can garner your company a spotlight and a competitive advantage.
Use your Accounts Payable systems to give your vendors a “green” rating and then track purchases according to this rating to later report results.
4. Improved employee morale. Going green is a wonderful opportunity to involve your employees. It is, by its very nature, a grass roots operation. Where once your employees may have balked at the extra effort it took to saving a little energy or a tree, they may now do it gladly and with a sense of righteousness.
Additionally, turn to your employees for ideas and suggestions on how run the business in a more eco-friendly way. It will further encourage their cooperation and give them a sense of ownership, all the while increasing their pride in the company they work for.
Many human resources packages can track an employee’s input and can be used in evaluations or as a basis of additional monetary compensation or non-monetary perks. Make sure you set up automated systems to allow tracking of suggestions, participation in cost-saving programs, etc.
No matter where you stand on the issues, taking steps to use fewer resources and be more environmentally responsible just makes sense. Your business software can help you in your quest to go green. Whether it’s vetting your vendors or tracking the costs (or savings), take advantage of all the tools in your toolbox.
If you need help adapting your ERP, Accounting, or Human Resources Management systems to track and manage your going-green efforts, contact us.
