Businesses have a pivotal role to play in protecting the planet. Globally, organisations are one of the top contributors to climate change through carbon emissions, pollution and waste. The good news is that making changes has a positive impact. A Deloitte study revealed that over 80% of companies increased their investment in sustainability in 2025. If you’re eager to go green, this guide outlines simple ways to make your business more eco-friendly in 2026 and beyond.

Cleaner commuting

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint as an employer is to encourage cleaner commuting. If your employees drive to work, there are several options you can explore to lower carbon emissions. Firstly, if you participate in vehicle leasing schemes or provide company cars, you can look into swapping petrol and diesel cars for electric or hybrid vehicles. It’s beneficial to find out more about schemes that could save you money, such as The Electric Car Scheme and Tusker. The Internet is an excellent resource for learning about key differences and helping you calculate potential savings. The Electric Car Scheme is the best alternative to Tusker if your priorities are a wide range of vehicles and employer protection. You can also explore car share initiatives and incentivise public transport use by subsidising or covering transport costs.

Encouraging physical activity is another brilliant idea if your workforce is local. Rather than driving to work, offer perks or rewards for swapping driving for cycling, jogging or walking. You could set up a morning cycling or running club or plan a communal walk or bike ride for those keen to leave their cars behind or save on bus, train or taxi charges.

Another option you may want to consider is hybrid or remote work. If people work from home more, they’ll lower their individual carbon footprint.

Recycling and repurposing

Recycling, reusing and repurposing can help you reduce waste, contribute to the circular economy, promote sustainability, and save money. Simple steps, like adding recycling containers to communal areas and using posters and signs to encourage your employees and customers to recycle, can make a big difference. It’s also a great idea to consider buying products made from recycled or repurposed materials and to replace buying new with upcycling or purchasing vintage or second-hand items. Office furniture is a great example.

Reducing energy consumption

Reducing energy consumption will help you run a greener business, but it will also make a huge difference to your bills. Effective ways to lower consumption include using smart technology and appliances, setting a thermostat to regulate indoor temperatures, investing in energy-efficient lighting and encouraging employees to turn devices off at the socket and use less water.

Education can play a key role in implementing new strategies and policies successfully. If you’re modifying company policies or introducing new initiatives, communicate clearly with your team, be prepared to answer questions and explain why the changes are beneficial.

Businesses across the world are pulling together to protect the environment and champion sustainability. If you’re eager to make your company greener, small steps can have a big impact. Examples include encouraging cleaner commuting, reducing waste by promoting recycling and repurposing, using sustainable materials, and lowering energy consumption.

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