How important is sustainability in your business?
When you hear the word sustainability, it’s easy to think of big corporations with big budgets launching glossy green initiatives. But here’s the truth: small businesses have a big role to play – and often a more powerful one – when it comes to creating a positive impact.
As a smaller, service-based business, you’re already agile. That means you can make meaningful changes quickly, often without the red tape or high costs.
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean installing solar panels or relocating your offices to an ecobusiness park (though if you can, go for it!). Sometimes, it’s about the small, thoughtful choices you make every day.
Here are some simple, practical ways your business can become more sustainable—without overcomplicating things.
1. Go paperless where you can
If you’re still printing invoices, storing paper receipts, or using printed meeting notes, it’s time to explore digital alternatives. Tools like Xero, Hubdoc, Fathom, or even Google Drive make it easy to digitise your processes.
Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also saves time, reduces clutter, and keeps your data safer.
Q: Where else could you reduce the use of paper in your business?
2. Consider who you bank with
Your business’s money doesn’t just sit in the bank.
It gets invested — sometimes in fossil fuels, deforestation, and industries that harm the planet.But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Switching to a bank with strong ethical and environmental policies is a small admin job with a big impact.
You’ll sleep better knowing your money is working for the future, not against it.
Q: Is your bank aligned with your business values? You can check your bank’s credentials here https://bank.green/
3. Switch to renewable energy suppliers
One of the easiest wins is checking who supplies your office (or home office), although we know this isn’t always in your control if you work in a serviced office space.
Many renewable energy providers now offer competitive rates, and switching can significantly lower your carbon footprint with just a few clicks.
Q: Are there any ways you could reduce energy usage in your business?
4. Work with like-minded suppliers (and clients!)
Sustainability isn’t just about what you do internally, it’s also about who you do business with.
Whether it’s your office cleaner, web hosting provider, or printer, look for partners who share your values. Many companies now highlight their sustainability credentials on their websites, so have a look before you start working with them.
Q: Is there anyone you work with currently you would like to change?
5. Reduce commuting with flexible working
If your business allows it, offering remote or hybrid working can help cut down on travel emissions and improve your team's work-life balance too. Less time on the road means lower fuel usage and potentially happier employees. Win-win.
If that’s not possible, then encourage employees to walk, cycle, use public transport or share lifts where they can. And try to avoid driving to client meetings – use Teams, Zoom or Google Meet instead.
Q: How else could you reduce travel and emissions in your business?
6. Offset or donate a percentage of profits
Some small businesses choose to offset their carbon footprint or donate a small percentage of profits to environmental causes.
It doesn’t have to be a huge amount. Just a small, regular commitment can make a difference and show customers what you stand for. We support a number of organisations by giving via B1G1 (Buy 1 Give 1) and regularly donate to various environmental and social causes that resonate with us.
Q: How much can you afford to donate and who would you give it to?
7. Rethink the little things
Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks that stick:
- Reusable coffee cups for the team.
- Energy-saving lightbulbs.
- Eco-friendly cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals.
- Turning off equipment at the end of the day.
- Deleting old files, especially large ones like video and photos.
These low-effort changes can add up over time.
Q: What little things could you change right now in your business?
Why it matters
Sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s becoming a core part of how modern businesses operate. Consumers care, employees care, and increasingly, prospective clients are choosing to work with businesses who align with their values.
By taking steps towards a more sustainable business, you're not only doing the right thing, you’re also building a stronger, more resilient brand that people want to support.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start small, build momentum, and be transparent about your journey. Every step you take matters and as a small business, your ability to adapt quickly gives you a real edge.
No time? Is there anyone in your team who’s particularly passionate about sustainability? Perhaps make them your eco champion and get them on a mission to bring more sustainability into your business. It could be a nice rewarding and inspiring project alongside their day job.
Sustainability isn't just for the big players. You can make a difference. Right now.