Starting up a new business or altering an existing one to be “green” is not that difficult. The process for both is similar. The government provides basic rules to follow. There are other steps that can help make your new or existing business even more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The upstart on taking these steps is that they often go hand in hand with controlling cost and allow you to advertise your business to those who seek to be “green” themselves. Since the benefits are great for being socially proactive in this respect, it makes a lot of sense to follow certain steps anyway.

Start with following the environmental regulations that apply to your business. You can find this information at the Small Business Administration’s website as part of their Green Business Guide. Not only will following the government rules help make your business green but it will keep you from risking being fined or sued. Once you know you are in compliance there go a step further, have an Environmental Management plan to reduce your carbon footprint. Following such a plan will ensure that everyday practices are as “green” as possible. If you take the time to audit your business to see where energy is being used and then make small changes to reduce that use to eliminate waste you will see great benefits in lowered energy bills. Make sure you select energy star rated appliances and office equipment and teach your employees how to be energy savvy. If you have the inclination to do it, installing solar to help cover your energy bills can be a great investment in a green business.

Don’t overlook the necessary step of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Begin by looking at what you can change to reduce waste- can you cut out paper reporting by keeping an extra backup electronically? Can you ensure that your processes are as streamlined as possible so that only what is absolutely needed is being used? By doing this step you can cut your costs and reduce waste. When you must use paper and other things seek to use recycled products, find items that use less packing materials and to reuse those packing items yourself, or recycle them so that they do not end up in the landfill. Conserve water by using the most efficient practices possible and keep track of leaks.

Think about energy use when you select building materials for remodels or construction. Think about it when you chose business equipment. Consider making sure your stock if you are retail has a “green” slant being post-consumer recycled, bio-based, non-toxic, energy efficient, renewable and recyclable, and locally grown or made. The overall impact of this type of offering to the community is that it encourages others to be “green” too. Don’t forget that having a green business means you can use this as an advertising angle, because consumers do like to feel that they are helping preserve the planet.

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