Sustainable Business Practices: How to Build a Greener Company

What if your business could save money and help the planet at the same time? Can a single company, regardless of size, truly make a difference in the fight against climate change?

These questions challenge us to rethink what’s possible when it comes to business and sustainability. As you explore this post, you’ll see how even small, strategic changes in your business practices could lead to meaningful environmental impact, while also benefiting your brand, your customers, and your community.

Ready to explore how your business can be part of the solution? Let’s dive in.

 

What Is a Sustainable Business?

A sustainable business, also known as a green business, is an enterprise that strives to have a minimal negative (or potentially positive) impact on the environment, community, society, and economy. It’s not a one-time solution, but a commitment to continuous action and improvement for the greater good.

 

What Is a Sustainable Business Practice?

A sustainable business practice is any action a company takes to reduce its environmental impact, support social well-being, and ensure long-term economic health.

These practices can be big or small, from switching to renewable energy and reducing waste to sourcing materials responsibly and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. What they all have in common is making responsible choices that benefit both the business and the world around it.

 

Why Sustainability Matters for Businesses

Environmental sustainability is becoming an essential practice for every company, no matter the size or industry. It might not seem like an obvious business move, but sustainable practices can support a business’s brand and help it reach environmental, social, and governance targets. Here are the main benefits of going green:

💰Cost savings. When your business starts implementing sustainability measures, it can lead to significant cost savings over time. For example, improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and making better transportation choices can lower operating costs in measurable ways.

✨Stronger brand reputation. Customers are more likely to support companies that align with their values and show environmental responsibility. In fact, 70% of consumers in 2025 said they would choose brands that practice sustainability, showing that eco-friendly efforts enhance a brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.

💚Brand and customer loyalty. Today’s consumers, especially younger generations, prefer brands that care about people and the planet. 78% of US consumers feel better when buying sustainably produced products, indicating strong emotional connections to sustainable brands.

🏆Competitive advantage. Sustainable practices can set your business apart in crowded markets. 72% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, giving companies that prioritize sustainability a pricing edge.

📈Investor appeal. Companies with strong sustainability commitments are seen as more resilient and future-ready, appealing to long-term investors who are focused on risk management and value creation.

📋Regulatory compliance. Staying ahead of environmental regulations can prevent fines and future-proof your business.

🌍Ethical responsibility. Beyond legal obligations, companies have an ethical duty to implement sustainability frameworks that reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to tackling climate change.

🙌Employee engagement. 74% of employees find their jobs more fulfilling when they can make a positive environmental impact through their work. This sense of purpose gives your employees higher motivation and satisfaction, which in turn drives better performance.

🌱Long-term resilience. Sustainability builds a stronger, more adaptable business that’s better prepared for future challenges.

 

Key Sustainable Business Practices

Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or already taking steps toward it, our list of key strategies can help you go further. Discover practical ways to reduce your environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and ensure lasting business stability. Start with the approach that fits your business best, and feel free to add more as you grow greener, one step at a time.

♻️ 1. Energy efficiency and renewable energy

One of the most fundamental steps to sustainable business growth is improving energy efficiency. Businesses can significantly cut operational costs and carbon emissions by upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems.

• Upgrade to LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances. Switching to LED lights can reduce energy use by up to 75% compared to incandescent bulbs. For example, a hotel could upgrade guest room lighting, mini-fridges, and laundry machines to reduce utility bills and environmental impact.
• Use renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro power. Install solar panels on rooftops or parking lots to generate clean electricity on-site. Larger facilities might partner with renewable energy providers or purchase green energy credits to offset fossil fuel consumption. A warehouse, for example, could integrate rooftop solar, while a small office could opt into a local wind energy program.
• Monitor and reduce energy consumption across operations. Use smart meters, energy management systems, or IoT sensors to track real-time usage and identify areas of waste. For example, a retail chain could set up automated lighting and climate controls that adjust based on occupancy and daylight.

🌿 2. Going paperless

A great way to promote green entrepreneurship is to move away from printing and go digital. Becoming paperless helps conserve natural resources by reducing deforestation and the demand for paper production, which in turn protects biodiversity and preserves forests. 

Just imagine how much paper every department in your company uses: marketing and sales materials, accounting and HR documents, presentations, catalogs, you name it. Digitizing even some of these assets can make your business more environmentally friendly and have a positive impact on the environment.

At FlippingBook, we’re committed to helping our clients become more eco-conscious. FlippingBook is an online service for creating interactive online documents that allows our clients to go paperless. This means you can run more sustainable marketing campaigns and sales activities by making digital catalogs, brochures, magazines, or any other documents, all without printing. 💚

One of our clients, Loni Slatkin, Communications Manager at Food Huggers, shares her experience of working with FlippingBook:

We’ve even created a special flipbook that is very dear to our hearts, featuring stories from clients who’ve gone green with FlippingBook. Check it out!

FlippingBook as a Sustainable Print Alternative

On top of that, printing less can save you both time and money:

• Printing and shipping a 300-page catalog? Not anymore—you simply share the digital version of your catalog with everyone via email. In just a few clicks.
• Want to showcase your engaging brochure? No need to print it; simply share your brochure on social media with a neat preview or embed it into your website, and be sure to reach a wider audience and save on printing and distribution costs.

Another of our customers, Joshua Liebmann, Head of Brand and Design at Australian Institute of Management, describes how their company saves costs with FlippingBook:

Schréder’s advanced and sustainable solutions evolve quickly, so the company seeks to use innovative tools in its work and reduce its ecological footprint so FlippingBook turned out to be a perfect match.

📦 2. Waste reduction and recycling

Another critical area is waste reduction and recycling. Companies are increasingly adopting circular economy principles—reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimize waste generation. In addition to environmental gains, these sustainable business strategies often result in financial savings and operational efficiencies for the company. 

• Eliminate or reduce single-use packaging. Switch to reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives wherever possible. For example, a retailer might replace plastic shipping materials with paper-based or cornstarch packing peanuts, while a café could introduce a bring-your-own-cup discount program to cut down on disposable cups. 
• Design products for durability, repair, and recyclability. Use modular designs and easily separable materials so products can be repaired, upgraded, or recycled at the end of their lifecycle. An electronics company, for instance, could make battery replacement easy or provide repair kits, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste. 
• Implement comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Provide clearly labeled bins for paper, plastics, metals, organics, and e-waste in offices, factories, and retail spaces. Train employees on proper sorting, and work with certified recycling partners.

🌱 3. Sustainable sourcing

Sustainable sourcing is the practice of obtaining materials, products, or services in a way that considers and minimizes negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. It focuses on ensuring that the entire supply chain, from raw materials to final delivery, is responsible, ethical, and future-friendly.

• Opt for materials that are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, or certified by reputable sustainability organizations. For instance, instead of using conventional cotton, a clothing brand could switch to GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and meets social criteria, too. Replacing plastic packaging with compostable or recycled alternatives is another step toward eco-conscious sourcing.
• Work with suppliers who follow fair labor and environmental standards. For instance, you can partner with manufacturers and producers who uphold international labor rights, such as safe working conditions, fair wages, and no child or forced labor. This can be verified through third-party certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or B Corp.
• Prioritize local sourcing to reduce carbon emissions from transport. By sourcing raw materials or products from nearby regions, businesses can minimize transportation-related emissions, lower fuel costs, and support local economies. A restaurant, for example, might choose to buy seasonal produce from nearby farms rather than importing it.

🚰 4. Water conservation

Water conservation is another sustainable business practice where businesses can make a meaningful impact. In industries with high water consumption, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or hospitality, water-efficient practices can lead to both environmental benefits and cost reductions.

• Install low-flow fixtures and water-efficient systems. Replace standard faucets, toilets, and showerheads with low-flow or dual-flush versions that significantly reduce water use. In commercial kitchens or laundries, upgrade to water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines.
• Monitor water usage and fix leaks promptly. Use water meters and leak detection systems to monitor consumption and flag abnormal spikes. Even a slow-dripping faucet can waste hundreds of liters over time.
• Recycle or reuse water where possible. Implement greywater systems that collect water from sinks, showers, or laundry to irrigate landscapes or flush toilets. Businesses with large outdoor spaces, like office parks, golf courses, or hotels, can capture rainwater in cisterns and reuse it for gardens. Using native, drought-resistant plants also reduces the need for supplemental watering.

🚲 5. Sustainable transportation

In terms of transportation, sustainable business strategies include optimizing logistics, encouraging remote or hybrid work arrangements, and providing incentives for employees to bike, walk, or use public transport.

• Optimize logistics and delivery routes to reduce emissions. Use route planning software to minimize fuel use, avoid traffic congestion, and consolidate shipments. A company with a delivery fleet might adopt electric or hybrid vehicles and schedule deliveries during off-peak hours to reduce idling and emissions.
• Encourage remote or hybrid work arrangements. By allowing employees to work from home, even a few days a week, companies can significantly reduce commuting-related emissions. For instance, a tech firm might adopt a flexible work policy and support it with digital collaboration tools, reducing the need for daily travel and office space.
• Provide incentives for biking, walking, or public transit. Offer subsidized transit passes, bike storage, showers, or cycling bonuses to promote greener commuting. A company could also implement a "bike-to-work" program with monthly raffles, wellness rewards, or reimbursement for eco-friendly gear.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 6. Fair labor practices and community engagement

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it also includes how a company positions itself with its employees, suppliers, and local communities. One important area is ensuring fair labor practices: creating safe, respectful workplaces where employees receive fair wages and have reasonable working hours. Companies should also make sure their suppliers follow the same standards, especially if production happens in other countries.

Another key aspect is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by giving people from different backgrounds a fair chance to join, grow, and lead within the company. Businesses can improve by offering training on unconscious bias, reviewing hiring practices, and supporting employee groups that represent different voices and communities.

Beyond the workplace, businesses can also make a difference in their local communities. Many companies encourage their staff to volunteer, sometimes even during paid work hours, or donate to local charities and causes.

📊 7. Transparent reporting and ESG goals

Being transparent about sustainability goals is becoming the norm. Many companies now publish what are called ESG reports—short for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These reports outline their goals, what progress they’ve made, and where they still need to improve. It’s a way to keep themselves accountable and build trust with employees, investors, and the public.

See how Ballard, developer and manufacturer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell products, shares its sustainability report in the most eco-friendly way—as a digital flipbook.

Ballard Sustainability Booklet

🧠 8. Eco-conscious innovation

Finally, innovation is at the heart of sustainable transformation. Companies are rethinking their products and services to make them more eco-conscious.

• Design products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable.
• Rethink services and models to reduce environmental impact.
• Invest in research and development for greener alternatives.

 

Sustainable Business Practices: FAQ

1. What are sustainable business practices?

Sustainable business practices are strategies and actions companies take to reduce their environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and ensure long-term economic success. These include reducing waste, conserving energy and water, sourcing materials ethically, supporting fair labor practices, and more.

2. Why should businesses care about sustainability?

Sustainability helps businesses lower operational costs, attract eco-conscious customers and investors, and comply with environmental regulations. It also strengthens brand reputation and prepares companies for future challenges related to climate change and resource scarcity.

3. How can a company get started with sustainable practices?

Start by identifying areas with the highest environmental impact, such as energy use, waste, or supply chains. Implement simple changes like switching to LED lighting, reducing paper usage, or introducing recycling. Over time, set measurable goals and involve employees to build a sustainability culture.

4. Is going paperless really effective?

Yes, going paperless can significantly reduce waste, cut printing and storage costs, and streamline workflows. It’s a simple yet impactful step toward sustainability, especially when combined with digital document creators, such as FlippingBook, for example.

5. What are examples of sustainable innovations?

Sustainable innovations include biodegradable packaging, waste reduction, water conservation, energy-efficient building systems, and digital tools that reduce paper and energy usage. Many businesses also invest in research and development to create greener alternatives to traditional materials and processes.

 

🌍 Ready to Take the Next Step Toward a Greener Future?

Sustainability has become much more than a trend—it's a smart, future-focused way to run your business. Whether your business is starting small by reducing paper use or going all-in with eco-friendly innovations, every step counts. By embracing sustainable practices, you're not only helping the planet, you’re also building a brand that today’s customers, partners, and employees want to support.

So, why wait? Start making a difference today. Audit your current practices, explore green alternatives, and empower your team to think sustainably. The shift to a greener business may start with a single action, but its impact can last for generations. 💚