{"id":10172,"date":"2021-09-30T10:00:25","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T09:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=10172"},"modified":"2026-01-29T09:36:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:36:39","slug":"sustainability-green-business-small-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sustainability-green-business-small-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability 101: How to build a green business with a small budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSustainability 101: How to build a green business with a small budget\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Joanne\t\t\t\tJoanne Halsall<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to running a sustainable business, there\u2019s no detail too small. From the suppliers you choose to the kind of energy you use, it\u2019s all about keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, Crow Wood Hall<\/a> group accountant Joanne Halsall offers her expert insights on how your business can go green, no matter what kind of budget you\u2019re working with. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I have gotten older, sustainability has become far more important in my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a mum, and now as a grandmother, the legacy we leave for future generations matters to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are things we can do individually, such as cutting back on single-use plastics, recycling waste at home and at work. I try to reuse items as many times as possible before throwing them away, and buy clothing that I know I will get a lot of wear out of to cut down on fast fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While being eco-conscious on a personal level is important, a staggering 55% of the world\u2019s waste<\/a> is created by just 20 companies globally, putting the onus on businesses to take more serious action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have a clear responsibility to do more, not only by minimising our carbon footprint, but by making sure sustainability is woven into every aspect of how a business is run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a common belief that going green equals expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some processes do naturally cost more to transform at first, those expenses need to be offset against the savings made to the environment and the positive impact they can have on customers and employees alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Crow Wood, for example, we have a policy in place that means whenever we need to replace a piece of equipment, we need to see if we can buy greener before replacing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve found that in most cases, we can achieve this without breaking the bank. It\u2019s all about the research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, here are six of my top tips for becoming a more sustainable and green business, no matter your size or budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t do too much at once<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Get your staff involved, if you employ people<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Talk to your accountant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Work with local suppliers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Switch to electric vehicles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Install LED lighting<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download your free guide, 7 ways to take control of your business, and take steps now to master your business admin <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t do too much at once<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pick an area of the business that you\u2019d like to focus on, and work at that before moving on to the next project. Have a look at the resources that are already available and do what you can with what you\u2019ve got.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need a little inspiration?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to reinvent the wheel to have a positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most larger companies showcase their sustainability policies on their websites, so look up companies that are taking on the kind of green initiatives you\u2019re interested in and figure out how you can apply that approach to your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, of course, there\u2019s the wealth of information available on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick Google search can reveal a goldmine of ideas that require minimal investment, both in terms of time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Get your staff involved, if you employ people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to create lasting change across your business is by getting your employees engaged, from your most junior recruits right up to your CEO. Share updates on your sustainability programme with staff and members and make it easy for people to get involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask staff for their ideas, and how they think the business can do better and go greener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s surprising how much people to want to get do their bit, but are never given the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In April, we organised a clean-up of the River Calder, which runs through our grounds. We picked up everything from bits of rubbish to a shopping trolley and disposed of everything in an environmentally friendly way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also encourage everyone to cycle to work if they can, providing bike lockers to make that easier for them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Talk to your accountant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Accountants can see where money is being spent\u2014and lost\u2014across the business, so it\u2019s easy for them to recommend more cost-effective alternatives and source greener solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are often the catalysts for change and are perfectly placed to advise business owners on where changes can and should be made. Here are just four ways your accountant<\/a> can help make your business more sustainable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n