“SUSTAINABLE business”, and “responsible profit-making” were once industry buzzwords, but today, they represent a new frontier for businesses across all sectors. In South Africa, we’re seeing big corporates and listed companies take on the sustainability agenda, allowing every facet of their operations to be driven by ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policies.
In a recent media statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that the move towards a “low-carbon, ecologically friendly and socially sustainable” economy has the ability to drive job-creation, inclusion and growth in sectors including: renewable energy, grid construction, manufacturing of renewable components, battery storage, green vehicles and green hydrogen.
At first glance these sectors may appear to comprise of larger companies in terms of capital value, however, the production, manufacturing and distribution of the parts of these products and services exist within the realm of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The transition towards a greener economy does not only have benefits for the country on a pragmatic level but also forms part of a national objective, which is to honour our commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The duty to collectively work towards this commitment does not rest solely on the shoulders of big business, SMEs can also contribute in a meaningful way.
4 simple ways for SMEs to become more sustainable:
1. Go paperless
Lowering the carbon footprint of your business can be done in a number of ways at a very granular level.
For example, SME owners could consider going paperless – some SMEs have moved from a paper receipt system to email, thanks to technology offered by South African companies such as Yoco and iKhokha. The move towards paperless operations has become popular not only because of its environmental benefits but because it can significantly reduce operating costs. Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in terms of cloudbased solutions. Just a few years ago, systems like Google.
Workspace did not exist, but today, employees can easily collaborate and contribute to shared working documents simultaneously in real-time that never need to be printed.
2. Flip the switch
Other micro factors that could be considered include electricity usage.
Installing energy-efficient air
conditioning systems, for example, may require a large initial outlay but in the long run, that cost will be offset by the reduction in energy usage. There are other energy-efficient options to consider like motion- detected lighting, the use of low-energy, LED light bulbs and making use of more natural light in work spaces.
3. Go remote (or something in-between)
Encouraging a remote working system is another initiative that many SMEs are in a good position to implement, given their smaller size.
Flexible working ultimately means less cars on the road, which means less carbon monoxide emissions and less overhead costs (and outputs), amongst others.
Not only does this have implications for the environment, but it has an important social impact and can lead to better employee satisfaction, higher productivity and a closer focus on employee wellness.
4. Support other green businesses
SMEs are known for their adaptability and willingness to collaborate and share ideas and resources with other small businesses – this collaborative approach often leads to innovation. When collaborating, SME owners should look at the sustainability profiles of their counterparts and assist them where possible in reaching those objectives.
It is only through an intentional and collective shift towards building a network of businesses that are putting people and the planet first, that South African SMEs can establish themselves as meaningful contributors to the country’s national sustainability goals
Bierman is a managing director at Business Partners Limited.
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