How sustainability can benefit small businesses
Celebrated on June 5th, World Environment Day encourages reflection and the adoption of practices that help protect the planet.
The date invites people and companies to rethink their habits and the impact of their actions on the environment, as environmental concern among the economically active population grows.
The event is also an opportunity to remember the importance of the topic for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) concerned with not only raising environmental awareness and putting sustainability into practice, but with following rising trends with the potential to impact business performance - as is the case of ESG (acronym for social, environmental and governance).
These actions include practices such as the intelligent use of natural resources, adoption of renewable energy sources and waste management.
These mechanisms not only generate financial gains, but also intangible benefits, such as the value and perception of the brand by consumers.
Less costs, more sustainability
The interest in noticeable gains from sustainable practices was what made Makson Oliveira change the energy matrix of his business. Owner of an açaí store in Uruçuca (BA), the entrepreneur decided to adopt some measures to reduce operating costs. Among them, the use of solar energy.
As a result, the amounts dedicated to this monthly expense were balanced based on own generation and energy, says the entrepreneur.
"Generating my own energy ended up paying for my daily and monthly energy consumption", he says.
In addition to the month-to-month cost reduction, one of the main gains for Açaiteria, according to Oliveira, is the possibility of facing growth and investments to expand infrastructure and machinery in a positive way - as this will not result in costs that grow in the same proportion as energy consumption.
"The improvements are daily. I can install more machines and of better quality, even if it consumes a little more energy. I start to do things without worrying too much."
For him, the adoption of sustainable measures is a valuable action for small businesses - especially solar energy, due to the reduced costs, which contribute to the financial performance of growing businesses.
"Solar energy is not only affordable for small businesses, but a perfect supporting investment, especially for businesses that have high electricity consumption", he says.
"Producing your own energy knowing that it is clean energy, that does not deforest, is wonderful."
By Maria Clara Dias
Source: CNN