Retail business resource efficiency
Ten top tips for retail resource efficiency
Guide
Your retail business uses many types of resources in its day-to-day operation. There are many steps you can take to reduce retail waste and improve energy and water efficiency.
Try out the following no-cost and low-cost tips to see how much money your business could save:
- Write an environmental policy for your business that details all the steps you will be taking - see write an environmental policy.
- Separate wastes, particularly cardboard and plastic, and send them for reuse or recycling.
- Arrange for returns and unsold products to be sent back to suppliers.
- Reuse packaging materials such as bubble wrap, boxes and pallets, and crates.
- Place paper recycling bins next to printers and photocopiers and always use double-sided printing.
- Consider buying some of your stock items in bulk to reduce packaging costs.
- Ensure heating, air conditioning, lighting and other equipment is only on when it's needed.
- Install energy-efficient equipment when old equipment needs replacing.
- Monitor water use and install water-saving devices such as tap sensors and low-flush toilets.
- Ensure all staff are trained to use resources efficiently and include relevant issues in induction and refresher training.