How Sustainability Impacts Your Brand

Sustainable business practices are not only good for the environment but also beneficial for your company’s brand. Read on to learn why corporate social responsibility is critical for success, and how your business can demonstrate its sustainability initiatives.

Why Should Companies Care About Sustainability?

Now more than ever, people prefer brands that prioritize sustainability, and that positive sentiment translates to sales. According to a survey published by CGS, 68% of consumers list sustainability as an important factor when making a purchase, and more than a third would spend an extra 25% on an item made by sustainable means. Corporate sustainability is also a strong driver of loyalty, with 28% of young shoppers listing sustainable/ethical business practices as a factor when deciding to purchase a product again.

How Can Companies Show They Are Committed to Sustainability?

There are numerous ways a company can incorporate more sustainable practices into its products and operations, but we’re going to focus on some of the ways businesses can showcase sustainable initiatives directly at a retail location. Sourcing sustainable building materials and recycling during construction and renovations is a great way to start off. From reclaimed wood to emerging innovations such as “low carbon concrete,” there are a lot of options for companies looking to make an eco-friendly statement when constructing new facilities. Retrofitting an existing building with LED lights and updating to smart thermostats can make buildings more efficient, helping the company to save on energy and electricity costs. Additionally, LEED certification, a broadly-recognized system used to rate “green” buildings, sends a strong and clear message that a company takes sustainability seriously. But perhaps one of the most effective methods of touting sustainability at a new or existing facility is by investing in onsite solar energy.

Why Is Solar a Great Way to Show Sustainability?

Onsite solar installation can be highly visible to customers — they can see your company’s commitment to sustainability every time they visit your store or facility. Moreover, installation options are numerous: roof-mounted solar installations involve placing panels atop your facility, while ground-mounted solar projects are situated on the property. Solar parking canopies, arrays that double as a shelter for your employees’ and visitors’ vehicles, allow companies to capitalize on solar energy without dedicating additional space for the system and are perhaps the most easily visible to visitors. And no matter the configuration, solar allows companies to benefit from lucrative incentives at both the state and federal levels.

Companies can also enjoy the many marketing benefits of going solar by incorporating the project into sustainability reports to customers and investors, sharing about the project with the local government, stakeholders and the community, creating excitement about the installation on social media, and devoting a portion of the corporate website to highlighting the notable renewable energy initiative. Companies such as Simon & Schuster, GIANT Food Stores, and Continental Building Products are just a few that have garnered notable attention for their solar projects. In addition to retail locations, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are often well-suited for solar installations. Solar energy is an ideal way to tell your customers that your company cares about the environment and is actively doing its part to minimize its carbon footprint.

Considering transitioning your business to solar energy? PowerFlex has more than a decade of experience in managing turnkey solar energy and storage solutions from development to execution for clients such as Amazon, Target, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and more. Contact us today for a free solar assessment.