So, just picture this: You have a customer who steps onto your property, and they can immediately tell you’re a business that cares—not just about appearance but about the environment, too. While sure, nowadays you have greenwashing, sustainable products, or even sustainable packaging, sometimes those just aren’t enough. You have to keep in mind that sustainable practices are no longer just a nice-to-have; they’re a big part of a responsible, forward-thinking business.
Now, even when it comes to reducing your energy bills or even your landscaping practices at your business, more eco-friendly practices should be kept in mind. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s best for your business but what’s best for your business as a whole.
So, with all of that said, what can you do? Well, there are some practical things that you could incorporate, even when maintaining your business’s exterior. So, let’s take a look!
It Should All Start with Smart, Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Alright, so for starters, you have to keep in mind that a sustainable landscape means more than just beautiful plants; it’s about creating an environment that thrives with less water and fewer chemicals. While sure, you can always hire a landscaper that focuses on sustainability (and that is recommended), you’re probably still going to have to educate yourself on a few things. But what exactly?
Well, here’s a great example: choosing native plants is one of the easiest ways to make landscaping eco-friendly. You might already know this, but native plants naturally thrive in the local climate, meaning they’ll require less water, fertilizer, and pest control.
They’re hardy and resilient and help reduce the need for chemical treatments, making them a win for both your maintenance budget and the environment. Usually, if you hire an eco-friendly landscaper, they’re going to recommend that you do this in the first place (or pay them to do this).
You’ll Need to Think About the Hardscaping for Walkways and Parking Lots
Yes, parking lots and walkways are essential for any business, but they can also be big sources of heat retention and runoff. Again, they are needed. Traditional concrete and asphalt trap heat, making surrounding areas warmer, and they don’t allow water to soak through, which can lead to flooding and pollution in local waterways.
While permeable pavers are a great sustainable alternative to standard paving materials, these pavers let rainwater seep into the ground below, naturally reducing runoff and easing the pressure on local stormwater systems.
It’s just nice to know your options, but not all businesses really get a choice in the matter, especially if you don’t own the property. Plus, getting pavers is a major investment, and your current parking lot will have to go (meaning you’ll need to spend a lot of money). Most businesses won’t go this route, plus it’s debatable whether or not it’s eco-friendly to destroy resources (like a parking lot) that are already there. But again, it’s about knowing your options.
Think About How You Clean Up
Keeping outdoor areas clean often involves regular leaf and debris cleanup, especially in autumn. Now, sometimes, if a business is sharing a parking lot or sidewalk (like a strip mall), chances are high that money is already going to cleaning and maintenance that you don’t have to do. But if you are responsible for cleaning up around your property, it’s ideal to look into ways to make this more eco-friendly.
For example, you can look into Switching from gas-powered tools to electric tools, like a cordless electric leaf blower, since these help cut down on emissions and are a bit quieter, too. Of course, a broom, dustpan, and rake could work, but those take a while to clean up. But when it comes to the waste itself, you should ideally look into composting these or even check if your local community does.
There’s the Lighting
One of the biggest reasons people don’t feel safe in parking lots at night is the lack of lighting. You should already know how important outdoor lighting is to customer safety.
But at the same time, traditional lighting setups can be heavy on energy use. Solar-powered lights are a fantastic option, especially for illuminating pathways, parking lots, and entrances. Solar lights have become more reliable, affordable, and brighter, making them an ideal solution for low-impact outdoor lighting. While yes there is a major upfront investment when it comes to solar lights, it’ll pay off in a few years.
But what about signage? Well, that’s also something that no one should skip out on either. You’re usually better off looking into LED bulbs since they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy costs and the need for frequent replacements. There are even LED motion sensors that you could look into as well.
Don’t Forget About How You Clean
Well, here’s the thing: maintaining clean surfaces doesn’t mean you have to rely on harsh chemicals or disposable supplies. For example, when it comes to cleaning walkways, building exteriors, and even signage, you should look into buying biodegradable cleaners and reusable microfiber cloths.
Sure, most people know to just buy some reusable rags, but it’s usually the cleaning solution that a lot of people don’t see as a big deal. But there are some reasons for it. It’s mostly about runoff water and how that can affect wildlife.
The same can be said when it comes to cleaning parking lots, sidewalks, and other walk ways too. Even if you’re using a pressure washer, the cleaners in them should be safe and eco-friendly. Eco-friendly detergents are designed to break down easily, reducing the chance of harmful runoff into storm drains. Plus, these detergents are often just as effective as traditional ones, leaving your property clean, bright, and environmentally sound.
Water Conservation for Greener Grounds
If you decide to hire a landscaper, they’re going to ask about this. But overall, water conversation is going to be key when it comes to running a more sustainable business. Plus, outdoor maintenance offers plenty of ways to save.
For example, depending on how big the property is, you could look into a drip irrigation system a smart upgrade that delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing water loss from evaporation and ensuring plants get the hydration they need without waste. Like everything else on this list, yes, you’ll need to keep in mind that there is an upfront investment.