Everyone has to play their role if we’re going to avoid the worst effects of climate change, from individuals through to politicians and, perhaps of all, corporations. Aside from being the right thing to do, taking a more environmentally friendly approach could have other benefits, too: studies have shown that people are much more hesitant to give their business to companies that don’t have a wider social conscience.

But how can big companies improve their record when it comes to the environment? We take a look at a few ways below.

Conduct an Audit

You won’t be able to make a big difference to your environmental record if you don’t know where you currently are. It’s recommended that you conduct an audit, either internally or by bringing in an outside expert to conduct one for you. This will flag up the things that you’re already doing well, and the areas where you really need to improve. No matter what it says, it’ll be an important first step towards moving in the right direction.

New Initiatives

It can seem a little daunting, having to overhaul your company to make it more environmentally suitable. But actually, while this might be the initial fear, it turns out that it doesn’t stand up to too much scrutiny. There have been many developments in the environmental world in recent years, so there’s a long list of green initiatives that you can incorporate into your business. It may be worthwhile working with an eco consultant that is familiar with your particular industry, since they’ll be able to tell you what the leading companies have been doing.

Limit the Damage

In some cases, improving your environmental record won’t just be about what you do as a business, but what you don’t do. There are some industries where all it takes is one large accident, and, just like that, all the good work that you’ve done in other areas of your business will be undone. This can stuff like accidental dumping of hazardous waste, or oil leaks. There are ways to prevent these incidents, such as developing a robust and safe formula for handing your waste, or using things like oil stop valves. Having these types of accidents isn’t just bad for the environment, it can also be terrible PR– many a company has faced problems because of these types of issues.

Who They Work With

It’s important to remember that it’s not just what you’re doing as a company that matters, but who you’re working with. As part of your green transformation, you’ll want to take a look at the other companies that you’re working with. If you’re working with businesses that have an atrocious environmental record, then you’ll know that you’ll have to switch to work with another company.

Big Investments

Finally, take a look at making investments in the green world. You don’t just have to follow the trends, you can also be a leader. You’ll receive plenty of plaudits, and likely tax breaks too, for doing so.