Ethics and the environment
All businesses must be socially responsibleThe organisation has a responsibility to work in the best interests of society and the environment. and adhere to government guidelines on how they can operate in terms of their effect on the environment and disposal of waste.
There are many ways a business can operate ethically and environmentally:
- Renewable energy - solar panels or wind turbines could be used to help generate some of the electricity used in the production of products. This would reduce carbon energy consumptionThe total energy used by all human beings. and in turn reduce energy costs incurred by the business.
- Reduce energy consumption - special controls can be fitted to lights and machinery so they automatically switch off when not in use. This would reduce energy consumption.
- Reduce transport - reducing transport requirements will reduce the carbon footprintA measure of how much carbon is used through the activities of a person, company or country. of the organisation and will reduce pollution.
- Recycling - using recycled packaging or recycling waste products would mean that an organisation may reduce production costs and meet their environmental aims. This would also reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill sitesPlaces where refuse is buried underground..