{"id":13151,"date":"2023-06-15T14:57:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T14:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jrtechsolutions.ca\/?p=13151"},"modified":"2023-07-06T00:16:29","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T00:16:29","slug":"retail-sustainability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jrtechsolutions.ca\/en\/retail-sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Improve Sustainability in Retail"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Today\u2019s consumers rank sustainability as a major factor in their purchasing decisions, making retail shareholders and investors take a greater interest in sustainability than ever before. Sustainability is not only a good choice for the planet, it\u2019s good business.<\/span><\/p>

JRTech Solutions looks at practical ideas for improving the sustainability of your retail business.<\/span><\/p>

5 ways retailers can help reach global sustainability goals<\/span><\/h2>

Sustainability in retail involves going beyond regulations and current standards to embrace new technology and behaviours.<\/span><\/p>

Sometimes the choice is as simple as changing to environmentally-friendly packaging or applying the three \u2018R\u2019s\u2019 (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).<\/span><\/p>

More complex solutions include replacing inefficient equipment and improving building maintenance. When it comes to sustainability, every decision matters.<\/span><\/p>

1. Heat and cool your retail premises efficiently<\/span><\/h3>

Heating accounts for 29% of energy costs on non-domestic buildings. Depending on how well you manage the temperature of your retail space and where your business is located, this could also be a big part of your carbon footprint.<\/span><\/p>

Begin by making your store entrances and exits efficient: use energy-efficient doors and take advantage of corners and ramps to manage the exchange of hot and cold air from outside.<\/span><\/p>

By upgrading your heating controls, you can conserve energy and still keep your staff comfortable. Use a compensator to regulate indoor temperatures based on external weather. You could also install an optimum start\/stop control so that your thermostat optimizes heating based on the time it takes to reach the desired temperature. In roughly two years, you should see a return on your investment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In summer, take advantage of natural ventilation. Can you safely use windows and doors to cool the air instead of turning on the air conditioning? Letting in the cooler night-time air can efficiently lower the temperature of a space, cost-free.<\/span><\/p>

2. Maintain buildings for sustainability<\/span><\/h3>

A building in poor condition will use more energy. To keep your retail location in good condition, create an inspection and maintenance schedule.<\/span><\/p>

Damaged walls, windows and doors should be repaired promptly. Gutters and pipes should be kept in top condition.\u00a0 Encourage staff to report problems as soon as they see them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Insulation can reduce heat loss and wasted energy significantly. Insulating pipes alone can <\/span>reduce energy losses by 70%<\/span><\/a>, and insulating a roof can cut a quarter of your heat losses. It\u2019s worth taking your maintenance agenda one step further.<\/span><\/p>

3. Switch to sustainable packaging<\/span><\/h3>

Customers will be the first to notice this upgrade, but retail business owners will also benefit. It isn\u2019t realistic to promise \u2018zero packaging\u2019 and you should avoid \u2018greenwashing\u2019 (making misleading claims about your commitment to sustainability). Sustainability is a long-term effort that should not be treated as a trend.<\/span><\/p>

Numerous studies have proven that plastic pollution is a major problem for our oceans and wildlife. The degrading effects of our wasteful habits have been repeatedly brought into the spotlight by world-renowned environmentalists like Sir David Attenborough.<\/span><\/p>

Since December 2022, the manufacture and import for sale of certain <\/span>single-use plastics in Canada<\/span><\/a> is prohibited, including checkout bags and food service ware made from plastics that are hard to recycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Packaging is an important part of branding, and choosing to go green in this area can improve consumer ratings and brand image. Begin by committing to reduce, recycle and reuse whenever possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Retailers should <\/span>keep up with the latest news on plastic use<\/span><\/a> and find sustainable alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Some examples of eco-friendly packaging include:<\/span><\/p>