The general public is becoming increasingly concerned with global warming and the growing negative effects of climate change.
The air of worry has become so great that many institutions and governments have started offering incentives to motivate companies and individuals to make the switch to environmentally friendly green products.
Amongst other initiatives, the British government offers tax incentives for electric cars, has banned microbeads that pollute the oceans, and this week launched the second Contracts for Difference auction.
Contracts for Difference provides developers the chance to compete for funds supporting clean energy in Britain, helping the country reach its goal of a 26% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. In a recent article, Bdaily reported half of UK energy in 2016 was provided by low carbon sources for the first time.
So what does this mean for franchising? Well, it means an increased awareness of energy consumption within the public, which could help many green franchises, such as Blazes Renewables, which helps their clients throughout the UK reduce energy bills.
“At Blazes Renewables we work with our clients to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the energy consumption of their lighting”, said Franchise Director Alan Wilkinson. “Replacing a conventional bulb with an LED lamp will typically reduce energy consumption by around 65 to 70%. This is the ‘low hanging fruit’ when it comes to energy savings for most businesses, with a payback on investment typically of under two years, with 24/7 operations often achieving payback in under one year. Not only does an LED conversion drastically reduce energy usage, it also reduces maintenance costs, with many of our products lasting up to five times longer than most conventional bulbs.”
With increased demand and over 25 years of experience, business is booming for Blazes Renewables, as for many other green franchises.
No matter what type of franchise you’re pursuing, though, you can benefit from these environmentally friendly practices. If you’re opening a van-based franchise, for example, consider using an electric car and benefit from the tax break. Or install solar panels on your new building, reaping the rewards of cleaner, cheaper energy for years to come. If you’re starting a delivery business, promote recycling of the packaging materials.
Taking these actions — and promoting your commitment to sustainability — can help establish a business within a community. The Guardian reported last year that a third of UK consumers say they are very concerned about product origins. In a global study that same year, 84 percent of people report selecting socially and environmentally responsible products whenever possible.
Environmentally conscious consuming has been a growing trend, particularly among younger consumers, with no signs of slowing. In fact, given the United States’s wavering commitment to and potential withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, many consumers are more committed than ever to considering the environment in their investments.
So when investing in your franchise, help the planet and help yourself!