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Tradesman Insurance: Going Green: Tips for Becoming an Eco-Friendly Tradesman

From the car or van you drive to the equipment and products you use, there are loads of simple things you can do to save yourself hard-earned cash and do your bit to protect the environment. Regardless of your trade, from carpenter to plasterer, going green isn't just about saving the planet. These days customers are becoming more eco-aware; they're turning their backs on tradesmen who aren't environmentally savvy and are opting for those who can not only get the job done well but who also do it with some thought and care for the environment. Can you afford not to keep up with the changes?

Why bother 'going green'?

More business: you'll be likely to attract and keep more business from environmentally thoughtful customers.
Financial savings: think reduced bills. You might also be able to take advantage of government allowances and tax incentives.
Ahead of the game: making changes now means you'll be one step ahead of the 'green' rules and regulations.
Free publicity: some environmentally friendly changes are newsworthy events. If the newspapers and radio pick up on them it might get you more work.
Improved reputation and image: you'll improve your reputation and image which might help attract more work and keep the customers you already have.
Investors: if you want to grow your business then investors are likely to be drawn to environmentally aware tradesmen.
Competitive: from eco-warrior to business-warrior, making green changes could improve your competitive edge.

What can you do?

Most tradespeople can make some changes to help save the environment and protect their pocket.

Out and about

Some of the ideas below could be used in your day-to-day work.

Get a free carbon audit from the Carbon Trust to work out your carbon use and find ways of reducing emissions and bills : www.carbontrust.co.uk
Turn off power tools and equipment when not in use.
Use local suppliers.
Use suppliers who take back packaging for reuse.
Buy environmentally friendly business vehicles.
Find and use eco-friendly products.
Encourage your clients to choose eco-friendly options.
Set up your own green business.
Clean your work tools with eco-friendly cleaning products.
Use rechargeable batteries in battery-operated tools and equipment.
Reduce, reuse, recycle, wherever you can.

All things admin

Whatever your trade, there's no escape from admin. So, wherever you sort out your invoicing, quotes, tax, accounts and other paperwork there are probably some things you can do to cut your costs and look after the environment. You'll find some tips below.

Encourage online communication such as sending quotes and invoices by email.
Avoid printing emails and other non-essential documents.
Use double-sided (duplex) printing.
Use paper with maximum recycled content.

For more information and ideas as to how you can do your bit for the environment then check out the Business Link website for environmentally friendly practices by sector including the construction and building trades, electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing, engineering and metalworking, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.

Regardless of trade, eco-warrior can also mean business-warrior. By putting some of the above ideas into practice you could save yourself money and attract more customers.