8 ways tradespeople can make their work more sustainable

For World Environment Day (5th June), an expert has shared advice on how tradespeople can make their work more sustainable.

Improving sustainability can benefit both the planet and your business, as customers are growing increasingly likely to favour tradespeople with green credentials.

Recent research by ElectricalDirect, the specialist retailer of electrical products, found that a quarter (25%) of Brits are now more interested in sustainability than they were a few years ago, and over a fifth (22%) of tradespeople have been questioned about the environmental impact of their work over the last year.

However, four in five (80%) say that they don’t know how to make their services more sustainable.

So ElectricalDirect has partnered with William Hobbs, sustainability and recycling expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, to provide some expert tips on how you can make your trade business more environmentally friendly.

1) Switch to digital

Consider how much paper you’d save if you ditched paperwork in favour of an online system. You’ll also benefit from automated processes and workflow efficiencies.

2) Invest in equipment

When you need new tools or equipment, invest in some that are long-lasting and built to last. What may appear to be a significant outlay at first will almost certainly pay off in the long run.

3) Recycle wherever possible

Instead of throwing waste away, consider how to reuse or repurpose it. If items cannot be reused, recycle as many as possible so that they don’t end up in landfill.

4) Go electric

When it’s time to upgrade your work van, make the switch to an electric vehicle. This will make each journey and job more eco-friendly, and EV Car Charging is now easier than ever.

5) Learn new skills
Stay up to date on how to install and maintain the latest green technologies, such as EV car charging units and heat pumps. This will help your business stay relevant to changing customer needs and open your company up to new customer bases.

6) Source local parts

To reduce your carbon footprint, look for parts and materials that are produced and sold closer to home.

7) Reduce plastic and chemical usage

Making simple but practical swaps on small items you use daily can reduce your overall environmental impact without costing too much. For example, ditching single-use plastic dust sheets for reusable or biodegradable versions, and switching white spirit for cleaner alternatives.

8) Leave your worksite clean
When you leave a job, make sure to clean up properly. Off-cuts and bits of packaging are easy to overlook but could easily end up impacting local wildlife habitats. Take an extra couple of minutes to sweep the area for litter. This will also prevent you accidentally leaving bits of your kit behind, and allow you to re-use any spare parts and materials.