The Hive

If the cap fits .......

Creating a sustainable business is probably one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my business career. It stretches the mind in all kinds of directions; and challenges perceived notions of what is achievable. But it is also one of the most deeply satisfying things you can do as there are so many ways you can create ‘success’. The process inspires creativity and detail; team-work and dogged application. Colleagues start to engage differently, with each other and the business, and conversations take on new depths. Most of all though, it is immensely pleasing to see the sceptics and dissenters not only climb on board, but play a big part!

Using my three years as managing director of Heath Avery Architects as an example, there are all kinds of little changes we’ve made to do business differently. Some of these are basic ‘green housekeeping’ elements that you would expect from any company. Others are more far-reaching and assert the practice’s brand values and market positioning:

Energy:  like many SMEs we are in serviced premises with inclusive bills so we don’t benefit directly from reducing our energy use. This doesn’t stop us ‘doing the right thing’ though and we’ve systematically reduced our consumption in myriad ways. We don’t switch lights on unless we have to (selecting offices with excellent natural light is essential for this); all equipment is switched off at night. We have one printer/photocopier for the whole office and default to double-sided, black and white printing and we post about 1/10th</sup%3