10 sustainable practices for companies

The most effective sustainable practices for a company combine savings with lower emissions: digitalising processes, gaining energy efficiency, applying the circular economy, designing to ecodesign criteria and, above all, measuring the carbon footprint so decisions are made with data. Below are ten concrete actions to move towards a more sustainable model.

This transformation answers an ethical responsibility, but it has also become a competitive advantage: customers, investors and public bodies increasingly prioritise companies that prove their environmental commitment with verifiable facts.

1. Digitalisation

Digitalising your processes is a good starting point. It cuts paper consumption, makes remote work (and the commuting it replaces) easier and speeds up internal communication. That said, it is worth remembering that technology also consumes energy, so the net benefit improves if you choose efficient providers and avoid unnecessary digital consumption.

2. Energy efficiency

Simple measures deliver real savings on the bill and in emissions:

• Switch equipment off at the end of the day, avoiding standby consumption.
• Make the most of natural light and use LED lighting.
• Optimise climate control with thermostats and proper maintenance.

Energy efficiency is almost always the lever with the best cost-benefit ratio.

3. Reduce, reuse and recycle

The three basic principles of waste management remain pillars of corporate sustainability: reduce the use of disposable materials, reuse wherever possible and recycle correctly by separating waste at source.

4. Sustainable mobility

Mobility is key to reducing the carbon footprint. Some measures for more sustainable transport are:

• Renew the fleet towards electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Encourage public or shared transport among employees.
• Provide alternatives such as bicycles or scooters. In Spain, it is also worth reviewing the obligations of the Sustainable Mobility Act.

5. Ecodesign of products and services

Sustainability should be present from the moment a product is conceived. Ecodesign prioritises the lowest impact across the whole life cycle: recycled or biodegradable materials, durable and repairable products, and easy recycling at end of life. In the EU, the Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) is raising these requirements for a growing number of products.

6. Circular economy

The circular economy proposes a model where waste becomes a resource: reintroducing materials into the production cycle, offering repair and reuse services, and collaborating with other companies to close loops (industrial symbiosis).

7. Measuring the carbon footprint

Measuring and monitoring the carbon footprint is essential to identify improvements and assess how well your strategies are working:

• Put measurement systems in place based on real data and an emissions inventory by scope.
• Define indicators (KPIs) to track progress.
• Verify results against standards such as ISO 14064.

For companies within the scope of the CSRD, this measurement stops being optional and becomes part of mandatory reporting.

8. Working with sustainable suppliers

A large share of a company's emissions sits in its value chain (scope 3). Selecting committed suppliers, taking part in joint projects and sharing good practice multiplies the impact and reduces supply chain risk.

9. Minimising digital pollution

Digital pollution, though invisible, has a real environmental impact through the electric footprint of online services. Some measures: optimise storage and the sending of heavy emails, host your website with providers that use renewable energy, and promote responsible data consumption.

10. Sustainability certification

Obtaining certifications adds credibility and opens markets. ISO 14001 certifies an environmental management system, and in Spain the carbon footprint registry of MITECO recognises calculation, reduction and offsetting. These credentials set a company apart and make it easier to access tenders.

The transition to a sustainable business model is not an easy road, but it is a necessary one. By implementing these practices gradually, a company reduces its impact, improves its image and gains efficiency. And since almost everything starts with measuring, you can calculate your starting point with Manglai's carbon footprint software.