Most people are experiencing a growing concern about the impact of humans on the planets environment. Debates about climate change, the threats of an energy crisis, and the depletion of natural resources are all topics that have moved from the fringes into the general public conscience. Growing awareness of these problems has spawned a new type of business person. These innovators and developers are not only concerned about turning a profit but are also looking for ways to develop a business that provides and product or service with minimal negative impact on the environment. Demand for these eco friendly products is driving a whole new market. Once you have decided you are one of these CEO’s with a heart, or maybe just an eye for what to customer really wants, the question becomes how do you take your current business idea and transform it into and environmentally friendly idea?

The very first step that you should take before heading out to buy new light bulbs for you office or telling your employees you are taking the paper cups out of the break room, is look at your overall business model and develop a strategy to systematically change your business at every level of operation. Any time you make a decision in business that is successful it is the result of exact planning and research, greening your business should be approached the same way. Start by examining your current mission statement and company goals. How can you expand on your original principles to lead your business in a new environmentally friendly direction?

Another good question to ask yourself when you are looking at the possibility of going green is why you are doing it. Are you motivated by a specific environmental concern or are the current green trends and desire to get in that market the leading force behind your new interest in a “greener” business. Knowing the source of your motivation will help you categorize and prioritize potential changes you can make.

It is unlikely that you will be able to afford all of the changes that are available to you. When you are creating a new eco plan for your business it is helpful to chart all of the changes you would like to make. Break them up into categories. Have one plan for all the immediate cost free or low cost changes you want to make. Include them in the first phase of your new plan. In addition to the easy changes create goals for your business. While converting machinery or investing in a fleet of eco friendly vehicles might not be in this year’s budget, you should develop a long term plan that will enable you to invest in green technologies for years to come.

Like any changes to business converting your business from an older model into one that is cleaner and more sustainable will take time and commitment. Having a clear goal and developing a plan to reach those goals will help make your businesses conversion a success.

Beacon Hill Associates is the leading national provider of specialty insurance coverages and coverage for environmental contractors.

Beacon Hill Associates is the leading national provider of specialty insurance coverages http://www.b-h-a.com/Home.aspx and http://www.b-h-a.com/packaged-coverages-contractors-consultants coverage for environmental contractors.

Author Bio: Beacon Hill Associates is the leading national provider of specialty insurance coverages and coverage for environmental contractors.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Environment, Business, Industry, Insurance, Green