Understand the 5 “R’s” of driving more green into your business.

Renew

Renewable products are those that help sustain the earth’s natural resources and/or are produced from sustainable and/or natural raw materials. By choosing products that are renewable, not only is the sustainability of the product ensured, but the future availability of the product is also ensured. Show your customer how by choosing renewable products, they have chosen not to deplete natural resources while helping to guarantee the future supply of the product (i.e. flooring, structural components, etc) should they ever need it.

Reduce

Your products and services should reduce impact to the structure, the environment, and/or the health of the customer. The services may include products that:

1. Block the introduction, development and spread of indoor contaminants (i.e. products and systems for duct work/HVAC, unconditioned areas of the home, structural components
2. Products that remove indoor air pollutants (i.e. filtration, dehumidification, etc)
3. Products/systems that warn occupants of potential health hazards (i.e. radon, mold, VOC, etc)
4. Products that do not release significant pollutants into the building (i.e. toxicity and VOC limits).
5. Look for information on products pertaining to reduced toxicity (LD50 is the “lethal dose” that will kill 50 percent of a tested population) which can be understood by reviewing material safety and data sheets (the higher the number the better). And by choosing products that are low VOC’s emitters (contain less than 50 grams per liter of total VOC emissions), you have the opportunity to educate your customer on how VOC’s can affect indoor air quality issues like asthma, allergies and other conditions. Also, set yourself apart by showing simple examples of “reduction” such as why your company chooses concentrated cleaning products that reduce packaging and overall transportation requirements. Finally, help your customers select products that reduce maintenance requirements and are exceptionally durable over time.

Reuse

Reusing the contents of a property or using salvage materials is an effective step in educating your customer about how to make green decisions. By first taking inventory and then by laying out a plan with your customer on how to identify and use salvageable materials, your restoration and/or contents services can be used with greater profit to your company.

Recycle

Many products are now available that are made from either post-consumer materials or pre-consumer content (also called “post-industrial”). Choosing products that are packaged with recycled and/or recyclable materials is an easy way to differentiate yourself while offering additional education to your customer. And now there are even products made from agricultural waste materials (such as cleaning compounds) that are not only non-toxic, but some can also replace standard products while decreasing labor costs.

Re-Evaluate

Establishing an educated customer that understands the importance of a well-maintained and healthy property is the overall goal. Regular evaluation is an essential step that when implemented protects the customer against large scale problems while injecting regular and predictable revenue into your business. By working with your customer to establish a reasonable time frame between evaluations and by giving feedback to the customer in the form of reports that track specific information, your customer will feel a greater sense of security and empowerment. Also, products making green claims should be evaluated independently with testing and/or certifications as proof that the product meets EPA’s environmentally preferable standards. By providing visible test studies to your customer regarding the efficacy of the products that you are using, customer confidence will be strengthened which will eliminate competitors, shorten the overall sales cycle, increase profits.

According to Christian Stephens of Risk Prevention Systems, www.riskpreventionsystems.com, “Although being a Green Company requires some time and commitment, the overall opportunity and profits to be earned are worth it.” Going Green is about taking regular steps that enhance your company’s ability to implement new products, protocols and systems that are good for the environment, your employees and your customers. And when understood in the light of benefits-based sales, new opportunities and profits can be quickly realized to grow your business.