Running a sustainable freelance business goes beyond environmental impact – it’s about creating long-term stability while reducing your carbon footprint. As more companies prioritise working with eco-conscious partners, building sustainability into your freelance practice can open new opportunities with other like-minded folk and help you stand out in a crowded market.
Why sustainability matters for freelancers
As a freelancer, your individual choices have a direct environmental impact. Without the shared resources of a larger organisation, you’re responsible for your own energy usage, waste management, and carbon emissions. Making sustainable choices helps reduce this impact while often cutting costs.
The shift towards sustainability isn’t just an ethical choice but a business necessity. Many companies require their suppliers and contractors to demonstrate environmental awareness and sustainable practices. By building sustainability into your freelance business model early, you position yourself to work with forward-thinking clients who value environmental responsibility.
The benefits of being a sustainable freelancer
It’s not just good for the environment; it’s good for you too.
- Cost savings
Sustainable practices often lead to reduced costs. Simple changes like minimising paper usage, reducing energy consumption and choosing efficient equipment can lower your monthly expenses. These savings add up over time improving your profit margins. - Differentiation
Marketing is about making yourself memorable and sustainability can become your unique selling point. As many brands seek to improve their environmental credentials, they’re looking for partners who align with these values. You can market yourself specifically to sustainable businesses or position sustainability as part of your core service offering. - Getting new clients
Many companies would prefer to work with other sustainable suppliers, and a lot of them include environmental criteria in their supplier selection process. Having clear practices makes you more attractive to these clients and can help you win contracts over competitors who haven’t addressed sustainability. - Grow your green business network
The sustainable business community is collaborative and supportive. By positioning yourself as a sustainable freelancer, you can connect with like-minded professionals and businesses, creating opportunities for partnerships and referrals. Attend training and events specifically targeted at environmentally-focused businesses and grow your green network.
30 tips for running a sustainable freelance business
- Choose to work with other sustainably focused suppliers
- Switch to a renewable energy provider for your home and/or office
- Use natural light when possible
- Install LED bulbs
- Enable power-saving modes on all devices
- Unplug equipment when not in us
- Store files digitally rather than printing
- Use cloud storage to reduce the need for physical storage devices
- Be mindful that sending emails, cloud storage and using internet data all contribute to carbon emissions
- Choose energy-efficient equipment
- Maintain and repair technology rather than replacing it
- Responsibly recycle old electronics
- Work remotely when possible
- Use video calls instead of travelling to meetings
- Choose public transport for essential travel
- Try not to take flights if you can avoid it
- Consider walking or cycling for local client meetings
- Group in-person meetings to reduce separate journeys
- Choose recycled paper products when printing is necessary
- Use refillable pens and ink cartridges
- Buy second-hand office furniture
- Select products with minimal packaging
- Support local suppliers to reduce transport emissions
- Set up proper recycling systems
- Compost suitable waste
- Use reusable containers and cups
- Choose products with recyclable packaging
- Donate or sell unwanted office items
- Join the Global Giving Initiative, B1G1, as a Business for Good
