Many experts are pointing to cloud technology’s impact on the planet as well as your profits…

There are disruptive trends in business that can pave the way for newfound success — then there are trends that are so innovative that they change the game altogether.

That’s why many experts are pointing to cloud technology’s impact on the planet as well as your profits. In particular, cloud computing can lend certain agility to your operations that could be part of a strategic advantage — and that’s great news for many folks, as more than 70 percent of Americans prefer to do business with environmentally-friendly companies.

Moreover, economic sustainability is inherently green, because it involves eliminating waste and helps you save money by reducing certain operating costs. Plus, when you place sustainability at the forefront of your operational strategy, you can build your business around those beliefs and embrace change in a way that improves your value proposition.

Read on to see how your company can play a role in saving the environment while improving your operations.

Skip the Commute

One of the greenest things you can do for planet Earth during the workweek is to leave your car at home. While experts note about 20 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions derive from the use of our personal vehicles, around 86 percent of us still drive to work — and more than 75 percent drive solo.

Now, not every metropolis has an urban core like Manhattan that allows you to ditch your vehicle in favor of more ecological-friendly options. But whether it’s for work or otherwise, taking public transportation, walking or biking can make a real environmental difference.

Forget the Office

You could also skip the office. Allowing employees to work from home or making your entire operation mobile is easier than it might sound. Mobile devices, high-speed internet and teleconferencing make it simple. Not only will you save money to rent out office space, but you may even qualify for certain tax breaks.

Embrace the Cloud

Using cloud-based document creation and filing systems to avoid the overuse of printing helps, too. More specifically, cloud solutions allow for collaboration and storage without requiring additional IT equipment, paper and other waste. You also won’t have to purchase and maintain any expensive servers for day-to-day operations.

Instead, everyone can access digital copies of everything from the Word document that contains the team proposal and scanned receipts for your accounting staff to a message board that lets everyone touch base. It’s easy, convenient, green and inexpensive compared to other options. Plus, purchasing paper, ink, filing cabinets, printers, servers and more can really add up — and they are largely unnecessary costs.

Cloud Contact Centers

Of course, the cloud isn’t just for file management. It can also help you provide superior customer service via a cloud contact center. Experts say this is a good alternative to legacy call centers. Cloud-based call centers can centralize customer engagement, while also requiring less unnecessary equipment and cloud-based storage.

You can also leverage your cloud contact center to expand your call center agent workforce as needed. This ability lets you scale operations as you expand, hire agents as needed to manage cyclical demand. It also provides customer service even when your core facility has closed for the day.

How to Build a Sustainable Business with the Cloud
How to Build a Sustainable Business with the Cloud

Go Run the World

Adopting more sustainable practices will help decrease our overall carbon footprint, while also giving you the ability to run your business more effectively. That’s because economic sustainability is directly tied to environmental sustainability.

Ultimately, embracing green efforts like going paperless, using the cloud and adopting cloud contact centers don’t just save the planet; they help you save money, too. Your customers may also appreciate your new green focus and reward your efforts by buying more from you and posting positive online testimonials and referrals on your behalf. The possibilities are truly limitless.