_79A6217-Enhanced-NR

10th Oct 2024

Blog

In today’s world, customers are increasingly making choices that reflect their growing concern for the planet. They are looking to those who prioritise environmental responsibility and care about the impact they have.    

A staggering 69% of consumers say that sustainability is more important to them than it was two years ago. However, it is the cost, accessibility and clarity preventing them from adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. Which is why transparency and authenticity within a business is key. 

We have recently spoken to Gen Alpha, who are going to play a huge part in our business decisions over the next five years, and these were some of the key takeaways. 

– They prefer to walk to places if the distance is less than five minutes.
– They like places that prioritise recycling.
– They appreciate luxury hotels but prefer those that are environmentally conscious, such as reusing energy and recycling and supporting local food banks.
 

As businesses, aligning with these evolving values isn’t just good ethics, it’s also good for business. 

Consumer Preferences  

More than ever, customers are looking to associate with brands that mirror their values, which include environmental responsibility, human rights and ethical working practices.  

According to Deloitte, a quarter of customers are prepared to pay more for sustainable practices, and one in three stopped purchasing certain brands or products because of ethical or sustainability-related concerns, providing businesses with a clear incentive to adapt. 

Employee Engagement 

Doing good for the planet is not just about the customer. It also plays a crucial part in employee satisfaction levels and recruitment.  

At mys, we know that employees are the centre of our business, and their wellbeing is crucial to our success. Our philosophy to do, better applies as much to how we treat people as to how we operate as a business. 

What This Means for Business 

So, what does this mean for your business? It means that aligning your brand with sustainable practices isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. By showing that your company cares about the environment, you’re not only building a brand, but you’re also building trust. And trust is the foundation of customer loyalty. 

When customers believe in what you’re doing, they’re more likely to stick with you, recommend you to others, and even overlook the occasional hiccup because they see the bigger picture. Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings—think lower energy bills, less waste, and more efficient operations. 

Ways in Which mys are Boosting our Sustainability Credentials 

Improving your sustainability game doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. There are practical, impactful steps you can take that will make a real difference—both to the environment and your bottom line.   

As we constantly strive to do, better, we are continuously exploring ways to reduce our carbon footprint. And the mys brand and values are centred around this. It’s a commitment to making decisions that are good for our business, our people, and our planet. One step at a time.

Here’s how our values are currently translating into action in our office: 

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats. These simple changes can lead to significant savings over time and reduce your carbon footprint. 
  • Implement recycling programmes and encourage waste reduction in the workplace. It’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for efficiencies and cutting costs too.
  • Partner with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. This could mean sourcing eco-friendly materials or working with companies that prioritise fair labour practices. 
  • Go digital to reduce your carbon footprint. Optimise your website for energy efficiency, reduce paper usage, and embrace virtual meetings to cut down on travel. 
  • Building from the ground up. As a new business we don’t make quick decisions. We consider each decision and its impact, to ensure we choose the best one for the business and the planet. We’re always looking to do, better. Working this way means we don’t have costly approaches to changing processes later down the line. 

Living mys Values 

At mys, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of who we are. We’ve taken significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint, from optimising our office energy use to making our website eco-friendlier. But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We’re dedicated to helping our clients embrace sustainability too, because we believe that together, we can make a real difference. 

Doing good for the planet is the right thing to do and it’s good business. By adopting sustainable practices, you can build a stronger brand, deepen customer loyalty, and drive long-term success. Now’s the time to show the world that your business is serious about creating a sustainable future.  

Back to blog

29th Aug 2024 Blog

Insights from the Latest Student Living Webinar

Read more about Insights from the Latest Student Living Webinar

08th Jul 2024 Blog

What Do Students Really Want from Their Accommodation Provider? 

Read more about What Do Students Really Want from Their Accommodation Provider? 

04th Jun 2024 Blog

Investing in Student Accommodation

Read more about Investing in Student Accommodation