By Jenny Cross, Director of sustainability, Mohawk
Green and sustainability issues can be confusing. But they don’t have to be. In fact, there are a number of sustainability practices for floor covering retailers that make an immediate impact on the store’s bottom line.

Remember, sustainability isn’t just green products. It’s three key principles: profit, people and planet. To be sustainable, you have to build your business. You need to engage people—your staff and customers— to work together to make a difference. And you need to look at the best stewardship for resources to ultimately benefit the planet.

There are five practices any store can put into place quickly:

• Get an energy audit. Your local utility is a resource, and often, it’s free. Energy is one of the biggest expenses for many stores, and an audit can show you where it’s possible to save. Some stores report reducing their energy costs as much as 80% after an audit.

• Take a good look at your recycling. Recycling can be less expensive than landfill fees, and it’s better for the environment.

• Equip vehicles with GPS systems. A surprising amount of time and fuel is wasted by installation and delivery crews getting lost while trying to get to their destinations.

• Communicate what you’re doing. Companies implementing new sustainability practices have found their customers and employees respond positively when they understand what’s being done. Even small steps—such as store signage to explain a recycling program or grouping green products together on the showroom floor—pay off.

• Don’t feel that you have to go it alone. Retailers can get assistance from a variety of sources—manufacturers, utilities, local green organizations—for help in sustainability practices. Not only are there are lots of resources, they’re anxious to support you.