Sustainable Relocation Without Sacrificing Cost

by Eric Reed on Apr 26, 2023

Balancing Sustainability and Cost in Corporate Relocation

Keeping costs in check is one of the top priorities for procurement teams, particularly as businesses are looking to create stability in the face of anticipated economic downturns. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustainability is growing in importance among consumers and business leaders. 

These differing priorities can put procurement professionals in a tough spot as they try to find the balance betweensustainability and cost-effectiveness. But they don’t have to be at odds. Procurement professionals have the opportunity to stand out as leaders and find the balance between meeting the company’s goals without hurting the bottom line. Here’s how your business can develop sustainable corporate relocation programs for employees. 

Why Sustainability Matters in Relocation

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It's an essential initiative, designed to help protect the health of our planet and improve your overall quality of life. Here's why it should be prioritized in your corporate relocation programs. 

Growing Stakeholder Expectations

Sustainability provides cost-saving advantages for corporations, which is appealing to stakeholders. Every small eco-friendly initiative can help reduce waste, lead to improved resource utilization, and increase profits over time. 

ESG and Strategic Business Value

Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into your business values is an effective way to build on your brand's reputation. It's an appealing way to attract top talent and to build relationships with potential partners or investors. 

Common Barriers: Perception of Higher Costs

Many corporations believe that sustainability is an expensive investment. While supporting sustainably made products typically comes at a premium price, implementing eco-friendly moving practices doesn't always have to be costly. It takes time and careful consideration to be more eco-conscious in business practices and corporate relocation programs. However, once you integrate sustainable initiatives into your day-to-day, you'll find that these approaches help you save more money in the long run. 

How Sustainable Relocation Can Be Cost‑Effective

Sustainability doesn't have to be expensive to implement. Here are some simple, yet cost-effective ways to develop a sustainable corporate relocation:

Optimize Transportation

Working with a corporate moving partner is the most effective way to optimize transportation. Professional movers will help with route planning, ensuring items take the most fuel-efficient route. Movers know which routes to take to maximize fuel efficiency and get everything transported as quickly as possible. They also offer GPS tracking, so your employees can track their belongings in real-time. 

Encourage Pre‑Move Downsizing

Encouraging your employees to downsize before relocating can help you save time and money. When you donate, throw away, or get rid of items you no longer use, it lessens the weight for the move. Less weight can lead to better fuel efficiency and help streamline the unpacking process. 

Leverage Digital Tools

There are also digital tools that you can leverage to help streamline moving logistics, minimize waste, and reduce clutter. Online marketplaces can be used to declutter before relocating, which helps reduce the weight of items. While professional mover apps can help with fuel-efficient route planning and provide detailed carbon footprint reporting. Also encourage your employee to request a virtual pre-move survey rather than an in-person survey to reduce emissions of a survey driving out to the home. 

Corporate Benefits of Sustainable Relocation

Prioritizing sustainability can have long-term benefits for corporations. Implementing sustainability in moving practices can have a positive impact on your brand reputation. It can also provide: 

Long‑Term Savings

Reducing material waste and encouraging decluttering can lead to lower costs and savings opportunities for corporate moves. Every small green moving practice your team prioritizes can lead to big savings over time. 

Better Talent Attraction and Retention

Showing new hires and current employees that sustainability is a top priority will reflect positively on your brand. It shows you care about the environment and want to do your part to make a difference. 

Strengthened Supplier Relationships

Sustainable initiatives can also help strengthen supplier relationships and build on your brand's reputation. It will have a positive reflection on your corporation's values, which can attract new investors, partners, and suppliers. 

Moving Toward Sustainability with Allied

Working with a corporate moving partner like Allied that values sustainability and your budget can help you transition to more environmentally friendly practices. So, how does Allied prioritize sustainability?

  • Allied has partnered with Big Mile and the Climate Neutral Group (CNG) to monitor, reduce and offset our carbon emissions
  • For office and industrial moves, we utilize the CommercialConnect app to provide detailed carbon footprint reporting for our team and clients
  • To reduce food waste, we’ve partnered with Move For Hunger, an organization that helps people donate unwanted food when moving
  • To reduce the moving volume and packing volume in moves we partner with a 3rd party company to work with employees on discarding and donating unwanted items prior to the move. 

Allied is working hard to meet our sustainability goals and to help our clients meet theirs. With over 95 years of experience, a nationwide network of agents and flexible program options to fit your budget, Allied is committed to providing both sustainable options and a quality customer experience. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Environmentally Friendly Relocations

Are you looking to develop an eco-friendly relocation program? Review our frequently asked questions below before you get started.

How can sustainability in employee relocation be cost-effective?

Reducing waste, reusing materials, and eliminating clutter can help maximize fuel efficiency and reduce the need for more moving materials.

What are some simple sustainable practices for employee relocation?

The most cost-effective way to lower item weight is to reduce clutter before relocating. The fewer items you have to relocate, the more fuel-efficient the moving truck will be. 

How can relocating employees contribute to a company’s sustainability goals?

Handling the logistics and planning for corporate relocations is the most cost-effective way to commit to sustainability goals. You can decide which movers, vendors, and supplies are needed for the move, allowing you to customize moving plans to align with your sustainability goals. 

How does Allied help companies achieve sustainable relocation?

Allied Van Lines is here to help you with packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking. Our team will help with route planning, ensuring the most fuel-efficient route is taken for the move. We'll even help properly dispose of and recycle any leftover waste or materials, so your employees don't have to. We’ve also partnered with Move For Hunger and Big Mile to enhance our sustainable offerings. 

Can sustainable relocation practices help with employee satisfaction?

Yes, sustainable relocation practices reflect positively on your company, highlighting your commitment to the planet. 

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