Adopting environmentally friendly and energy efficient business practices provides numerous benefits to new business owners looking to control costs, attract customers and become socially responsible.

The following 10 steps will help you develop an environmental strategy for your business, and get you on your way to becoming energy efficient, compliant with environmental regulations and a recognized "green business."

Step 1: Comply with Environmental Regulations

As a green business, you should practice what you preach. This means complying with all environmental regulations relevant to your business. Compliance not only protects the environment, it protects your business from fines and legal action that could be imposed by the government. Consult the Environmental Regulations section of the Green Business Guide for more information.

Step 2: Develop an Environmental Management Plan

Running a green business means creating an environmentally-friendly, energy efficient workplace. A sound environmental plan will help minimize your company's eco-footprint and encourage green business practices throughout your organization.

Step 3: Build Green

If you are opening a business in a new or remodeled building, make sure you build green by installing energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, equipment and lighting. To learn more ways to build green, visit the following resource: Small Business Guide to Energy Efficiency.

Step 4: Buy Green Products

Consider buying environmentally-friendly products that are:

• Made from post-consumer, recycled materials

• Bio-based

• Non-toxic

• Rated energy efficient, such as ENERGY STAR®

• Renewable and recyclable

• Produced locally, such as organic food that is grown in your area

Step 5: Adopt Energy Efficient Practices

The prudent and conservative use of energy is one of the easiest and most cost-effective steps you can take to cut costs, increase profitability and create shareholder value. Given the potentially high returns and minimal risk, implementing energy efficiency practices is at the core of most business environmental management strategies. Take these steps to get started:

• Conduct an energy audit on your home-based business or commercial building to quickly identify areas where you can save energy costs

• Purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances and office equipment

• Provide energy saving tips to your employees

• Look for green power and renewable energy sources

Step 6: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes

Most businesses can save a substantial amount of money simply by reducing waste. In addition to lower removal costs, waste reduction measures help cut costs on raw materials, office supplies and equipment. By streamlining your operations to reduce waste, you also may be able to enhance your overall efficiency, productivity and public image.

Implement waste management procedures throughout your operation, including:

• Use post-consumer, recycled products

• Eliminate the use of excessive product packaging materials

• Optimize the use of paper products

• Participate in recycling programs, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WasteWise

For more information, visit our Waste Management Guide.

Step 7: Conserve Water

The increased demand on our nation's water supply is threatening human health and the environment. By implementing a water efficiency program, not only can you help conserve this precious resource, but also cut the costs associated with buying, heating, treating and disposing of water.

• Have your local water agency conduct a water audit at your facility to identify conservation opportunities

• Conserve water using the best available technology and water saving equipment utilities

• Minimize discharges to sewer/wastewater

Step 8: Prevent Pollution

Every business generates waste. For some, it may be only waste paper or dirty water. Other businesses may generate hazardous or toxic wastes that require special handling and disposal. For resources to help you prevent pollution, consult our guide to Pollution Prevention.

Step 9: Create a Green Marketing Strategy

If you are starting a green business, you need to market yourself as one. Adding "green" claims and eco-labels to your marketing strategy will enhance your brand image and secure your market share among the growing number of environmentally concerned consumers.

Step 10: Join Industry Partnership and Stewardship Programs

The EPA sponsors a wide variety of industry partnership and stewardship programs that aim to reduce the impact of industrial activities on the environment. These partnerships will help you build relationships with other green business owners in your industry and a brand that's credible with your customers.