Creating a more sustainable workplace is high on the agenda for many businesses across the UK. With the Government targets to reach carbon net zero by 2050, organisations are encouraged to set strategies to reduce emissions and play their part.
So what’s the business case for caring about the climate?
A more sustainable workplace is important for the environment. Furthermore, it will also benefit your business in the long run. The problems touted around huge costs to keep pace with a rapidly changing and volatile environment, disruptions to supply chain and negative brand sentiment simply aren’t worth the risk.
With this in mind, businesses are now setting their own carbon neutral agendas - we have our own road map to become carbon neutral by 2027.
While there are many ways to make your workplace more sustainable, it starts with simple changes. It doesn’t have to be big, overly expensive and time consuming - we’re here to help you do what you can right now. With a focus on future proofing, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Here are some tips on how to create a more sustainable work environment.
Sustainable sourcing
Choose suppliers who have environmentally responsible practices and certifications. Our team can help you to consider the environmental impact of the products and services you purchase. We have eco-friendly products and sustainable solutions that enable you to make simple swaps to products you already purchase.
Environmentally friendly office furniture
Choose office furniture that is made from sustainable materials and is recyclable. This can include chairs made from recycled materials and desks made from bamboo. Recently we partnered with a supplier who creates soft seating furniture from recycled bottles found in the ocean.
Choosing high quality furniture will ensure it lasts. If you stay away from trends and gimmicks you will get much longer use out of your furniture too. Neutral colours or the colours of your brand will last longer as you’re unlikely to change your mind on the decoration if trends change.
Space planning for sustainability
Plan your office space to optimise energy efficiency. You can place desks and equipment near windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Design your space to be open and airy to reduce the need for heating and cooling. Take into consideration how you will use the space and also how this may change in the future.
Reduce waste to help the environment
Reduce waste by recycling, reusing materials, and reducing paper usage. Instead of using disposable cutlery and cups, provide reusable mugs for employees. Encourage double-sided printing and using digital documents where possible. We offer a range of recycling services to our customers - from branded workwear to confidential office documents.
Create energy efficient workplaces
Make energy-efficient choices for your office equipment and lighting. Turn off electronics and lights when not in use and consider using energy-saving bulbs. Install programmable thermostats to control heating and cooling more effectively.
Your workwear and uniforms can also help, by heating the person instead of the environment.
Future-proofing for sustainability
Plan for the future and future-proof your workplace with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. This can include using renewable energy sources and making green infrastructure upgrades. As part of our carbon net zero strategy we have moved to offices with solar panels and installed an EV charger for our growing electric fleet.
Eco-friendly transportation and deliveries
Encourage sustainable transportation options for employees by having electric vehicle charging points and bike facilities.
For our customers we help them to reduce unnecessary deliveries through effective stock management and regular scheduled deliveries. We’re also in the process of updating our fleet to electric vehicles too.
Employee engagement
Educate and engage employees in sustainability initiatives and encourage them to adopt sustainable habits both at work and in their personal lives. It’s important for your employer brand too with 74% of employees saying their job is more fulfilling when they’re given the chance to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues. Furthermore, 70% indicate they’d be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to solutions to these issues.
Hopefully now you know how making your workplace more sustainable can benefit the environment and your business. By taking steps to reduce waste and conserve resources, you can create a more environmentally responsible workplace and ensure a sustainable future for your business.
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