27 May, 2021

How to Make Your Workplace More Sustainable

• A sustainable workplace
• 9 ways to make your workplace more sustainable
• Instil an eco-ethos
• Reduce plastic consumption
• Reduce energy usage
• Embrace renewable energy sources
• Review supply chain
• Encourage the adoption of EVs
• Reduce paper consumption
• Encourage green commuting
• Have a recycling program
• Conclusion

 

An aim to be more sustainable is on the list for many companies and corporations. From the way they operate, the products they produce and the services they provide. But what about the internal changes needed to become a more sustainable business? 

A Sustainable Workplace

Being a sustainable business through and through is now regarded as an important factor to many consumers when they decide where to spend their money. A recent study showed that nearly 50% of those surveyed said that they wanted to do business with retailers that were environmentally conscious. 

Business transparency is expected by consumers and they are actively searching to make sure that the companies they associate themselves with are resonating with their own beliefs and values, especially surrounding the environment, sustainability and climate change. In fact, another 2019 survey found that 47% of internet users had switched products and services from a brand due to them violating their personal values. At the top of these values were protecting the environment and 5% stated climate change.

Improving the sustainability and environmental impact of your workplace, office and sites is, therefore, an essential and good place to start. Keep reading to discover 9 ways in which you can make your workplace more sustainable, whilst experiencing some of the cost-effective benefits that come with them!

 

 

9 Ways to Make Your Workplace More Sustainable

 

1. Instil an Eco Ethos

The overall mindset of your employees comes from the top. Set out and instil an eco and sustainable mindset through an Eco or Sustainability Ethos, which is usually a document that states the environmental missions and promises you as a business and workforce are going to make to commit to being more sustainable. It acts to hold you accountable, a leading example to employees as well as setting the standards you expect them to follow. 

A 2015 survey found that only 43% of British workers were concerned about wasting energy in the office, compared to 70% at home, therefore showing a significant ‘personality split’ when it came to views on environmental impact in and out of the home.

If your key stakeholders and senior-level staff are acting on the Eco Ethos, it will soon become the day-to-day norm for your employees and a more sustainable mindset within the workplace will soon take place. 

 

2. Reduce Plastic Consumption

Single-use plastic is unsustainable, that’s a fact. To make your workplace more sustainable, stop supplying single-use plastics, such as water bottles, plastic cups, coffee cup lids and plastic cutlery. Instead, encourage the use of reusable options and even a selection of ceramic mugs and metal cutlery! 

Plastic alternatives are unnecessary and remain in a landfill for hundreds of years. Not only will your workplace sustainability improve, but so will the well-being of your employees and visitors.

 

 

3. Reduce Energy Usage

Workplaces use a lot of energy, which is understandable. However, the majority are only in real use for 8 hours a day. But machinery, technology and other energy-using equipment are often not fully turned off out of hours, meaning energy is still being used even when your employees aren’t there! Not only is this extra energy usage growing your carbon footprint, but it is also increasing your costs.

Making sure employees properly turn off all computer equipment before leaving the workplace is a major way to reduce energy usage. Leaving a computer on standby doesn’t cut it and is still using unneeded energy. This also applies to appliances, screens, office equipment and machinery. 

Other actions, such as educating your employees to turn off lights when they are not in the room or installing sensor-induced lights on a timer, will act to reduce your overall energy usage and therefore make your workplace more sustainable. 

 

4. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources

Switching your energy provider to one that uses renewable energy sources, is a massive way to improve your workplace’s sustainable impact. In fact, by sourcing your energy from renewables you are eliminating your business from the contribution towards the burning of fossil fuels, a major process that is not sustainable for the planet. 

Switching to renewable energy is easy and there are many companies available that will carry out the switch on your behalf. Renewable energy also tends to be cheaper than the alternatives. Help save the planet as well as your outgoings.

 

 

5. Review Supply Chain

A bigger step than just switching your energy provider, but reviewing your supply chain and seeing where you could be making more sustainable choices, is one of the most important ways you can improve your workplace, and overall business sustainability. 

It’s also important that you practise what you preach. If you claim to be a sustainable business, it’s important that all aspects of your operations are in line with your ethos. 

Your supply chain is where customers are expecting to see transparency. Show them how sustainable your processes are and win them, and their loyalty over. 

 

6. Encourage the Adoption of Electric Vehicles (with WCS etc) 

Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero carbon emissions on their day-to-day running. Their total carbon-emitting lifecycle is significantly lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle and the long-term costs are lower still. 

Encouraging the adoption of EVs in your workplace is a great way to reduce the overall vehicle emissions of your fleet and employee vehicles. In addition, drivers will benefit from no fuel and lower maintenance costs.

To encourage the adoption, your business could install EV charge points at your workplace. You’ll be seen as a sustainable leader and it can be a great asset and benefits your workforce. 

Installing workplace EV charging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. At eFaraday, we can support you with the application of The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), a UK government grant funded by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) that can save you up to £14,000 on the installation of your charge points! In fact, the WCS has already funded over 36,300 sockets in workplace car parks since the start of the scheme in 2016. 

Read more on how we can help you with the WCS Grant here.

 

 

7. Reduce Paper Consumption

We live in a digital age, whereby we can see almost anything on a screen. Encourage your employees to think twice before printing pages of presentations and documents that could have easily been emailed. When paper and printing are essential, make sure you are supplying recycled paper and sustainable inks. These small steps all help make a workplace more sustainable.  

 

8. Encourage Green Commuting

Gasoline vehicles produce carbon emissions which contribute to the rising temperature of our planet, leading to disastrous outcomes for our populations and wildlife. Promoting green commuting in your workplace will help reduce your business’s overall impact on the climate crisis. 

Green commuting is a mode of transport that produces significantly less carbon into the atmosphere. You could promote a cycle-to-work scheme, taking advantage of the grants available that give employees money towards a bicycle. Encouraging the use of public transport, car-sharing and even electric vehicles is a really great way to encourage green commuting and provide a more sustainable mindset and environment at your workplace. 

 

9. Have a Recycling Program

We all know the importance of recycling, but does your company have a clear recycling programme in place? Make it easy for your employees and visitors so they don’t have to think twice before disposing of paper, plastic and other waste. 

Provide obvious recycling bins around your office, with clear instructions on what can and can’t be recycled. You could even incentivize your workforce by holding competitions and prizes for the team that produces the least non-recyclable waste. 

 

 

Conclusion

There are therefore many ways in which you can make your workplace more sustainable. From simple acts like encouraging the switching off of lights, to bigger projects such as workplace charging stations for electric vehicles. 

If electric vehicle charging at work is something you wish to explore, get in touch with us today for a free no-obligation quote. What have you got to lose?