How to Practice Sustainability in the Workplace

Employers have a legal and ethical duty to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency. What better time to promote this than during Big Energy Week?

This takes place between 17-23 January this year. It was initiated through a partnership with Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust, and the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

No matter what sector your business runs in, all employers have a legal and ethical duty to practice environmental sustainability at work. This duty includes everything from controlling carbon footprints to committing to climate change.

For further advice, contact one of our expert HR advisors free of charge today. Now, let’s look at how employers can practice workplace sustainability during the Big Energy Week and beyond:

What is sustainability in the workplace?

Sustainability in the workplace is about reducing any negative actions that a business might cause to the natural environment. This might include direct impacts, like sending waste products to landfills; or through indirect means, like pollution and habitat destruction.

Employers are required to adapt practices, processes, and procedures that are eco-friendly and less impactful to the planet. Having a sustainable workplace directly leads to happier, healthier, and content employees. Not only is it part of your ethical duty as an employer, but it also reflects well on your brand reputation.

What are the laws on sustainability in the workplace?

Employers have a legal duty to practice environmental sustainability at work. These are covered by the following legislative regulations:

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR): This requires large UK businesses to disclose their energy usage, carbon footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions in their annual financial reports.

Financial Conduct Authority TCFD Reporting (FCA CRFD): This requires businesses with UK-listed shares or deposit receipts to complete mandatory climate-aligned reports.   

Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (CRFD) via the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero: Previously, UK businesses with over 500+ employees were required to complete an annual sustainability and climate-related disclosure report. This might change under the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero's new policies.

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS): This requires businesses to complete a mandatory energy assessment scheme every four years.

How to practice sustainability in the workplace

Now that we’ve covered the definition and laws, employers need to think about how to practice sustainability within their own workplace. These will vary depending on what sector you work in, what your output includes, and how you regulate them.

Remember, small changes will ultimately lead to a bigger influence in practicing sustainability. Let’s read a few examples you can introduce into your workplace:

Switch off electrical appliances

Many businesses use all kinds of electrical appliances on a daily basis. From computers to portable heaters – a great place to start is switching off electrical appliances when they’re not in use.

Many of us leave laptops on standby instead of shutting them down completely. Bad habits like this can accumulate hours of energy wasted. Multiply this across your staff numbers and the numbers can be cripplingly for businesses. Practice shutting down computers and switching off mains plugs when appropriate.

Invest in energy-saving  

Unless you work outdoors, most businesses will rely on artificial lighting. Especially during winter months, we often leave lights on all day, even if natural light is available.

Employers should invest in energy-saving lighting for all accessible areas. Use energy-saving LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones. They use 90% less energy compared to normal ones. Investment will help make huge savings in the long run.

Cut down on the use of paper

We live in a digitally abundant world where the use of photocopiers and printers are being used less and less. Not only do they contribute to decreasing finite paper sources, but they also require a lot of maintenance and energy.

Businesses should pass policies to cut down using paper and sharing documents online. Those that rely on paper should invest in recycling practices and sending zero-products to landfills.

Install solar panels

We don’t get a lot of sunshine in the UK; so, investing in solar panels for your business might seem questionable. But investing in your own electricity this way can help you make massive savings on your energy output.

Solar energy is championed for being clean and renewable. It doesn’t emit greenhouse gases, so you won’t need to worry about air pollution. Most solar panels come with up-front costs, but you’ll soon see a return on your investment quickly.

Find a suitable room temperature

Finding a suitable room temperature in the office is a common argument. Believe it or not, having the wrong temperature can affect employee retention, performance, and even morale.

A general gauge to follow is sticking to 20-23˚C. A reduction in just one 1˚C can lead to an 8% reduction on your energy bill. But don’t start decreasing your thermostats. Start by keeping windows and doors closed to keep rooms warm and avoid wasting energy.

Create an environmental audit

Once you’ve outlined all sustainable work practices, employers should document them. An environmental audit will help your business keep on top of all duties and responsibilities related to sustainability.

Audits can include things like waste management, water usage, and even your recycling procedures. You can even use these statistics as part of your annual financial reports and business pledges. Small changes like this promote ethical practices, as well as your commitment towards global sustainability.

Get expert advice on practicing sustainable working with Peninsula

From switching to energy-saving lighting to investing in solar panels… There are all kinds of methods you can invest in to practice sustainability. With the right compliance and procedures, employers are on their way to running a cleaner, greener, ethical business.

Peninsula offers expert advice on how to be more sustainable at work. Our 24/7 HR advice is available 365 days a year. Want to find out more? Book a free chat with one of our HR consultants. For further information, call 0800 051 3685.

Sources

How to save money on my energy bills | Energy Saving Trust