Our ten top tips for reducing your environmental footprints.
All organisations impact on the environment and have a “footprint”. All will have “carbon footprints” and most will have footprints for waste, water and other resources.
Here are some top tips to help you reduce your footprint.
1. Get the visible involvement of CEO / Board / Directors
Getting senior management involved will send a clear message to staff and provide a good foundation for making difficult decisions.
2. Set easily measurable targets that form part of your corporate performance
This will help to ensure that focus is not lost against the outcomes you are aiming for.
3. Expect and be prepared to make some investments in technology
Some of your outcomes are only likely to be able to be delivered through investment in your buildings or systems, but it doesn’t have to cost much (for example, insulate to best practice levels).
4. Have good data quality for all your utilities and travel
Knowing what you use and where will help you manage those resources and report accurately on performance. Consider using Automatic Meter Readings to give on-line reports.
5. Dedicate some people resource to delivering your outcomes
Whilst delivering your environmental objectives needs to be part of everyone’s job, having someone or a team to help provide advice and direction will reap rewards.
6. Do the simple things on energy
Insulate your buildings to a high standard; fit low energy T5 lighting; control buildings temperature to an agreed standard; fit voltage optimisation.
7. Do the simple things on waste and water
Remove desk side bins; have very clearly labelled recycling points; conduct bin audits and publicise your findings to staff. Fit low flush toilets and infra red controlled spray taps.
8. Don’t Offset!
Instead of paying money to an offset company, internalise that expenditure and invest the money in directly reducing your own emissions.
9. Think about your procurement
Making sure your procurement considers sustainability issues can deliver big benefits throughout your supply chain – don’t buy what you don’t need and will then dispose of!
10. Engage your staff and help them help you
The behaviour of staff can be crucial in delivering your outcomes. Getting their ideas will make them feel more involved and make lasting changes. By making things easy for them you can help them help you – give them a simple guide to choosing the best travel option.
