Climate change – It’s everyone’s business

Environmental concerns, social responsibility, and ethical practices are no longer relegated to the business side-lines. Instead, they have emerged as key drivers of innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term success.

In today's interconnected world, consumers, investors, and employees alike are demanding more from the organisations they support, urging them to take responsibility for their environmental footprint, social impact, and ethical practices.

We are offering free sustainability training to businesses in the borough until March 2025.

From understanding the principles of sustainable development to integrating sustainability into daily operations, this training equips staff with the knowledge in how to identify opportunities for positive change, drive efficiencies and foster innovation.

Employees can select from a range of bite size online training courses for up to two members of staff from your business.

The learning will be followed up with a survey asking what they are doing differently after completing the course.

There is also the opportunity to take up additional support, which may be an advice surgery, access to a directory of green resources or mentoring.

To sign up, please complete our registration form.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Businesses have a major role to play in helping protect and enhance the environment.

You may already have plans to reduce the carbon emissions of your business and by working with us, we can make an even greater difference together.

The Carbon Trust Calculator can help you check your emissions.

Tips on how to reduce the carbon emissions of your business

Here are some tips to help you reduce carbon and your bills.

Measure your carbon footprint

Start by measuring your company's carbon footprint, in order to know where you stand and the areas to focus on.

You can calculate the carbon emissions of your business by using the Carbon Trust SME Carbon footprint calculator.

Choose renewable energy

There are now more and more green energy providers on the market.

Check with your energy provider first if they have any renewable energy plans available.

If they don’t, then consider switching to a provider that can guarantee that your energy consumption comes from renewable sources.

Apply the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle

The principle of the three R’s is a must whenever we talk about being environmentally friendly.

Consider how you can apply this to every aspect of your business, from office supplies to packaging and operations.

What can be reduced, reused, or recycled?

Travel greener. Promote greener commutes

Travel is one of the most carbon-producing activities within a company, yet it’s still part of the way we do business.

However, there are different things we can do to reduce travel-related carbon emissions.

Some of these include:

• travelling by train or other public transport options when possible.
• offering free or discounted public transport subscriptions to staff
• providing free bikes
• offering a flexible work schedule, which allows staff to work-from-home
• encouraging Carpooling amongst colleagues

Eliminate single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a large contributor to a business’s carbon footprint.

Every time someone throws away a plastic straw, bag, cup or packaging materials, these products exact a toll on the environment.

Almost all plastic products are made from fossil fuels, and refining those fuels into plastics is an energy-intensive process that is driving up global emissions.

Items such as cafeteria cutlery, disposable coffee cups and plastic water bottles can easily be switched for reusable items instead.

Opting for reusable replacements reduces a carbon footprint while reducing waste hauling costs, too.

Also consider purchasing reusable cups/bottles for all your staff, instead of plastic cups at the water cooler.

Maximise energy efficiency

It is easy to waste electricity in the office when you’re focused on getting work done. Take these precautions to maximize efficiency of energy consumption in your office space.

Equip your office with energy efficient models of workplace equipment such as monitors, computers, and printers.

Connect desk equipment into power strips to simplify switching off all technology at the end of the day. 

Optimising workplace lighting is another great and easy way to cut both your carbon footprint and your electricity bill. Install energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs and dimmable fixtures

Switch off lights when they are not necessary or opt for automatic sensors to save the hassle. 

Use natural light as much as possible to save energy and avoid the negative health effects from excessive exposure to artificial lighting such as heightened stress levels.

We will update this section with information on carbon reduction grants when available but if you require additional support or advice, please email greenhomes@havering.gov.uk