Update on H&S and Sustainability
Never stop Learning!!
Had a great day on 28th June 2022 as I attended The Sustainability Fair at The Essex Business School University in Colchester.
I understand setting up and running a business requires you to think outside the box, take on new challenges, and face issues that had not been apparent when scoping out the original business plan.
Whilst businesses have been asked to tackle a number of such challenges over the decades, none are more threatening than the impact of climate change. However, in the face of many competing priorities, taking action on sustainability has been a ‘nice to do’ challenge for every businesses.
However, with increased levels of environmental awareness and the pressing need to reduce our impact on the environment before it’s too late, this is no longer a ‘nice to do’, but a ‘need to do’.
The consequences of not acting on climate change are well-documented, and meeting this challenge will require the efforts of every part of society.
We are at the stage of CODE RED!!
Recognising their role in combating climate change, businesses themselves are already taking action to mitigate their impact on the environment. From the installation of basic measures such as LED lighting and starting staff cycle to work schemes, businesses are as varied and as creative as ever in their drive to reach net zero.
A “one size fits all” approach to messaging, or policy, will no longer suffice. The policy framework must provide the necessary incentives, and overcome the barriers that businesses face.
Some other suggested options are:
- Having 1 printer in the building rather than lots on individual desks and offices
- Solar panels fitted (battery storage)
- Upgrading boiler and heating systems
- Car share
- Cycle to work schemes
- Using reputable suppliers that use re-cycled products
- Having your website, emails and servers audited to reduce emissions. Use cloud storage. Use apps such as ECOSIA as your search engine
- Renewable energy
- Air source heat pumps
- Insulation
- Encourage more plant-based products to reduce meat
- Work from home
- Re-use water bottles
- Audit your suppliers to see if they use re-cycle products
- Use recycling areas for personal use. Check out local schemes such as crisp packets or ink cartridges
- Set up in-house recycling schemes
- Re-cycle as much as you can at home and at work
- Shop at eco-friendly shops – where you take your containers and fill up rather than using packaging
- Up cycle your unwanted furniture
- Use QR bar codes rather than printed business literature
- Some businesses plant trees every time you use their services
Please contact us further information on 07770 302504 or email joanne@chestnutassociates.co.uk
