The Climate Of Business #104: 7 key steps to creating a sustainable workplace

Climate Change Reality

• IEA lists ‘crucial ingredients’ to keep worst effects of climate change at bay (CNBC)

• 'Historic result': European Parliament and member states reach deal on Nature Restoration Law (Euronews)

• Amazon drought sparks fears of climate tipping points (Financial Times)

• Lightning fires threaten planet-cooling forests (BBC)

• Flooded cities, price hikes and record temperatures: What does El Niño have in store for 2024? (Euronews)

• More people not having children due to climate breakdown fears, finds research (The Guardian)

• Australia offers refuge to Pacific island nation threatened by rising sea levels (CNBC)

• COP28 faces a giant communication challenge (Financial Times)

• Skiing Is Getting Riskier (WIRED)

• Emmanuel Macron pledges €1bn to fund research into melting ice caps (The Guardian)

Business Change Reality

• ‘A new dawn’: Here’s how architects are rising to the challenge of building during climate breakdown (Euronews)

• UK to press ahead with carbon border tax in 2026 (Financial Times)

• Polluters could face jail under MSP's ecocide plan (BBC)

• Canada lines up $4bn green hydrogen project in cleantech push (Financial Times)

• ‘We can’t carry on’: the godfather of microplastics on how to stop them (The Guardian)

• CEO on why natural gas infrastructure must be ready for clean hydrogen (CNBC)

• El Nino drought hits Panama Canal ship numbers (BBC)

• The World’s Broken Food System Costs $12.7 Trillion a Year (WIRED)

• New satellite will track C02 emissions from worst polluters from space for the first time (Euronews)

• Floating factories of artificial leaves could make green fuel for jets and ships (The Guardian)

Reality Check

Businesses play an immense role in GHG emission creation both through their operations and indirectly through their supply chains. Meanwhile, as businesses increasingly look to undergo sustainable transformation via decarbonisation - reducing office emissions has arisen as a key area where companies can make a significant impact with often little effort. From energy-efficient technologies to sustainable policy implementation, there are a vast number of strategies that businesses can implement to reduce their environmental impact.

In this week's newsletter, we'll explore some of the most innovative and effective ways to reduce office emissions. In doing so, businesses will be able to create a more sustainable workplace, while driving cost savings and improving employee well-being.

The importance of creating a sustainable workplace

Reducing emissions in office buildings is essential for mitigating the impact of climate change. Almost 40% of carbon emissions related to energy usage worldwide come from buildings, contributing to a staggering 33% of global GHG emissions. In the UK, commercial buildings account for approximately 18% of the country's total carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the energy used in office buildings is responsible for over 60% of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Accordingly, reducing emissions within office buildings is crucial for preserving the environment. Moving away from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, that releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributes to warming of the planet is ultimately vital to slowing down the pace of global warming and meeting global net-zero targets - such as the Paris Agreement.

These emissions from buildings result from two main factors:

1. Daily operations: Including the energy required for lighting, heating, or cooling homes, office buildings, and shopping centres. 

2. Materials used in construction: Producing building materials, such as cement, steel, and glass, requires significant amounts of energy and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, the demolition and disposal of buildings at the end of their life cycle is a significant factor.

Meanwhile, reducing emissions isn't only good for the environment. It can significantly benefit your business and improve ROI. Two key examples include:

• Energy cost savings: By reducing your energy consumption, you can lower your utility bills and increase your bottom line. 

• Improved reputation: Reducing emissions can improve your company's reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers. This customer base is growing exponentially as 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.

7 key steps to reducing office emissions

1. Use energy-efficient lighting: Energy-efficient lighting can save up to 75% of energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Businesses can save up to $0.06 per square foot per year by using energy-efficient lighting according to the US Department of Energy.

2. Reduce paper usage:Using digital documents and reducing paper usage can help reduce emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper production and disposal account for 40% of waste in landfills. 

3. Optimise heating and cooling systems: Optimising heating and cooling systems with programmable thermostats, clean filters, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can save energy and reduce emissions. A well-maintained HVAC system can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. 

4. Retrofit existing buildings: Another key step to reducing emissions is to retrofit existing buildings with energy-efficient measures such as insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems. A report by C40 Cities revealed retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient measures could reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% by 2030.

5. Encourage sustainable transportation: With transportation accounting for 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging sustainable transportation options such as public transportation, carpooling, biking, and walking can make a huge impact in reducing emissions from employee commuting.

6. Choose sustainable suppliers and products: Choosing sustainable suppliers and products can help reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. This can include using recycled materials, reducing packaging, and selecting products with low-carbon footprints.

7. Implement sustainability policies: Implementing a sustainability policy and engaging employees in sustainable practices is a sure way to reduce emissions not only in the office, but business-wide.

Ultimately, reducing emissions in office buildings is essential for mitigating the impact of climate change. Follow these 7 steps to reduce emissions for your office and contribute to a more sustainable future. For expert guidance on the development and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability strategy, book a demo with Plan A.

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