Fluid Consulting eBulletin Issue 14

Engage

Employee engagement

Every week we read about adverse and irreversible changes to the environment, and most recently I noted some research in Australia linking rising temperatures in Melbourne to the increasingly early appearance of the common brown butterfly...

We are all aware of the threat of global warming and it is easy to feel the problem is too big for us to do anything about it. However, all our organisations contribute in a small way and we can all do our bit to reduce our impact. The good news is that most of the steps also involve lower costs and more engaged staff. Examples of best practice online include initiatives by Hilton, Sainsbury’s and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust:

1. Do measure it

Here at Fluid we love measures and would recommend that the first step is to calculate a figure for the carbon impact, and which areas of the business are causing it. A useful place to start is the Carbon Trust, website www.carbontrust.co.uk

2. Don’t leave equipment switched on

A single computer left on permanently can cost over £30 a year. Several dozen left on overnight are not only a waste of energy but a considerable waste of money too, and the cost soon adds up. Ours turn off automatically if not in use. Premier Inn reduced their energy consumption by 40% over six months by installing a Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning controller.

3. Do install low-energy light bulbs

An old-fashioned light bulb can use as much energy as a computer. The easiest way to reduce energy use and electricity bills at home is to ensure all your light bulbs are low energy. The same is true at work, though it may be harder work to find the low energy versions. And turn those lights off when not needed.

4. Do source energy renewably

Dell were one of the first organisations to invest directly in wind energy but most organisations still have to rely to some extent on the existing electricity suppliers. All the mainstream companies offer green alternatives, with Scottish and Southern recently making the headlines for the purchase of a ‘Sea Snake’ wave power machine to be deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) off Orkney in summer 2011. In addition there are specialist providers like Good Energy that are 100% renewable.

5. Don’t use cars and aeroplanes where alternatives exist

Encourage car share schemes, buses, trains and bicycles. Explore teleconferences or rail travel instead of air travel. Make use of the Government cycle to work scheme (www.cyclescheme.co.uk which provides workers with new bicycles and bike equipment at up to 40% off. With no cost to the employers it results in fitter, healthier employees.

6. Do make your IT greener

Data centres and IT generally can be a major part of a company's energy use. There are complex issues involved, but technology like thin client and virtualisation can have a big impact. It may be worthwhile to visit the website. Get your techies to check out www.bcs.org

7. Don’t forget to establish an office recycling and reuse scheme

Not just for paper, but also for card, cans, plastic cartons, bottles, cups – and also mobile phones and toner cartridges. And ensure wherever possible, you source paper and other stationery from recycled and sustainable schemes. And swap your plastic cups at the water fountain with a tray of washable glasses or paper cups.

8. Do engage your employees

Get your people actively involved. Set up green teams to find ways to reduce your energy use. Green champions can research the cost savings from switching from paper towels to hand dryers, and from pool cars to cars rented from car clubs by the hour.

9. Don’t overlook your supply chain

Work with your suppliers. Simply including a question in your procurement about carbon reduction plans and offset commitments will get people thinking about the issues.

10. Do offset what's left

The above steps will reduce your carbon impact but there will be some left. To be carbon neutral you can offset this by paying for projects which save as much carbon as you use, such as planting trees or contributing to wildlife conservation projects.


	Being a season ticket holder for the last 17 years for Burnley FC the last few months have been painful watching defeat after defeat as we inevitably slid back from the Premier League to the Championship, where most observers believe we belong.


	Job cuts... pay freezes... slashing of learning & development budgets... having to do more with less... organisations contracting to result in fewer opportunities for advancement...