Going Green: Making Environmental Awareness a priority in your workplace

Climate change has been a popular topic amongst scientists and politicians since the 1990s, and is getting an increasing amount of attention with each passing year… for good reason.

In a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it has been found that climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying, and some trends are now irreversible, at least during the present time frame.

The United Nations (UN) have labelled human-driven global heating as a “code red”.

With that said, according to IPCC experts, there is still time to limit climate change. Strong and sustained reductions in CO2 emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, could quickly make air quality better, and even eventually stabilise temperatures.

As individuals, we all have a moral obligation to do what we can to protect our planet. But in addition to this, businesses must also consider the impact they are having on the environment.

See our blog on how you can make your workplace more environmentally friendly.

The business benefits of being environmentally aware

Obviously, the main benefit of being environmentally aware is to preserve and reverse the existing damage done to our planet. However, having an environmentally aware workforce has a number of business benefits...

Attracting new customers

It has it’s competitive advantages to run an environmentally friendly business.

Many consumers and other businesses actively look for organisations that have a positive environmental impact, and it can be a great way to separate your business from your competitors.

The 2015 Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study found that 84% of consumers across the world say they seek out responsible products when possible, and a further 81% of these consumers say that the availability of these products is the largest barrier preventing them from purchasing more.

Avoiding rising costs

By reducing the negative environmental impact of your organisation, it can help towards future sustainability of your business.

Being less reliant on natural resources, which are only increasing in price each year, will leave you in a better financial position than your competitors and give you a much greater chance of long-term success.

Another way of saving money whilst also being environmentally friendly is by implementing simple measures that will help you use less energy. For example, having motion-activated lighting (or ensuring that you turn the lights off when the room isn’t in use)!

Creating a healthier, more productive workplace

Healthy workplaces and green businesses tie in with each other perfectly. Being able to offer your employees organic foods, an office full of plants, and using eco-friendly products are measures that cover a healthy and green workplace.

Not only that, but having a healthier workplace can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism!

Educating employees on environmental awareness

Employers cannot expect their workforce to be environmentally aware without leading from the front, so it is crucial that organisations implement methods of promoting environmental awareness.

Here at iHASCO, we offer an Online Environmental Awareness Training course that has been designed for all levels of employees across any industry sector.

The IOSH approved course, which can be completed in just 45 minutes, is broken down into three sections: 

1. Global change
2. How workplaces are affecting the environment
3. How individuals can improve their carbon footprint

Ultimately, the course aims to make the user aware that the environment is under threat and that changes must be made to protect it, and that they have a responsibility to do so.

You can claim a free, no-obligation trial to the course today!