Earth Hour, which has become an annual event since it was launched in Sydney in 2007, will take place this Saturday at 8:30pm. The initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) encourages people to switch off non-essential lighting as a show of commitment to the planet.
Earth Hour has not been the only example of a shift towards a more environmentally-conscious mindset in the last decade. Workplaces have led the charge for sustainability, recognising the positive impact this approach can have not only on the planet but for brand image and recruitment purposes.
Businesses have become increasingly innovative in the way they promote sustainable practices, from new technologies to changing workplace dynamics.
Remote working
This isn’t applicable to all professions but for employees with the capacity to work from home, this can be a great way to reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint. This is achieved through cutting out travel, reducing utility costs and restricting the necessity of office resources such as computers, desks and chairs.
Go green
There are plenty of standard offices supplies with more sustainable alternatives, such as recyclable toner and copy paper. It might cost a little more than the regular varieties, but the result will be a happier conscience and a more environmentally-friendly workspace.
Energy audit
The rising cost of electricity in Australia has been all over the news recently, which is a timely reminder for businesses to conduct regularly energy audits. Find out how much power you’re using, whether there are any areas where you can cut back and also compare what you’re paying with other providers. Any saving, from a financial or an environmental perspective, is a positive.
Cut travel
Travelling for work is often inevitable. Some clients require facetime, and there are events and seminars that can’t be missed. However, opting to make a conference call or conduct meetings and interviews using Skype is a much more sustainable option than flying one person halfway across the country.
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