Awareness of the environment has become a crucial aspect of workplace culture, as organisations recognise their role in protecting the planet.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 41% of greenhouse gases come from buildings, industry and transportation, so businesses have a key role to play in tackling climate change. 2022 was the hottest year since records began in 1884, and we know that greenhouse gases emitted by human activity have altered the Earth’s climate.
Fostering awareness of the environment at work not only benefits the planet but also brings significant benefits for businesses including increased employee engagement, reduced waste and better resource management, and investment attractiveness.
Here we discuss eight practical ways you can foster awareness of the environment at work.
1. Educate and train employees
Educating and training employees is essential for raising environmental awareness and fostering a culture of responsibility. Our Environmental Awareness Training helps employees understand the importance of sustainability and how their individual actions contribute to broader ecological goals.
Training focuses on key areas, such as energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable practices. Teaching employees how to identify energy wastage, use energy-efficient equipment, and practise mindful energy consumption supports both environmental goals and operational efficiency.
Employees must be trained on waste segregation practices to comply with The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No.9 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024. This legislation mandates that businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must separate recyclable materials such as glass, metal, plastic, paper and card from other waste.
Organisations with less than ten full-time equivalent employees are only exempt from these requirements until 31 March 2027.
By embedding sustainability training into organisational culture, organisations can cultivate a workforce that values and actively contributes to a healthier planet while demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.
2. Lead by example
Managers and senior staff set the tone for organisational culture, and their actions can inspire significant behavioural changes across the workforce.
By actively modelling environmentally conscious behaviours, such as using reusable items, conserving energy, or choosing public transport over private vehicles, leaders demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Here are some ways to lead by example:
Implement clear policies
Implement clear and effective policies that reflect the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with The Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Environment Act 1995 and the government’s net zero target.
Establishing a well-communicated recycling policy ensures that employees understand the importance of waste segregation and the environmental benefits (see above).
Transition to energy-efficient appliances
Transitioning to energy-efficient appliances not only reduces the organisation’s carbon footprint but also signals a serious investment in sustainability.
Partnering with suppliers who share the same environmental values strengthens an organisation’s commitment to responsible practices.
By integrating these measures into the workplace, organisations can cultivate a culture that aligns operational practices with broader environmental goals, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a policy but a core value.
3. Implement green initiatives
Engaging employees in green initiatives not only reduces an organisation’s environmental impact but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and sustainability.
Here are some practical initiatives to consider implementing:
Recycling programmes
- Accessible and clearly labelled bins. Place recycling bins in convenient and high-traffic areas, clearly marked for paper, plastic, glass, and electronics.
- E-waste drives. Arrange regular electronic waste collection events for safely recycling old devices like phones, printers, and batteries.
- Upcycling opportunities. Encourage staff to creatively reuse or repurpose items to reduce waste.
Energy conservation
- Power-down policies. Implement workplace protocols for switching off lights, computers, and non-essential devices when not in use. Consider automatic timers or motion sensors to control lighting in less-used areas.
- Energy-efficient equipment. Invest in energy-efficient devices and appliances with high energy star ratings to reduce power consumption.
- Employee awareness campaigns. Share tips and reminders about energy-saving practices through posters, emails, or team meetings.
Waste reduction
- Go paperless. Transition to digital tools for internal communications, reports, and file sharing. Use cloud-based storage to minimise paper dependency. However, it is worth noting that there is not enough evidence yet to know whether going paperless is really a more environmentally friendly approach. See, Is digital really greener than paper?
- Reusable supplies. Replace disposable items like cups, plates, and cutlery with reusable options in breakrooms or at events.
- Waste tracking. Regularly monitor and report on waste reduction efforts to identify areas of improvement and celebrate successes.
Sustainable commuting
- Incentives for eco-friendly transport. Offer perks such as subsidised public transport passes, carpool matching schemes, or discounts on bike purchases.
- Flexible work arrangements. Promote hybrid or remote working to reduce commute frequency.
- Bike storage and facilities. Provide secure bike racks and shower facilities to support employees who cycle to work.
4. Communicate your goals
Transparency and communication are key to building environment awareness. Share your organisation’s sustainability goals and achievements with employees. Use newsletters, posters, or meetings to update them on progress and highlight their role in achieving these goals.
Incorporate interactive elements to make environmental awareness more engaging for employees. Host workshops, training sessions, or webinars to educate staff about sustainable practices they can adopt both at work and in their personal lives.
Encourage participation through initiatives such as green challenges, where teams compete to reduce energy usage or minimise waste. Consider creating a platform for employees to share their ideas and success stories, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
5. Create a green team
A dedicated team of environmentally aware employees can spearhead sustainability efforts. These individuals can serve as champions of environmental awareness, organising events and encouraging participation in eco-friendly activities.
Your green team might also monitor progress, suggest improvements, and celebrate milestones. Their enthusiasm and commitment can inspire others to embrace awareness of the environment as a shared responsibility.
6. Encourage personal accountability
Empower employees to take personal responsibility for their environmental impact. Simple habits, such as bringing reusable cups, conserving water, or choosing eco-friendly products, can make a big difference over time.
Consider rewarding environmentally aware behaviours with recognition programmes or incentives. For instance, an employee who suggests a cost-effective, green solution could receive public acknowledgement or a small token of appreciation.
7. Partner with environmental organisations
Collaborating with environmental organisations is a powerful way to enhance your workplace’s environmental awareness initiatives. Partnering with these groups can bring valuable expertise, resources, and credibility to your efforts while also engaging your employees and stakeholders in meaningful ways.
Here are a few approaches to consider:
- Host volunteer days. Organise opportunities for employees to volunteer with environmental organisations, such as tree planting, beach clean-ups, or conservation projects. These hands-on activities not only contribute to a healthier planet but also foster team building and employee engagement.
- Fundraising events. Coordinate events like charity runs, auctions, or themed days to raise funds for environmental causes, such as the World Wildlife Fund. This not only supports the mission of the partnering organisation but also shows your company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
- Educational sessions and workshops. Invite representatives from environmental organisations to deliver talks or workshops at your workplace. These sessions can cover topics such as biodiversity, energy conservation, or waste management, empowering employees with actionable knowledge to adopt eco-friendly habits at work and at home.
These collaborations enhance your organisation’s reputation as a socially responsible enterprise, attracting clients, employees, and partners who value sustainability and corporate responsibility.
8. Measure and celebrate success
To ensure your efforts in fostering awareness of the environment are effective, it is essential to measure progress and acknowledge achievements.
Identify measurable indicators that align with your environmental goals, such as:
- Energy savings. Track reductions in energy consumption compared to a baseline.
- Waste reduction. Monitor the decrease in waste generated or an increase in recycling rates.
- Employee participation. Measure the number of employees actively engaging in initiatives, such as training sessions, campaigns, or green practices.
Use tools and systems to collect data consistently, for example:
- Smart meters for energy use.
- Waste audits to categorise and measure waste streams.
- Participation logs for programmes and events.
Compare results against set benchmarks or goals to evaluate the impact. Break long-term goals into smaller milestones for easier tracking and celebration.
Praxis42 Environmental Awareness Training
Fostering awareness of the environment requires a combination of education, leadership, and employee engagement.
Our Environmental Awareness Training ensures your employees understand how their actions at work impact the environment and how they can make a difference. Training supports your organisation to comply with The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environment Act 1995.
Find out more about our Environmental Awareness Training, or contact our friendly team today on 0203 011 4242 or info@praxis42.com.
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
