staff engagement Environmen tal STEM | Low Carbon Kent| 2013.05.28 The Low Carbon Kent Network and STEM are funded by INTERREG IVA 2 Seas Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013 (part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund).
Dec 17, 2015
staff engagement
Environmental
STEM | Low Carbon Kent| 2013.05.28
The Low Carbon Kent Network and STEM are funded by INTERREG IVA 2 Seas Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013 (part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund).
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Overview
Why should businesses be communicating? Links to savings and legislation What are you communicating? Links to key impacts What do your staff already know? Staff survey Who else should you engage? How will you communicate - building your action plan. Key messages and slogans. Topic focus key messages. Links and further development.
Business and the environment
10% of businesses energy is wasted
60% of waste can be recycled
25% carbon savings through improved staff behaviours
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
What are you communicating?
Your company has achieved STEM blue level and has identified yoursignificant environmental impacts.
For most companies the biggest environmental impacts will be: Energy use from electricity Business travel Waste production
The next step is to highlight these to your staff and increase their awarenessto reduce these impacts.
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Current environmental awareness
Conduct a survey asking staff awareness about general environmental topics and current company’s environment policies e.g. recycling.
Then decide what questions you want to ask and how you will communicate these; for staff with
internet access you could use www.surveymonkey.com or you could print out for those without.
An example survey is on the next page.
Firstly, you should identify the current awareness amongst your staff
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Who else do you need to engage?
In addition to staff, there may well be other parties you wish to engage with when developing campaigns.
Examples
Give induction on environmental policy
Choose local contractors
Examples
• Lights off when leaving.
• Eco-friendly cleaning products
• Location of recycling bins
Examples
• Inform where to recycle electrical equipment
• Encourage to reuse packaging
• Give directions using sustainable transport
Examples
• Ask to minimise packaging
• Deliver in bulk
• Choose local suppliers
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
How will you communicate?
Now you know how and what you need to communicate, you need to plan how you will implement this and what you are going to say.
In developing your action plan you need to think about the following:
What are you going to communicate? e.g. a ‘switch off’ campaign When are you going to communicate it? e.g. Throughout April Who are you going to communicate it to? e.g. All staff How will you know if it has worked? e.g. audits to see if machines are off What will you do if it has worked? e.g. Reward staff with chocolate What will you do if it has not worked? e.g. Email reminders
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Sample communication action plan?
Action Audience Person Responsible
Time Successful? Further action
Email about new Printing Policy
Office staff
Mrs Bright Spark January - February
Yes/No
Posters and Email for Switch Off Campaign
All staff Mr Bright Spark March – April Yes/No
Training for IT tidy-up – get rid of old files
Office staff
Mr IT expert May - June Yes/No
Competition to Encourage walking & cycling to work
All staff Mrs Bright Spark July - August Yes/No
Reminder Posters and Email for Switch Off Campaign
All staff Mr Bright Spark September –October
Yes/No
What?
When?
Who? How?
Success?
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Methods of communication?
There are many ways to get your message across these include:
Type Description
Emails A direct form of communication, but avoid overload.
Presentations/training A dedicated presentation or longer-term training on a relevant topic.
Posters These remind people to save energy, water or recycle but should be renewed at regular intervals.
Newsletters Use existing communication where available, to inform people and report successes.
Meetings Put environmental issues on the agenda.
Stickers Encourage people to think about saving energy and water at the point of use.
Word-of-mouth Generate messages to stimulate interest and get people talking.
Displays Use part of an existing notice board or create a dedicated one about environmental issues.
Letters Inform of changes, campaigns, upcoming events that may interest or effect them.
Payslips Adding environmental tips to payslips is a good way of attention.
Literature Create leaflets, booklets or newsletters on environmental issues.
Press release Case studies on successes or changes to business activity.
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Communication ideas: Messages & slogans
What a waste!Almost £1.3 billion is wasted – equivalent to 4MtCO2 emissions – every year when appliances are left on stand-by.
Hot and botheredFor every 1ºC that your building is overheated up to 10% is added to your heating costs.
Cut and driedA 20% cut in energy costs is equivalent to a 5% increase in sales in most businesses.
Less is moreEnergy costs can usually be reduced by 10% – often by 20% – by simple actions.
Running emptyMotors can consume their purchase price in energy costs in just a few weeks.
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Communication ideas: Energy
In our office/factory we will: Switch off lights, computers & copiers when not in use Keep the temperature between 18 – 21° Use natural light as much as possible Use timers on devices for evening/weekends Buy energy efficient equipment
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Communication ideas: Waste
In our office/factory we will: Print only when necessary Use our recycling bins Use recycled/FSC paper Print double sided Use scrap paper for note taking Use reusable cups Have waste-free lunches
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Communication ideas: Travel
In our office/factory we will: Have a car share day one day a week Arrange meetings to be near public transport Use teleconferencing/Skype for long distance
meetings Maintain vehicle tyres regularly
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28
Good luck
Remember to contact Low Carbon Kent for free posters,stickers and ideas. [email protected]
LinksCarbon Trust: Engaging Employees in Carbon ReductionFuterra: Sell the SizzleWRAP: Find a local recycling collectorEST: Energy Saving Trust recommended products
Environmental staff engagement | 2013.05.28