Imagine walking into your office and knowing that each action you take contributes to a greater good—a greener, more sustainable world. It’s more than a pipe dream; it’s a reality that’s within reach. As businesses around the globe increasingly prioritize sustainability, the power of collective climate action at work becomes more apparent. But how can you, as an employee, make a significant impact? Let’s dive into actionable steps that not only benefit the planet but also enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

Before jumping into the specifics of what you can do, it’s essential to understand why your involvement matters. Employee engagement in sustainability initiatives is a powerful driver of change. When staff are engaged in meaningful climate actions, it’s not just about the planet—it’s about building a positive workplace culture. Engaged employees are more productive, satisfied, and loyal, leading to a myriad of benefits for companies. This synergy between climate action and employee engagement is a win-win situation that can transform your workplace into a beacon of sustainability.

Green Building Holdings (GBH), a group of companies specializing in sustainability and green building, faced the challenge of reducing their carbon footprint, particularly with their dispersed workforce across the United States. Despite their strong external focus on sustainability, their internal operations required improvement, especially in addressing Scope 3 emissions from employee travel and remote work energy use.

To tackle these challenges, GBH partnered with eevie to create an internal Green Team that would lead the charge in enhancing sustainability practices across the organization. Through the eevie app, they engaged employees in various sustainability challenges, including “Be Water Aware,” “Choose to Refuse Single-Use Plastics,” and “Electricity Master.”

The results were astounding. Within just six months, GBH employees took 11,766 climate actions, leading to the planting of 4,605 trees with a potential carbon sequestration of over 1.4 million kg of CO2 over the next 25 years. Moreover, employees improved their sustainable habits by nearly 50%, laying the foundation for long-term reductions in the company’s carbon footprint, especially in Scope 3 emissions.

1. Go Paperless

In an era where digital solutions abound, reducing paper usage is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make. Encourage the use of digital documents, e-signatures, and cloud storage. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also streamlines processes, saving time and resources.

2. Optimize Energy Use

Did you know that simply turning off your computer monitor when you’re away from your desk can save up to $30 a year in electricity costs per employee? Multiply that by the number of employees in your company, and the savings—both financial and environmental—are substantial. Consider advocating for energy-efficient appliances and promoting behaviors like shutting down computers at the end of the day.

3. Be Energy Aware

Being energy-aware goes beyond just turning off the lights. It’s about understanding where our energy comes from, the impact it has on the planet, and the little steps we can take every day to reduce our consumption. Engage your team in this challenge to promote energy-conscious behaviors in your workspace.

4. Be Water Aware

Water is a precious resource, and on average, each of us uses 140 liters a day. At work, simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-saving devices, and being mindful of water usage can contribute to significant savings. Join the Be Water Aware challenge to reduce water consumption both at home and in the office.

5. Clean the Cloud

Cloud computing and data storage, while intangible, have a real-world environmental footprint. Servers worldwide consume significant amounts of energy. By streamlining your digital assets and supporting eco-friendly cloud services, you can make a positive difference. Take on the Clean the Cloud challenge to reduce your digital carbon footprint.

6. Climate Commute

Transportation contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. By opting for climate-friendly commuting options, not only do you cut down on emissions, but you also reduce traffic congestion and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Carpool, cycle, or use public transport to make your commute greener.

7. Climate Lunch

Our daily meals have a significant environmental impact, from the resources used in production to the emissions in transportation. Adopting a climate-friendly lunch habit at work, like eating less meat and more plant-based foods, can not only benefit your health but also plays a part in reducing your carbon footprint.

8. Eco-Friendly Everyday Actions

This month-long challenge encourages participants to adopt small but impactful eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. From reducing waste to conserving energy, each action contributes to a more sustainable future. The challenge not only promotes environmental awareness but also demonstrates how collective small efforts can lead to significant positive changes for our planet.

9. Reduce the Packaging

Excessive packaging not only fills up our trash cans but also harms the environment. In the office, countless items come excessively wrapped, from stationery supplies to snacks. By advocating for minimal packaging and making sustainable choices, you can greatly reduce waste.

10. Recycle Right

Recycling might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly requires knowledge and commitment. Take the Recycle Right challenge to learn about local recycling guidelines, recycle more effectively, and make it a habit both at work and at home.

11. Refuse Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to environmental pollution. By choosing to refuse them in your workplace, you can drastically reduce waste and promote sustainable practices among your colleagues. Encourage the use of reusable containers, utensils, and water bottles.

12. Start Your Green Journey

Every big change starts with small steps. Begin your green journey by committing to simple actions that reduce your carbon footprint at work and home. Whether it’s turning off unnecessary lights, reducing water usage, or using sustainable products, these actions contribute to a larger impact.

13. Sustainable Business Trips

Business travel, while essential for many companies, contributes significantly to our carbon footprint. By making conscious choices and adopting greener habits, business travelers can reduce their environmental impact without compromising the efficiency and outcomes of their trips. Opt for virtual meetings, eco-friendly accommodations, and sustainable transportation options when possible.

14. Zero Waste Office

Transitioning to a zero-waste office requires collective efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle effectively. By understanding the impact of waste and implementing sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Encourage employees to bring reusable items, sort waste correctly, and reduce unnecessary consumption.

15. Green Cleaning Challenge

The cleaning products we use in the office often have a negative impact on the environment. Join the Green Cleaning Challenge to make your office cleaning routine more sustainable. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products, and encourage regular, thorough clean-ups to maintain a healthy and green workspace.

Q: What if initial enthusiasm for sustainability efforts wanes over time?

A: Sustaining momentum is a common challenge. The key is to keep initiatives fresh and engaging. Regularly update challenges, celebrate achievements, and provide ongoing education about the importance of sustainability. Also, integrate climate action into the company’s broader goals and values so that it becomes a part of the organizational culture rather than a temporary project.

Q: How Can We Encourage Participation in Climate Action Initiatives Among Dispersed Teams?

A: Engaging remote or dispersed teams in climate action initiatives can be challenging, but it's certainly achievable with the right approach. Utilize digital platforms, like eevie, that allow for virtual collaboration and friendly competition. Regularly communicate the importance of these initiatives through virtual meetings, emails, and messaging channels. Additionally, create opportunities for remote employees to share their progress and success stories, which can inspire others to participate. Establishing cross-functional teams and having dedicated leaders can also help in maintaining momentum and fostering a sense of community, even in a virtual environment.

Q: What Are Some Low-Cost Climate Actions We Can Implement Quickly?

There are numerous low-cost or even cost-free climate actions that can be implemented quickly. Start by promoting energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, which not only reduces energy consumption but also cuts utility costs. Encourage employees to go paperless and reduce waste, both of which can be implemented with minimal expense. Another quick win is launching a recycling program that ensures proper waste sorting, which might even reduce waste disposal costs. Finally, initiatives like promoting sustainable commuting options, such as carpooling or biking, can be encouraged without any significant financial investment. These actions are easy to start and can make a meaningful impact while fitting within a tight budget.

Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focuses on urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. By embedding SDG 13 into your workplace practices, you’re not only contributing to global goals but also positioning your company as a leader in corporate responsibility. This commitment can be a powerful driver of employee engagement, especially among younger employees who prioritize working for companies that align with their values.

What climate action would you like to see your workplace take next? Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, starting a recycling program, or implementing a sustainable office design, your voice matters. Share your ideas with your colleagues and management, and let’s create a workplace that we can all be proud of.

The journey to a more sustainable workplace doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking small, actionable steps, you can make a significant impact. Remember, climate action at work isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about creating a more engaged, satisfied, and connected workforce.

Ready to take your workplace’s sustainability efforts to the next level? Connect with eevie today to learn how we can help you drive meaningful change and enhance employee engagement in the process. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future.