Environmental stewardship in a virtual office
We believe in minimising the environmental impact of our work.
Introduction
As It Should Be recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and processes, which we review regularly. We encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.
The purpose of this guide is to encourage all members of the team to practice environmental stewardship in their home office or co-working space, and consider making changes that not only decrease their environmental footprint but also help ensure that they take care of themselves. This includes minimising waste, recycling, adopting energy efficient practices, and purchasing from preferred suppliers.
As a member of our team, you have a responsibility to ensure that our aims and objectives of environmental performance are met. With this virtual office environmental policy, we encourage you to implement good practices in your home office.
Principles
- Use renewable energy
- Minimise waste
- Maximise reuse and recycling
- Support others by sharing ideas
Energy
- I will seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible. Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use, and I will unplug mobile phones and laptop chargers when not in use.
- Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.
- The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be considered when purchasing.
- I will consider switching to a green energy supplier that uses renewable energy sources.
It's easier than you think to research green energy providers and switch:
- UK: Ethical Consumer guide to ethical energy suppliers
- Belgium: Mijn Groene Stroom by Greenpeace
- France: Mon électricité verte by Greenpeace
- Netherlands: Pricewise energie vergelijken
Office supplies
- I will evaluate if renting/sharing is an option before purchasing equipment.
- I will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products I intend to purchase.
- I will favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
- I will reuse and recycle everything I am able to.
For more information and ideas, see our guide to office supplies.
Electronics
- Where possible, prefer to buy second hand or refurbished rather than new.
- Consider the possibility of upgrading or repairing your existing device before getting rid of it.
For more information and ideas, see our guide to e-waste.
Paper
- I will minimise the use of paper in the home office.
- I will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
- I will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.
We are a digital-first business, which helps to reduce the amount of paper and printer ink we use. If you do need to print something, print using 2-sided printing or make the most out of a piece of paper by using both sides. We recycle paper all the time that may have further use to us. Consider keeping a drawer of scrap paper. For example, used envelopes are great for taking rough notes.
If you no longer have a use for paper, please recycle it with your household or office recycling. Note that most local authorities will take shredded paper with kerbside recycling if it is bagged.
Water
- I will seek to reduce the amount of water used as much as possible. Water-saving devices will be considered for controlling the flow on taps or optimising the volume of water used to flush toilets.
- I will minimise water waste by keeping plumbing well maintained, repairing leaks and drips as quickly as possible.
Maintenance and cleaning
- Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible. Tip: use Ecover, as they are a B Corp as well.
- Materials used in office refurbishment will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
- I will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.
- I will recycle my waste by separating plastic, metal, drinks cartons, paper, food, garden waste and all other waste in the proper recycling bins.
- I will commit to the safe disposal of e-waste and other hazardous materials purchased for employee home offices.
Culture
- I will involve my partner, family or housemates in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
- I will work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance.
- I will use local labour and (circular) materials where available to reduce CO₂ and help the community.
The values stated above are to encourage you to achieve an ecological and social impact that benefits everyone. By doing this, we are not striving to be the best in the world, but the best for the world.
As part of our team, we are counting on your commitment!
Resources
For more ideas, take a look at these: