Sustainability, eco living and green aren’t just buzz words to tick off, they are words to live by! Whether that’s in the office, managing a block of flats, or in your own home.
The cost of living is going through the roof, and often it seems only the rich can afford the sustainable solutions.
Remote companies are at the forefront of sustainability efforts, as they significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with daily commutes and office energy consumption.
There are, however, many small differences we can all make, and these are some that we as lawyers working in the office and also from our own homes, have changed and are looking to change.
Any other firms of solicitors reading this will get the big change from paper to technology we’ve had to psychologically retrain ourselves through – stop writing on paper and stop relying on reams and reams of library legislation updates! In remote companies, virtual meetings and web conferences are preferred over in-person gatherings, contributing to lower transportation-related emissions.
CARBON FOOTPRINT
We’ve all heard the term ‘Carbon Footprint’ before, but have you ever fully understood what it means? And how to actually reduce it at home and at work? Many remote companies prioritize sustainable practices, such as paperless offices, energy-efficient technology, and recycling programs to minimize their environmental impact.
Well, the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere due to activities of an individual, organization, or community is known as the Carbon Footprint. Sustainable remote companies often invest in eco-friendly office supplies and encourage employees to use reusable items like water bottles and coffee mugs.
Reducing this is a widely discussed topic and one that many businesses are actively trying to achieve in the working world, including the team here at LMP Law. There are some quick and effective sustainability measures that can be incorporated into your company, and whilst home working. Remote companies play a crucial role in driving sustainability awareness among their employees, empowering them to adopt green practices both at work and in their homes.
Let’s talk about them a little further down but snapshots are:
- Transport
- Electricity
- Recycling
- Emissions
- Waste
- Gas
On average 98% of a person’s carbon footprint is commuting to work. In just one month an average person commuting to and from work releases 500.45 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, so having days when you work from home will help your work sustainability and reduce your commuting time massively. Covid changes and the first lockdown, have helped the world become more green! Large buildings had their heating and lighting turned off for months at a time and although it was a scary time, it was also a time where sustainability policies could be reformulated in business operations, to include real time climate change actions. Remote companies often implement virtual team-building activities and online collaboration tools, reducing the need for team members to travel for meetings and fostering a sustainable work culture.
Reducing employee travel wherever necessary is energy efficient of course, so even if you have to go into the office then why not consider walking, cycling, or taking public transport to improve your office’s sustainable choices?
Employees who have been used to travelling long distances have seen a change in the way they work through technology. We have all become ideas led through Zoom or Team calls, yet we do still require that human interaction! Sustainable remote companies prioritize the well-being of their employees by offering flexible work hours, promoting a healthier work-life balance that ultimately benefits the environment by reducing stress-related impacts.
Have remote employees and remote working where possible for an easy way to reduce your footprint, it’s also a great way for your colleagues to support local businesses, which is another amazing way to be more sustainable. That said, Elon Musk might not agree to working from home or working remotely! Although a remote workforce isn’t for many employees in offices, after the
Another way that places of work, especially us legal firms, are reducing carbon footprints is by going paperless. Used paper and printed documents total around 90% of all office waste! Although we’ve been recycling paper in the office for many years, going paperless and using digital software instead is a massive to reduction of business waste. Remote companies often invest in renewable energy sources to power their operations, demonstrating their commitment to reducing their ecological footprint.
Keep your files on your computer and mobile phones, and limit your printing to documents that absolutely can’t be controlled online. We have found that our office space is less cramped because of scanned documents with the Cloud keeping many files secure.
Waste management is an effective way to cut down on environmental impacts at work and at home. Waste management is a huge step in the right direction and allows the opportunity for a more sustainable future. Remote companies frequently organize virtual workshops and seminars on sustainability, inspiring employees to make eco-conscious decisions both within their work environments and homes.
Do you rely heavily on ink cartridges? It’s shocking to think how many an average office might go through in a week, but now companies are able to really help their workers, and in turn their clients, keep those costs down, and therefore no added disbursements from that point of view.
England in the winter can be brutal – the heat right now in summer is wanting us to turn to the fan or air con, but can we open windows? Yes and no, if the diesel fumes from outside the window weren’t puffing out, then maybe we could use that system – we know electric is the way forward, and many firms are taking this stand, but there’s still a long way to go with vehicles! Back to Elon Musk….! Bet he uses thermostatic radiator valves correctly and ensures his employees work to a specific temperature! As long as his incredible brain with electric cars doesn’t negatively impact his sustainability efforts by making his employees come into work and up their carbon footprint. Do they ALL have Teslas…?
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Our planet is amazing and has the ability to sustain life and improves from the life that is created. Having plants in your home and at work will help the environment and make your work and home life more sustainable. The adoption of digital document management systems by remote companies not only streamlines workflows but also significantly reduces paper waste and its environmental impact.
Plants release oxygen back into the earth and they also absorb carbon dioxide, purifying your air, and giving back to the earth.
Having a couple of plants can has a huge environmental impact and can actually boost your mood too! Win: Win. As remote companies promote telecommuting, they contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion, air pollution, and fuel consumption, positively impacting the environment and public health.
Electricity plays a big part in environmental impact and something as simple as leaving socket switches on can have a negative impact on the environment. One way in which you can avoid making these mistakes is by introducing a ‘green jar’ in your workspace and at home too! Remote companies can set an example by participating in environmental initiatives and supporting local communities, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability beyond the realm of work.
Adopt a strict everything off at night rule, make sure that lights are turned off when you leave every room, electronics are turned off at the plug, and use blankets and layers instead of using your heating. Introducing a green jar means that if you, or anyone else involved, forgets to follow the rules of turning things off then they put money into the jar, and at the end of the month all of that money gets donated to a sustainability charity!
All electronic devices should be switched off where possible to be environmentally friendly. Not only great way to save energy use and money, it’s much better for the environment.
CARBON EMISSIONS
Reducing carbon emissions is another thing that you should be mindful of when wanting to create a sustainable workplace and home environment. Heating gives off a lot of emissions which of course is dangerous to the planet. So, as mentioned previously, avoid using your heater and wear layers and blankets instead.
For a long-term fix then consider insulating and sealing your home to reduce drafts and make your property warmer. This is a great way to make your environment reduce its emissions. If possible, install solar panels to the roof of your work or home. Many of our clients manage blocks of flats that are environmentally sustainable in this regard. Home energy, and communal energy savings offer a healthier lifestyle and in the long run, bring down service charge costs.
Solar panels are a bit more expensive but it is a highly effective way to limit carbon emissions and help your carbon footprint.
Remote companies frequently organize virtual volunteer programs, allowing employees to participate in environmental conservation efforts and contribute to global sustainability causes from the comfort of their homes.
SAVE ENERGY
Did you know that appliances left on standby mode still use over 50% of the energy they use when they are switched on properly? Remember this for when you think that leaving your laptop or TV on standby mode is saving energy.
We need to save energy now more than ever so it’s important to familiarize yourself with what could be eating away at your energy and work on saving it instead, for you and the environment!
Look into your energy use and find out what is using your energy the most, and how you can limit this. Your energy use is a good identification to your carbon footprint too so it is worth investing some time to have a look to improve your sustainability at work and in the home.
There are many ways to reach your company’s sustainability goals through remote work, natural light, and using less energy. Switch to a more sustainable lifestyle at work and at home should be in all our policy documents!
As always, we’d love to work with you if you are in the residential industry, whether it’s helping out with service charge recovery, guiding you through a Right to Manage process, buying your Freehold, extending your lease or resolving a dispute, our door is open and if we grab a coffee and cake, the coffee will be a in a cup (not disposable!) and there will be no food waste with the cake!
Send over an email – it’s confidential and of course secure : enquiries@lmp-law.com
Laura
