When it comes to reducing carbon footprint, we often look to our business leaders and company policies to drive change. 

But the truth is, every employee has the power to make a difference. From the way you manage your digital files to how you commute to the office or pack your lunch - small, everyday actions can have a significant impact. 

This article explores 10 surprising and practical initiatives you can adopt at work to reduce your personal carbon footprint. 

These aren’t the typical strategies you’ve come across before - they’re innovative, demonstrate that meaningful change starts with you and -  perhaps most importantly – are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Digital Decluttering

Regularly delete unnecessary emails, files, and data stored in the cloud, as data centres consume significant energy. 

Meat-Free Mondays

Organise plant-based lunches once a week to lower the carbon footprint associated with meat production and raise awareness of the issues.

Switch Off Electronics

Turn off computers, monitors, and other equipment when not in use, including during lunch breaks.

Sustainable Printing Practices

Use double-sided printing, use recycled paper, print in greyscale / or black only, and limit printing to essential documents only. Print settings can be automatically rolled out to networked computers so you would have to undo the default settings to print in colour, for example.

Zero-Waste Office Challenges

Set up recycling stations within departments, and host competitions to see which teams can generate the least waste over a month.

Host ‘Sustainability Lunch-and-Learn’ Sessions

Share knowledge on reducing workplace carbon footprint, featuring guest speakers or webinars from sustainability experts.

Why Not Take Lessons from B-Corp and Other Industry Bodies?

Some Fantastic B Corp Practices To Consider Adopting

• Partner with sustainable suppliers (particularly important for those individuals with responsibility in purchasing/supplier decision-making)
• Conduct regular carbon audits both internally and within the supply chain
• Implement circular economy practices (e.g., reuse programs).

Innovative Technologies

• There are a number of tools to measure and reduce digital footprints

Behavioural Insights

• Leveraging nudge theory to encourage sustainable choices (e.g., defaulting printers to double-sided).
• Gamifying green initiatives to foster engagement (e.g., competitions between departments/ teams to reduce waste or energy use).

Empowering Employees to Take Action

• Practical tips inspired by B Corp and sustainability best practices:
• Reduce Digital Emissions: Encourage employees to clear out unnecessary emails and files.
• Adopt Green Commuting: Provide incentives for biking, carpooling, or public transport.
• Minimise Waste: Set up zero-waste stations and ban single-use plastics.
• Promote Remote Work Sustainability: Share energy-saving tips for home offices.

The Role of Leadership and Culture

• Discuss how leaders can inspire a sustainability mindset.
• Setting clear environmental goals and celebrating progress.
• Creating ‘green teams’ to champion workplace initiatives.
• Providing training on sustainability practices for employees.

Practical Next Steps for Businesses

• Outline a roadmap for implementation.
• Conduct a workplace carbon audit.
• Set measurable goals (e.g., reducing emissions by X% in 12 months).
• Implement quick wins, such as energy-saving policies and reducing travel.

What one new sustainability initiative will you or your company implement?

Let me know in the comments!

Some useful websites:

B Corp: https://www.bcorporation.net/

Carbon Trust: https://www.carbontrust.com/

International Energy Agency (IEA): https://www.iea.org/

World Green Building Council: https://worldgbc.org/

Additional resources:

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): https://www.usgbc.org/

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): https://www.irena.org/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - GHG Reduction Programs & Strategies: https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/ghg-reduction-programs-strategies

Plan A - How to Reduce Office Carbon Footprint: https://plana.earth/academy/how-to-reduce-offices-emissions

Reports:

IPCC climate reports:

• IPCC Reports: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides comprehensive reports on climate change, its impacts, and potential response strategies. You can access their reports here: https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/
• Sixth Assessment Report (AR6): This is the latest comprehensive assessment of climate change, including the Synthesis Report released in 2023. Access it here: https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/

Corporate sustainability case studies:

• PwC Sustainability Case Studies: Explore real-world examples of how companies have implemented environmental, social, and governance strategies to drive growth and positive societal outcomes. Available at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/sustainability/publications/casestudy.html
• National Small Business Environmental Program Case Studies: This resource provides case studies to help businesses implement more sustainable practices across various industries. Access it here: https://nationalsbeap.org/small-businesses/sustainability/case-studies