Luke Smith looks at the impact of leadership on corporate environmental responsibility
Companies no longer have the option to put sustainability on the back burner. It’s the responsibility of leadership to ensure their business is operating as ethically and environmentally responsibly as possible. This is a continuous effort — one that you must refine and refresh as employees change, technology advances, regulations update, and climate change persists. Learn how to lead with confidence into the sustainable future your company must employ.
A sustainable business model requires a vision that actively integrates ecological principles into the core values and practices of the company
Why leadership plays a critical role in company sustainability
To effectively lead a team to sustainability, you must first understand why your role is so important. You’re not just helping the environment, but you are propelling your business to a more secure future. With the shift toward a norm of corporate sustainability, job seekers, business partners, shareholders, and employees are expecting a show of responsibility. Beyond that, they expect to see tangible evidence of the company’s eco-conscious efforts. After all, a company that cares about the environment cares about its people.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping an organisation’s long-term viability and impact. A sustainable business model requires a vision that recognises the importance of environmental and social responsibility but actively integrates these principles into the core values and practices of the company. Effective leadership involves making decisions that balance short-term gains with long-term consequences, considering the well-being of not only the company but also its stakeholders and the broader community. A sustainable leader also serves as a role model, inspiring others within the organisation and influencing industry standards.
As a leader, you are responsible for steering your team and the company at large in the right direction. You can foster a culture of innovation, encouraging employees to think creatively about how the company can contribute positively to society while minimising its environmental footprint. Delegating responsibilities to individuals and departments allows you to spread out tasks that will push you all toward a more ethical future. You are in charge of metrics and efforts that propel your company forward.
If you prove your commitment to sustainability, you can distil that passion into the company culture and influence how every team member moves within that space. Even if you have a designated professional to draw up reports on your carbon footprint and ecological impact, you are still the number one source your team looks to when determining just how committed they should be. Incorporate the following techniques to instil eco-friendliness into the very fibre of your company by leading with compassion and purpose.
Encourage carpooling
Transport is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK, accounting for 26% of the total carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are cutting down on travel to work. About 31% of employed adults worked either mostly or fully from home during the 2021 census. Post-pandemic, however, has seen companies returning to the workplace.
As a green-minded leader, you can help your company return to normalcy but embrace new, better transportation habits. If your team has returned to in-person offices at least part of the time, you can implement carpooling incentives. Along with public transport, bike commutes, and walking to work, carpooling is a surefire way to cut down on GHG emissions. Offering your employees benefits, like bonuses or preferred parking, can incentivise them to carpool more often.
The benefits of consistent carpooling are extensive, often with knock-on effects. For example:
- Reduced travel reimbursement;
- Lower fuel expenses for fleets;
- Less maintenance required to keep a vehicle in good shape;
- Increased camaraderie between employees and better morale;
- Reduced chance of late employees;
- Lower congestion on roads;
- Reduced need for parking spaces;
- Contribution toward your business’ environmental accreditation standards.
By encouraging carpooling, your company can be part of a greener solution.
Provide eco-friendly home office options
Remote work is a great option for people if it works for their roles. If you embrace flexible work arrangements for your organisation, your office’s contribution to GHG emissions and waste is decreased. However, you do have to consider the environmental impact of these remote workspaces.
To support employees in designing green home offices, you can provide guidelines and resources on sustainable practices. Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances, natural lighting, and indoor plants. Moreover, emphasise the importance of recycling and minimising waste — even offer challenges with rewards for individuals or departments who come out on top.
You can still foster effective communication and team building in a virtual environment. Leveraging technology for virtual meetings and collaborative platforms reduces the need for physical commuting and office spaces, aligning with your company’s commitment to sustainability. Encouraging a culture of digital collaboration not only minimises the environmental impact but also reflects positively on your eco-friendly mission.
Give remote employees guidance and financial assistance, if possible to convert spaces like garages into home offices. Garages are typically available space in employees’ homes that can be transformed with a few adjustments, such as eco-friendly heating and cooling options and insulation. This cuts down on the environmental impact of adding on to a home. For the conversion, guide them to incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient insulation, and renewable energy sources. Supplying these resources is optimal, but at least give them a nudge in the right direction if you can’t deck out every home office.
Model and promote sustainable habits
Acting as an exemplar of environmental responsibility is one of the unique ways leadership can propel change. Model ethical behaviours as much as possible. By consistently integrating environmentally conscious practices into your daily routines, such as reducing waste, turning off office lights, and embracing eco-friendly alternatives like recycled paper, you can be a powerful catalyst. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability not only reinforces the organisation’s environmental values but also inspires and empowers employees to adopt similar habits.
Incorporate sustainability reports into regular meetings. Establish a training program on ethics to show how much you value your commitment to eco-friendliness. Encouraging open dialogue and providing resources for further education on sustainable practices ensures that employees feel supported in their efforts towards a greener and more responsible future. Encourage adherence to green standards set forth by you and any governing bodies. The people in and out of your organisation will react positively to this persistent effort, boosting internal and external loyalty to your brand. Plus, you’re building a more favourable future for everyone — including the success of your business.
Luke Smith is a freelance writer.
