With a current lack of environmental regulations for UK small and medium-sized businesses, recruitment agencies must themselves take responsibility and drive change before more unwanted ëred tapeí is introduced according to specialist business finance provider Bibby Financial Services.
By adopting sustainable business practices, and following best practice, the benefits of environmental self-regulation extend far beyond the planet, says Bibby Financial Services spokesperson for recruitment, Ed Rimmer:
ìOwners and managers in the recruitment sector who adopt a ëgreen codeí stand to set themselves apart from less conscious competitors and gain positive PR for their business. Having green credentials can also have a huge impact on companies as more and more customers are seeking suppliers who are environmentally aware.î
Rimmer believes that many owners and managers in the recruitment sector may be ignoring the need to address their environmental policies because of the lack of legal obligation to do so. But, he warns, UK businesses need to take a stand before they are forced to:
ìBusinesses who take steps today to address their impact on the planet will help avoid the introduction of complex legislation in the future, which could cost them far more in the long term.î
To help owners and managers in the recruitment sector cope with change and ensure their business passes the green test, Bibby Financial services has developed the following top tips:
Donít just talk about it
It can be tempting to put off making changes due to time pressures or the perceived costs of ëgoing greení. In reality, reducing your businessí environmental impact can actually save money in the long-term by creating efficiencies, and even grow your business by attracting new customers attracted by your environmental credentials
Talk to suppliers
Think about every aspect of your business and ask your suppliers to see how they can help you run a more sustainable business.
Take small steps
The average office worker wastes 212kg of paper per year according to latest figures. Use recycled paper, consider whether that email really needs printing off and encourage staff to recycle any paper waste by providing bins. Also encourage staff to switch off lights when a room is not in use and not to leave computers or monitors on standby overnight ñ this cuts power consumption and external costs.
Put it on (recycled) paper
Commit your environmental policy to paper (or host it on your website) and make sure all staff have read and understand it. You may also like to let your customers and suppliers know what you are pledging, so they know they are dealing with a socially responsible business.
Cut down on the unnecessaryÖ
Think about cutting carbon emissions and saving time by scheduling teleconferences for non-essential meetings, instead of traveling. Encourage staff that live nearby to use public transport by giving them incentives to do so, or get them to cycle to work using the governmentís tax-free bike purchase scheme. When travel is unavoidable, consider carbon offsetting to minimise your environmental impact.
Ask the experts
Organisations like Envirowise (www.envirowise.gov.uk) offer companies free advice on making their business more sustainable, help them to reduce their environmental impact and make processes leaner.
Ed Rimmer adds: ìDespite the lack of government regulation, UK businesses have never been under more pressure to prove their corporate social responsibility. By taking action to address their environmental impact today, owners and managers can influence their peers and really help the UKís green business revolution get under way.î
Recruitment Agencies sector lead green revolution
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