Carbon Reduction Plan

Business Overview:

  • Name: Step Recruitment Limited
  • Employees: Fewer than 10
  • Sector: Service Sector (Recruitment)
  • Premises: Small office with limited capital investment options

Objectives

  1. Reduce carbon footprint by 25% by 2029.
  2. Increase awareness and engagement among employees regarding sustainability.
  3. Implement practical measures that align with the company’s operational capacity.

Current Carbon Footprint Assessment

  • Conduct an initial carbon footprint assessment to identify major sources of emissions (e.g., energy use, travel, waste).
  • Focus on three main areas: energy consumption, travel, and waste management.

Action Plan

Year 1: 2024

  • Energy Efficiency:
    • Replace all incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting.
    • Implement energy-saving practices (e.g., turning off lights/equipment when not in use).
  • Employee Engagement:
    • Launch a sustainability awareness campaign.
    • Establish a “green team” to facilitate ideas and initiatives.

Year 2: 2025

  • Remote Work Policy:
    • Encourage a flexible working arrangement to reduce commuting emissions.
  • Waste Management:
    • Implement a recycling program for paper, plastics, and electronics.
    • Use digital documents to minimize paper usage.

Year 3: 2026

  • Travel Reduction:
    • Promote virtual meetings to minimise travel-related emissions.
    • Encourage public transport or carpooling for essential travel.
  • Green Procurement:
    • Source office supplies from sustainable suppliers.
    • Prioritize eco-friendly products (e.g., recycled paper, biodegradable materials).

Year 4: 2027

  • Offset Initiatives:
    • Explore carbon offsetting programs (e.g., tree planting, renewable energy projects).
    • Calculate the carbon emissions that cannot be eliminated and offset accordingly.
  • Monitor and Report:
    • Conduct a mid-term review of the carbon reduction progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Year 5: 2028

  • Sustainability Goals Revision:
    • Review and set new sustainability targets based on progress.
    • Consider employee feedback to enhance engagement and involvement.
  • Community Involvement:
    • Participate in local environmental initiatives or partnerships with local Green Organisations

Year 6: 2029

  • Final Assessment:
    • Conduct a comprehensive review of the carbon reduction plan and its effectiveness.
    • Publish a sustainability report detailing achievements and future commitments.

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Establish a simple tracking system for carbon emissions and reduction efforts.
  • Schedule annual reviews to assess progress and realign strategies as necessary.
  • Share results with employees and stakeholders to maintain transparency and engagement.

Budget Considerations

  • Allocate a small annual budget for sustainability initiatives (e.g., new light bulbs, recycling bins).
  • Seek grants or local government programs aimed at supporting small businesses in sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

This Carbon Reduction Plan aims to make Step Recruitment Limited more sustainable while remaining practical and aligned with the company’s size and capabilities. Through small, consistent changes, the company can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and foster a culture of sustainability within the workplace.