UK companies need to do more to encourage sustainability

The latest Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development/KPMG quarterly Labour Market Outlook survey indicates that companies need to do more to help fight climate change.

While more than 80 per cent of respondent companies promote recycling and reduction in energy consumption, fewer than half encourage car sharing or allow staff to work from home. Gerwyn Davies, coauthor of the report, said that while companies are making a real contribution to the environment with quick and easy wins such as recycling and energy saving,  there is still potential for companies to do more.

“Employers recognise that to be attractive in the talent marketplace, they need to consider how potential employees will view their environmental and ethical record,” said Davies.  Companies are more aware of their employer brand and the impact this has on recruiting new employees. “People increasingly expect to work in a business that has embedded environmental management systems to effectively manage its environmental impacts,”  said Mike Kelly, director of corporate social responsibility at KPMG.

Transport for London (TfL) is one company that is actively promoting the use of sustainable transport methods. To help reduce the amount of people who drive into London, the company has removed car parks from its workplaces. TfL also offers interest-free bicycle loans for its employees.

The survey revealed that 44 per cent of organisations have an environmental policy in place, a figure set to rise to 70 per cent over the next 12 months.