At BWCI we are committed to lowering our carbon footprint. We understand how important environmental sustainability is and have put in place several initiatives to help foster a sustainable workplace. Here are some of the changes we are making.
Heating and energy systems
Upgrading our heating and air conditioning systems has been one of our biggest moves towards sustainability. We recently installed a new, energy-efficient electrical system in our Guernsey office to replace the outdated oil-based one. As well as being old, the prior system was ineffective, which increased energy use and carbon emissions.
With the restoration of Guernsey’s undersea electric cable to France, we are now able to draw on cleaner energy sources. This change is a big step towards lessening the island’s dependency on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Business travel
Our corporate travel policies have been reevaluated since COVID-19. Due to the suspension of business travel during the pandemic, our carbon impact was drastically reduced. As restrictions have eased, we have consciously decided to maintain lower levels of business travel. Our business travel has been cut in half compared to pre-COVID levels, significantly decreasing our carbon footprint and has encouraged the adoption of more environmentally friendly working practices.
Engaging our staff
Sustainability begins with our employees. For this reason, we’ve implemented ‘Green Travel Days’, encouraging our staff to opt for eco-friendly modes of travel. This initiative has not only lessened our team’s overall carbon impact but also strengthened our sense of community.
Office facilities
To support our staff’s eco-friendly commuting choices, we have added more bike parking spaces across our workplace. This makes it easier for employees to choose cycling as a viable and convenient option.
We’ve also updated our coffee machines so they now operate on timers and provide hot water, eliminating the need for individual kettles. These small changes have contributed to a reduction in energy consumption across our office.
Embracing ‘planet’ as a core business principle
Our company’s culture places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, which is represented in our core values. As our sixth business principle, ‘Planet’ has been included to highlight how crucial environmental protection is. We’ve also formed an internal team to concentrate on particular topics like waste, energy, and travel. The team is committed to looking into new ways to lower our carbon footprint and encourage sustainability throughout the business.
Blue Riband Pension Plan
Committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, we now offer “Green” and “Sustainable” fund options within the Blue Riband range. Three new funds provide broad market exposure while prioritising low carbon transition and strong corporate governance for Self Select Members. For more information go to: https://pensions.bwcigroup.com/blue-riband-goes-green/
We are committed to leading by example when it comes to environmental sustainability. From revamping our heating systems to reducing business travel and promoting green initiatives among our staff, we are making significant strides towards a greener future. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing and future eco-friendly initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.