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Quality Glossary Definition: ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.

Part of the ISO 14000 family of standards on environmental management, ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard that organizations can certify to. Integrating it with other management systems standards, most commonly ISO 9001, can further assist in accomplishing organizational goals.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as "part of the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfill compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities." The framework in the ISO 14001 standard can be used within a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) approach to continuous improvement.

ISO 14001:2015 should be used by any organization that wishes to set up, improve, or maintain an environmental management system to conform with its established environmental policy and requirements. The requirements of the standard can be incorporated into any environmental management system, the extent to which is determined by several factors including the organization's industry, environmental policy, products and service offerings, and location.

ISO 14001:2015 is relevant to all organizations, regardless of size, location, sector, or industry.

What topics does ISO 14001:2015 cover?

At the highest level, ISO 14001:2015 covers the following topics with regard to environmental management systems:

Context of the organization

Leadership

Planning

Support

Operation

Performance evaluation

Improvement

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Framework

14001:2004 vs. 14001:2015

The 2015 revision of ISO 14001 introduces a number of changes from previous versions. A detailed explanation of the changes can be found in this ISO 14001 presentation by the ASQ Energy and Environmental Division.

As part of the effort to structure all ISO standards in the same way, the ISO 14001:2015 revisions include incorporating a required high-level structure, using mandatory definitions, and incorporating common standards requirements and clauses.

10 major areas of impact of the 2015 revision:

1. Expansion in EMS coverage and scope

2. Required interactions with external parties

3. New requirements for leadership engagement

4. Expanded legal compliance requirements

5. Need for risk-based planning and controls

6. New documentation requirements

7. Expanded operational control requirements

8. Changes in competence and awareness requirements

9. Impacts on the internal audit program

10. Increased certification costs

Integrating ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Integrating management systems standards can increase focus while reducing the potential for confusion. Elements of ISO 9001 can be enhanced with corresponding components of ISO 14001.

Responsibilities for the combined standards might include:

Drafting a policy statement and quantifiable objectives

Setting up organizational charts and job descriptions

Providing adequate resources

Managing documentation for both standards in a single document control system

Appointing a management representative as well as coordinators for the quality and environmental managements systems

When adding ISO 14001 components to those of ISO 9001, planning must be expanded to deal with environmental impacts, and the inspection and test systems modified to cover environmental conformance. The organization must meet the environmental expectations of customers and the government, and it must incorporate environmental management elements into internal audit programs and training sessions.

ISO 14001 can be integrated with standards besides ISO 9001 in order to provide synergy with other systems, such as OHSAS 18001 and ISO 13485.

Using ISO 14001:2015 has many benefits for organizations with environmental management systems. Organizations and companies find that using the standard helps them:

Improve resource efficiency

Reduce waste

Drive down costs

Provide assurance that environmental impact is being measured

Gain competitive advantage in supply chain design

Increase new business opportunities

Meet legal obligations

Increase stakeholder and customer trust

Improve overall environmental impact

Manage environmental obligations with consistency

Organizations that have already achieved ISO 14001 certification are encouraged to transition to the 2015 version. Organizations will have a three-year transition period to update their environmental management systems to the new standard.

To get started with ISO 14001:2015:

ISO 14001 is the most popular standard of the ISO 14000 family, which also includes standards such as the following:

You can also search articles, case studies, and publications for ISO 14001 resources.

Books
The ISO 14001:2015 Implementation Handbook A Practical Field Guide For ISO 14001:2015
Articles and Case Studies

ISO 14001 Standard: Literature Review And Theory-Based Research Agenda ( Quality Management Journal) Environmental sustainability has gained momentum in the business world and academia. After about 20 years of research in this field, this paper presents a holistic literature review specifically focused on ISO 14001, which is widely considered the most important environmental certification.

Stewardship And Sustainability: Serigraph's Journey To ISO 14001 ( Journal for Quality and Participation) Leaders of Serigraph understand that sustainability and social responsibility require the simultaneous promotion of equitable economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Serigraph uses ISO 14001, Six Sigma, and lean as its templates for environmental and sustainability improvement.

A Framework For The Development Of An Environmental Management System: A Case Study In A Thermal Power Plant ( Quality Engineering) Questions regarding implementation of ISO 14001 prompted NP Power, the electric power company of New Brunswick, Canada, to develop a framework to assess its compliance to the standards.

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What is ISO 14001:2015? - ISO 14001 Certification | ASQ

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Quality Glossary Definition: ISO 14001 ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. Part of the ISO 14000 family of standards on environmental management, ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard that organizations can certify to.

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A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons.

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What can I do to stop climate change? Travel, food and more | Friends of the Earth

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We’re already feeling the effects of climate breakdown – like more extreme weather. We must act to prevent it getting much worse. Here’s what you can do to save the planet.

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Sustainable communities are defined as having "decent, affordable homes, a diverse and inclusive community, access to jobs and services, and the chance to get engaged in and make a difference to a community in which people want to live and work, now and tomorrow" (Guardian, 2011).

The shift towards sustainability is not just a trend-it is a necessity. By prioritising environmentally responsible practices, promoting economic resilience, and strengthening social ties, communities can create a future where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand. Investing in sustainable living today ensures that future generations inherit thriving, resilient communities.
The Economic Need for Sustainable Communities
As financial stability in small communities declines-with half of all adults in the UK facing financial insecurity (Office for National Statistics, 2023)-building resilience at the community level is crucial. Sustainable communities serve as a catalyst for both social and economic growth by creating jobs, reducing housing costs, and encouraging economic independence. Through local job creation, renewable energy initiatives, and affordable housing developments, communities can become more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to economic downturns.

Individuals can contribute to sustainable development by adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, supporting sustainable businesses, and advocating for change. By reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting social equity, they not only help protect the environment but also contribute to a more resilient and inclusive economy.
The Benefits of Sustainability in Communities
Across the UK, the benefits of sustainability within communities are already becoming evident. From a lower carbon footprint to stronger social connections and improved well-being, sustainable practices are transforming the way people live and interact.

Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy, and efficient waste management reduce pollution and conserve natural resources, promoting biodiversity in local areas.

Social Well-being: Green spaces, community initiatives, and sustainable housing enhance physical and mental health while fostering strong social connections.

Economic Resilience: Supporting local businesses, investing in clean energy, and reducing household expenses contribute to long-term financial stability for both individuals and communities.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: High Initial Costs - The upfront investment for sustainable infrastructure, such as renewable energy and eco-friendly buildings, can be expensive.

Solution: Government incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships, with major companies supporting sustainable energy and water solutions, can help offset costs and make sustainability more accessible.

Challenge: Public Awareness and Engagement - Many people are unaware of the benefits of sustainable living or hesitant to adopt new practices.

Solution: Community education programmes, workshops, and local initiatives can help raise awareness and encourage participation.

Challenge: Infrastructure Limitations - Many communities lack the necessary infrastructure to support sustainability initiatives, such as reliable public transport and recycling programmes.

Solution: Investment in green infrastructure, improved waste management systems, and expanded public transport can enhance sustainability efforts.

Examples of Successful Sustainable Communities

LILAC (Low Impact Living Affordable Community) - A co-housing community of 20 eco-build households in West Leeds. The homes and land are managed by residents through a Mutual Home Ownership Society, a pioneering financial model that ensures permanent affordability.

BedZED - A sustainable housing development in South London, consisting of 100 homes. Designed by ZEDfactory architects and built in 2002 as part of the One Planet Living initiative, it has become a global model for zero-carbon living.

Lammas Ecovillage - A community of 75 people living on a farm in Pembrokeshire. As a co-housing scheme, residents live in individual homes but share facilities such as gardens, kitchens, and meeting rooms.

Sustainable communities thrive by balancing environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic resilience. Through collaboration and innovation, we can create a healthier planet and a stronger society, ensuring a flourishing future for generations to come.
Sustainable communities will be a topic for discussion at our upcoming flagship conference, ReGeneration Earth. Secure your tickets today! You can find more information here if you'd like to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

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The Power of Sustainable Communities: Building a Resilient Future - The Sustainability Community

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Discover how sustainable communities foster economic resilience, environmental responsibility, and social well-being, ensuring a thriving future for all.

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New UK Government - Sustainability priorities and policies

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Sustainability was a core component of the Labour Party’s election campaign. After the Party formed the UK’s new Government, it has now started to translate its campaign proposals into government sustainability priorities and policies.

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Crowdfunding is a way of raising finance by asking a large number of people each for a small amount of money. Traditionally, financing a business, project or

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Progress in adapting to climate change: 2025 report to Parliament - Climate Change Committee

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Footnotes have been removed from the HTML version of this report. For the footnoted version of this report,…

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Understand where renewable energy comes from and how much Britain is using. Are some renewable sources better than others? And how to support the use of renewable energy?

What is renewable energy and how does it work?

Renewable energy is a type of energy that comes from renewable resources.

Renewable energy goes by many different names - green energy, sustainable energy, alternative energy and clean energy.

What are the different types of renewable energy sources?

There are five major renewable energy sources:

Wind energy

Solar energy

Hydro energy

Biomass energy

Geothermal energy

What are renewable resources?

A renewable energy resource is energy that is sustainable - something that can't run out, like the sun, wind and water.

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

A non-renewable resource for example would be fossil fuels. These take millions of years to develop, and they're a limited resource because we're using them much faster than they're being produced.

Burning fossil fuels produces the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO ₂). So we're increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to generate more environmentally-friendly power.

We're supporting Net Zero

We're helping the UK hit zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a mix of carbon-free technologies key to supporting the transition away from fossil fuels.

Check out Our Journey to Net Zero for more information.

Help make energy greener with off-peak electricity

Using electricity at off-peak times could help discount your bills while making energy more sustainable.

About off-peak electricity
What renewable energy sources do we use in Great Britain?

There are five major renewable energy sources, all of which are used to a lesser or greater extent to help power our homes and businesses across Britain and the UK.

Zero-carbon power sources in Britain's electricity mix outperformed traditional fossil fuel generation in 2023 by providing 51% of the electricity used, compared to 32% from gas and 1% from coal. ¹

Below we explain more about each of the renewable energy sources.

Wind power

Wind is a plentiful source of clean energy and wind farms are an increasingly familiar sight in the UK with wind power making an increasing contribution to the National Grid. To harness electricity from wind energy - on land or at sea - turbines are used to drive generators which then feed electricity into the National Grid.

Offshore and onshore wind farms

The UK is a world leader in offshore wind farms and boasts the world's largest offshore wind farm in the North Sea. Offshore and onshore wind power accounted for 29.4% of total UK electricity generation in 2023. ¹ This is expected to grow with investment and is important to the UK reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Wind power - advantages and disadvantages

Offshore wind turbines rotate at faster, more consistent speeds so they can produce significantly more electricity than turbines on land.

High capacity, high cost

The downside is they're more expensive to develop and to maintain. Onshore wind turbines are cheaper to build and to install, but they're often unpopular with local communities.

Solar power

It might seem like sunny days are in short supply, but the UK gets nearly 5% of its electricity from solar energy. ¹ After wind and bioenergy, solar power is the third most generated renewable source in the UK.

How sunlight creates electricity

Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy that can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.

A solar PV (photovoltaic) panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.

Solar power - advantages and disadvantages

Over the past decade solar energy has emerged as a viable, mainstream solution to climate change. However, the amount of solar energy we can use varies according to the time of day, time of year and geographical location. In the UK, solar energy is an increasingly popular way to supplement energy usage. PV installations rose by nearly 30% in 2023 to just under 1.42 million - more than 5% of all UK households ². In addition, there are currently around 1,000 solar farms in the UK providing clean energy to the grid.

Reduce your bills and carbon footprint with solar panels

If you're a homeowner with solar panels, you're already enjoying the benefit of lower energy bills by generating your own. Better still, you can earn money when you export any excess electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.

Power your home with solar energy - our solar solutions.

What is hydro energy?

Hydro energy or hydroelectric energy is a form of renewable energy that uses the power of moving water to generate electricity by using a dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow. It's one of the oldest sources of renewable energy dating back thousands of years. Hydro energy accounted for around 1.8% of the UK's total electricity generation in 2023, mostly from large scale schemes in the Scottish Highlands. ¹

Advantages and disadvantages of hydro energy

With its mountainous terrain and high reservoirs, the UK is a great place for building hydroelectric power stations and it's a readily available domestic source of energy, but future development is likely to be limited by concerns over its environmental impact on the land and wildlife. Plus, the cost of large-scale construction is prohibitive.

What is tidal energy?

Tidal energy is another form of hydro energy that uses tidal currents to drive turbine generators to produce electricity. Tidal flow, unlike other hydro energy sources, isn't constant but it is plentiful and highly predictable. The main barrier to investment in tidal power is high construction costs when compared to wind and solar.

Biomass energy

Biomass energy is generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter like manure or household waste to produce electricity. It releases carbon dioxide (Co ₂) when burned, but substantially less than fossil fuels.

Is biomass renewable?

We consider biomass a renewable energy source, if the plants or other organic materials being burned come from a sustainable source and are replaced.

There are currently around 78 biomass power stations operating in the UK. Biomass only contributed around 5% of Britain's electricity mix in 2023. ¹ This is expected to rise by as much as three times that in the coming years and will be an important renewable resource for the UK to help reach its Net Zero ambitions.

Biomass energy - advantages and disadvantages

Biomass is considered a renewable source because it's generated from plant and organic material that can re-grow in a relatively short time - compared to the millions of years it takes to form coal and natural gas.

Climate change concerns

Burning biomass produces greenhouses gas, so there are questions about its sustainability.

Some say that burning wood is carbon-neutral. That's because trees take in carbon dioxide when they're alive, and release it back into the atmosphere when they die.

Could biomass be carbon-neutral?

Whether they're burned or decompose naturally, the amount of CO ₂ released is about the same. So in theory, if trees are replanted as quickly as they're harvested, the new trees will absorb and store the same amount of CO ₂ that burning wood produces. Which makes the whole process carbon neutral.

Other renewables are greener

Biomass energy is certainly 'greener' than fossil fuels - where none of the released carbon is offset. But the greenhouse gas savings are much less than other forms of renewable energy like wind or wave power, which create almost no CO ₂ emissions.

What is geothermal energy and how is it generated?

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source extracted as heat from the earth's crust which comes from the slow decay of radioactive particles, a process that happens in all rocks. It's a reliable and constant source of low-carbon, renewable heat that is not dependent on weather conditions.

People use geothermal heat for bathing, for heating buildings, and for generating electricity through for example ground source heat pumps (GSHP).

Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a reliable source of power with a small land footprint and can be used for large and small-scale installations. However, it's location dependent - geothermal power plants can only be built in certain locations - set up costs are high and can lead to surface instability.

While we use very little geothermal energy in the UK, the industry is growing worldwide and it's a significant source of renewable energy for countries like Iceland, New Zealand and Kenya.

British Gas and renewable energy

We're at the forefront of cleaner, greener energy. For years we've been investing in the development of offshore wind farms. And in 'green' gas - biomethane produced from biomass.

We're greener than you may think

As a uniquely integrated energy and services company, we're committed to helping decarbonise the UK's electricity system and reaching net zero.

Learn more about Our Journey to Net Zero.

Check out our smart energy tariffs and greener home solutions

Our smart tariffs and greener energy solutions can help you take steps to reduce your bills and your carbon footprint. Together we can make energy work better.

Already generate your own renewable energy?

Take a look at our smart export guarantee scheme and get paid for excess electricity you export to the grid.

Want to know more?

Get cheaper off-peak electricity

Using electricity at off-peak times could help discount your bills while making energy more sustainable.

About off-peak electricity
Energy saving tips

Reduce your bill and your carbon footprint by trying our energy saving tips

Find out how to save
Average energy bill

How does the energy you use compare to the typical UK household?

See an average energy bill

Additional information

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What is Renewable Energy? Renewable energy sources - British Gas

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What is renewable energy and how does it work? Learn more about the different types and sources with our guide and discover how you can save more energy.

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Our energy calculator allows you to calculate the running cost of any electrical items using a range of electricity tariffs.

Simply enter the amount of electricity the appliance uses (in Watts or KiloWatts) and the length of time it is used (in Hours or Minutes), then instantly see the cost.

Electricity costs are calculated using the UK: Price Cap (Apr 2024) electricity rate of £0.24 per kWh (incl. VAT).

Calculations exclude the UK Daily Standing Charge of £0.60 per day or £219.36 per year (incl. VAT).

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You can compare the running costs and prices of thousands of electrical products with Sust-it, simply choose from the options below:

Energy Efficient Electricals

Low Energy LED Bulb Prices

Vacuum Cleaner Prices

Electric Shower Prices

Microwave Oven Prices

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Air Conditioning Units are listed under Heating & Cooling - click here to view their power consumption.

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Use our simple energy calculator to see the running costs of any electrical items using a range of electricity tariffs

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Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. CSR is generally understood as being the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives ("Triple-Bottom-Line- Approach"), while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders. In this sense it is important to draw a distinction between CSR, which can be a strategic business management concept, and charity, sponsorships or philanthropy. Even though the latter can also make a valuable contribution to poverty reduction, will directly enhance the reputation of a company and strengthen its brand, the concept of CSR clearly goes beyond that.

Promoting the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs requires approaches that fit the respective needs and capacities of these businesses, and do not adversely affect their economic viability. UNIDO based its CSR programme on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Approach, which has proven to be a successful tool for SMEs in the developing countries to assist them in meeting social and environmental standards without compromising their competitiveness. The TBL approach is used as a framework for measuring and reporting corporate performance against economic, social and environmental performance. It is an attempt to align private enterprises to the goal of sustainable global development by providing them with a more comprehensive set of working objectives than just profit alone. The perspective taken is that for an organization to be sustainable, it must be financially secure, minimize (or ideally eliminate) its negative environmental impacts and act in conformity with societal expectations.

Key CSR issues: environmental management, eco-efficiency, responsible sourcing, stakeholder engagement, labour standards and working conditions, employee and community relations, social equity, gender balance, human rights, good governance, and anti-corruption measures.

A properly implemented CSR concept can bring along a variety of competitive advantages, such as enhanced access to capital and markets, increased sales and profits, operational cost savings, improved productivity and quality, efficient human resource base, improved brand image and reputation, enhanced customer loyalty, better decision making and risk management processes.

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Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. CSR is generally understood as being the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives ("Triple-Bottom-Line- Approach"), while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders.

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What Is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)? | IBM

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The triple bottom line (TBL) is a sustainability framework that revolves around maximizing the three P’s: people, planet and profit.

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Why do companies greenwash?

Companies use greenwashing to boost - or recover - their reputation. They also use it to appeal to environmentally-aware consumers.

With awareness about climate breakdown and loss of biodiversity growing, more and more people are concerned about the damage from major corporations.

Many people are also looking for more ethical alternatives. Companies use greenwashing to try and capture this market and gain competitive advantages over their rivals.

By maintaining a positive image, corporations also try to show that the 'problem is in hand'. This way, they can avoid or delay actions by governments, for example effective laws against pollution or emissions.

Which companies are involved in greenwashing?

Unfortunately greenwashing is widespread.

40% of green claims made on the websites of clothes, cosmetics and food companies could be misleading consumers, according to an assessment of 500 websites by the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network, a global group of consumer protection authorities. For fashion, the number could even be as high as 60% and up to 90% for some brands.

A growing number of companies are being called out for their greenwashing practices. Here, we give five examples.

Shell

In June 2023, the UK's advertising regulator banned a Shell advert promoting its green initiatives. The advert was found to be "likely to mislead" - because it failed to tell consumers that the vast majority of Shell's business is based on fossil fuels.

The company ran a TV, poster and YouTube campaign that promoted its involvement in renewable electricity, wind and electric car charging points.

Shell is one of the biggest fossil fuel giants in the world and reported 1,375 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021 - four times the total emissions of the UK. While the company has set a target to reach net zero by 2050, it also plans to expand its gas business by a fifth over the coming years.

HSBC

In October 2022, the advertising watchdog also banned two HSBC ads for being misleading about its action on climate change.

HSBC used posters to promote its tree planting efforts and support for customers to achieve 'net zero', in the run-up to the UN's major climate summit, COP26. The Advertising Standards Authority said that the HSBC adverts " omitted material information " about the bank's activities.

The bank has provided $144,934.41 million USD in funding to fossil fuel companies since 2016 and is the thirteenth biggest funder of all banks globally.

Boohoo

Boohoo has repeatedly been criticised for greenwashing its image in an attempt to distract from the massive environmental damage of its fast fashion model.

In 2022, the company came under fire after it appointed Kim Kardashian as its new 'sustainability ambassador'. The celeb launched a 'capsule collection' of 45 items. Critics pointed out that it could " only serve to distract " given that the company sells a whopping 40,000 styles on its site every year.

Boohoo's brand Pretty Little Thing also widely promoted its secondhand marketplace last year. But protestors said that the company was "putting the onus on consumers to be more environmentally friendly" while failing to address the massive environmental impacts of its disposable fashion model.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola was amongst a number of brands called out in 2022 for using greenwashing tactics to distract from plastic harms.

The soft drinks giant had spent millions promoting the fact that its bottles were made with 25% marine plastic, without mentioning that it was the world's largest plastic polluter, the report by Changing Markets Foundation found. It's also been ranked as the world's largest plastic polluter four years in a row, by Surfers Against Sewage in their Dirty Dozen report, responsible for almost 1/5 of all branded pollution collected.

Etihad Airways

In April 2023, the Advertising Standards watchdog banned a further two ads from Etihad Airways, saying that the airline had "exaggerated" the environmental benefits of flying with them.

The two Facebook adverts claimed Etihad was "taking a louder, bolder approach to sustainable aviation". But the Advertising Standards Authority pointed out, "no initiatives or commercially viable technologies in operation within the aviation industry [...] would adequately substantiate an absolute green claim such as 'sustainable aviation'".

The aviation industry alone accounts for over 2 percent of all global CO2 emissions.

Where did the term 'greenwashing' come from?

The term 'greenwashing' was coined by Jay Westerveld, an American environmentalist and researcher, in 1986. The word was initially used to describe the adoption of a reusable towel service at a beach resort in Samoa that was sold as a way to help the environment. Meanwhile, the resort was expanding further and further into the local area, where there were vital coral reefs.

How to tell if a company is greenwashing?

If you are concerned a company's environmental initiative might not be all it seems, there are a few important questions to ask.

What proportion of a company's products are sustainable?

Companies will often develop one sustainable product or brand and promote it widely - while making the vast majority of profits from harmful practices.

While the vegan brand Vivera might look sustainable, for example, it is owned by meat giant JBS. JBS is the world's largest meat company and has been linked with massive deforestation of the Amazon.

How do they define sustainable?

It is also important to consider what a company considers to be sustainable or environmentally friendly, as it may differ from your own view.

For example, lots of fast fashion brands label clothes containing some recycled fabric as 'sustainable'. However, if a fleece or jacket uses 20% recycled polyester, and 80% new, would you consider it to be sustainable?

How do they compare to companies in the same field?

Banks like HSBC may promote their green actions, but remain laggards within their sector. A growing number of specialist banks like Triodos not only refuse to invest in fossil fuels, they only support greener companies - for example renewable energy projects.

Ethical Consumer's shopping guides compare brands in a sector so you can really understand who the leaders and laggards are.

Governments crackdown on greenwashing
Governments are waking up to the risks of greenwash.

Companies in the UK could face fines over up to tens of millions of pounds if they make misleading environmental claims, according to a new bill published at the end of April 2023. The proposed law, which is still under discussion, could see fines of up to 10% of global turnover for breaches of consumer law.

The bill is the latest in a crackdown in the UK. In 2022 the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released a new Green Claims Code - a piece of guidance aimed at helping businesses to ensure that any green claims they're making are truthful and don't mislead well-meaning shoppers.

Change is also being made in the EU - including a ban on 'climate-neutral' claims. The new law, agreed in September 2023, sets stronger rules against vague, partial or false claims about environmental impacts. Companies will have to have strong evidence of eco promotions, as part of a raft of possible new measures.

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What is greenwashing? | Ethical Consumer

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Greenwashing is when a company uses adverts and PR campaigns to make a product, brand or the company as a whole, appear greener than it really is. In this article we examine the problems with greenwashing, name some of the companies involved, and explain how to spot it.

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5 Types of Waste | Nationwide Waste Services

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Waste generation is rising globally. Learn about 5 key waste types and how they’re disposed of responsibly. Read our blog to understand proper waste handling.

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Presented to Parliament and to the National Assembly for Wales pursuant to Section 34(9) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

The duty of care legislation makes provision for the safe management of waste to protect human health and the environment.

The code of practice (the Code) sets out practical guidance on how to meet your waste duty of care requirements. It is issued under section 34(7) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the EPA) in relation to the duty of care set out in Section 34(1) of that Act.

This Code applies to you if you import, produce, carry, keep, treat, dispose of or, as a dealer or broker have control of, certain waste in England or Wales.

Failure to comply with the duty of care is an offence with no upper limit on the courts' power to fine. In some instances a fixed penalty notice may be issued for failure to comply with the duty of care in place of prosecution. The Code is admissible as evidence in legal proceedings for Section 34(1) offences and its rules must be taken into account where relevant to questions raised in the case.

If your waste activities are authorised or registered in Scotland or Northern Ireland but you deal with waste in England or Wales, you need to follow this Code. If you operate across borders, you need to follow Scotland's and Northern Ireland's codes of practice alongside this one.

The regulators for the duty of care are the Environment Agency ( EA) in England, Natural Resources Wales ( NRW) in Wales and local authorities.

The occupiers of domestic property disposing of household waste from that property are exempted from the section 34(1) duty of care by and have a separate duty of care for the disposal of that waste under Section 34(2A). Non-statutory guidance is included at the end of the Code on how to meet that duty of care.

2. Scope of the duty of care

2.1 Duty of care: who it applies to

The duty of care applies to anyone who imports, produces, carries, keeps, treats, disposes of, or are a dealer or broker that has control of, controlled waste (referred to below for the purpose of this Code as a "waste holder").

Waste holders are a:

waste producer - any person whose activities produce waste. This includes private sector businesses such as shops, offices, factories and tradespersons (e.g. electricians, builders, glaziers and plumbers) and public sector services such as schools, hospitals and prisons, as well as charities and voluntary and community groups. It also includes permitted operations or exempt facilities that produce waste as part of their activities. If you carry out a waste operation that changes the nature or composition of the waste, you are regarded as a producer of the waste. Waste producers play a key role under the duty of care requirements as they are in the best position to identify the nature and characteristics of the waste

waste carrier - any person, who normally and regularly collects, carries or transports waste in the course of any business or with a view to profit, including those that produce and transport their own waste e.g. builders and landscape gardeners

waste dealer - any person, business or organisation that buys waste with the aim of subsequently selling it, including in circumstances where the dealer does not take physical possession of the waste

waste broker - any person, business or organisation that arranges waste transportation and management of waste on behalf of another party, such as organisations contracting out waste collection services e.g. local authorities, supermarkets and producer responsibility compliance schemes

waste manager - any person involved in the collection, transport, recovery or disposal of controlled waste, including the supervision of these operations, the after-care of disposal sites and actions taken as a dealer or broker

A separate duty of care applies to householders (occupiers of a domestic property), limited to taking all reasonable measures available to them to ensure their waste is only transferred to an authorised person.

For the purposes of this Code, occupiers of domestic property are not treated as a 'waste holder' as defined above, when dealing with household waste produced on that property.

Separate guidance on duty of care requirements for occupiers of domestic property are set out in section 5.

2.2 Waste holders: what your duty of care applies to

The duty of care requirements apply to household, industrial and commercial waste, also known as controlled waste.

Waste is any substance or object that the holder discards, intends to discard or is required to discard. The meaning of "discard" applies to "disposal" and "recovery" operations and processes and can be intentional or unintentional on the part of the holder. Whether a substance or object is waste is determined on a case by case basis. If you are unsure you can use the ' legal definition of waste guidance ' to check if something is classified as waste.

The following definitions describe common waste operations and processes:

"Recovery" is any operation which has the main result of waste serving a useful purpose by replacing non-waste materials that would otherwise have been used to fulfil a particular function. An example is incineration for energy recovery (for further examples see Annex II to the Waste Framework Directive). Preparing for re-use and recycling are both recovery operations

"Preparing for re-use" is the operation or process of checking, cleaning or repairing products that have previously been discarded so that they can be re-used without any other pre-processing, for example repairing bicycles, furniture or electrical or electronic equipment which have been previously discarded by their owners

"Recycling" is any operation by which waste is reprocessed into products, materials or substances, whether for its original or other purposes, for example crushed waste glass graded for blasting or playground surfaces from waste tyres. (It does not include energy recovery or reprocessing into materials to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations.)

"Disposal" is any operation which is not recovery (even where the operation has a secondary consequence of reclaiming substances or energy). An example is landfill (for further examples see Annex I to the Waste Framework Directive)

"Treatment" is a recovery or disposal operation, including preparation prior to recovery or disposal

2.3 Waste holders: what your duty of care does not apply to

See Schedule 1 to the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 to check if your waste is controlled waste because of its source or type. Wastes not classed as controlled waste are:

wastes listed in Article 2 of the Waste Framework Directive e.g. waste waters, decommissioned explosives, radioactive waste

waste containing animal by-products where it is collected and transported in line with the Animal By-Products Regulation (see guidance for England and Wales)

sewage, sludge or septic tank sludge where it is supplied, managed or used in the ways described in regulation 3 of the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012

This Code does not cover the extractive waste duty of care. If you are responsible for managing waste from prospecting, extraction, treatment and storage of mineral resources and working quarries (extractive waste) under the EPA you are subject to different duty of care requirements.

2.4 Waste holders: how long your duty of care lasts

You have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure that when you transfer waste to another waste holder that the waste is managed correctly throughout its complete journey to disposal or recovery.

You can do this by:

checking the next waste holder is authorised to take the waste - see section 3.4 for examples of authorisation

asking the next waste holder where they are going to take the waste, and checking that the intended destination is authorised to accept that waste

carrying out more detailed checks if you suspect the waste is not being handled in line with the duty of care, e.g. requesting evidence that your waste has arrived at the intended destination and that it has been accurately described

If you receive waste you should cooperate with the previous waste holders in any measures that they are taking to comply with their duty of care. This includes supplying evidence that previous holders may need to ascertain that their waste has reached its end of waste location.

Each holder in the waste chain shares the duty of care obligations if you:

3. Waste holders: waste duty of care requirements

You must take all reasonable steps to:

1. prevent unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal of waste (see section 3.1)

2. prevent a breach (failure) by any other person to meet the requirement to have an environmental permit, or a breach of a permit condition (see section 3.2)

3. prevent the escape of waste from your control (see section 3.3)

4. ensure that any person you transfer the waste to has the correct authorisation (see section 3.4)

5. provide an accurate description of the waste when it is transferred to another person (see sections 3.5 and 3.6)

Failure to comply with the duty of care requirements is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution.

3.1 Prevent unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal

It is illegal to deposit controlled waste except under and in accordance with an environmental permit or a registered waste exemption.

It is also illegal to treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in a way that is likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.

Examples of unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal include the following:

If you suspect that someone is fly-tipping, illegally depositing, treating or disposing of waste, do not give your waste to them or take waste from them. If you suspect that you have unknowingly accepted misclassified waste, isolate the waste and report all the details to the regulator. You should report any suspected illegal activity to the or .

3.2 Prevent a breach of an environmental permit or a breach of a permit condition

Normally the operator of a waste treatment or recovery or disposal activity needs an environmental permit or to register an exempt waste operation.

Environmental permits set out specific conditions on how a waste operation must be carried out. The conditions will include limits to the amount of waste that can be handled, restrictions to the types of waste that can be handled, and measures that need to be put in place to protect the environment and human health.

Some waste activities may qualify for a waste exemption rather than a permit. The exemption must be registered and these too are subject to strict conditions such as limits to the amount of waste that can be handled or how they are handled.

There are some operations which do not need to be registered. These relate to the temporary storage of waste pending collection. Although you do not have to register these operations, you must still comply with the conditions of the operation.

Examples of activity that would breach a permit condition or exemption limit include the transfer of waste:

If you suspect that someone does not have an appropriate environmental permit or registered exemption, or that they are breaching a condition of their permit or exemption, you must not give them your waste or take waste from them. You should report suspected illegal activity or breaches to permits or exemptions to the or .

3.3 Prevent the escape of waste

To prevent waste from escaping from your control, or from your employees' or waste contractors' control, you must make sure it is handled and stored safely and securely.

You can do this by:

Before your waste is collected and disposed of or recovered you must assess and classify waste as set out in the waste classification guidance. This identifies whether the waste is hazardous or not, and which controls apply to the movement of the waste to prevent harm to people and the environment.

3.4 Transfer waste to an authorised person

You should check whether a person or business is authorised to take waste before you transfer your waste to them. An authorised person is one of the following:

1. someone who has a valid registration as a carrier, broker or dealer of waste

2. a waste management operator who has an environmental permit or registered exemption to accept such waste

You can ask the person or business you transfer your waste to or who arranges the transfer for evidence of their authorisation, such as a copy of their permit or proof of their exemption registration.

You should also use the public register to check any evidence they provide. The register contains information on:

waste carrier, broker and dealer registrations

environmental permits for waste operations

waste exemptions

In England, you can check registration on the EA's public register or call 03708 506 506. In Wales you can check on the NRW's public register or call 0300 065 3000.

The person receiving the waste must also check that the previous holder has complied with their duty of care. If you suspect that the previous waste holder has breached their duty of care (e.g. by misdescribing the waste or not properly storing it), do not accept the waste and report your suspicions to the or .

Record any checks you make as you can use this as evidence that you have met your duty of care.

If you use a dealer or broker to manage your waste, they must be registered as a dealer or broker with their regulator, even if they do not take physical possession of the waste.

Where a dealer or broker is the transferor or transferee of the waste, their details (including their registration number) must be included in the waste transfer information.

Waste carriers, dealers and brokers must present evidence of registration if requested by a police constable, an authorised officer of the EA, NRW or local authority. It is an offence not to do so without reasonable excuse and you could be prosecuted under section 5 of the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989, or issued with a fixed penalty notice under section 5B of that Act. To register as a carrier, dealer or broker, contact the EA in England or NRW in Wales.

3.5 Provide an accurate description of waste

When you transfer waste to another person, you must ensure that:

a written description of the waste is agreed and signed by you and the next holder. The description is part of the waste information you must provide.

For non-hazardous waste you can do this by using:

"edoc" - a free national electronic duty of care system that creates, shares, signs and stores waste transfer notes and season tickets for you online - see www.edoconline.co.uk for more information

a paper "waste transfer note"- a form to fill in or you can use alternative documentation e.g. an invoice, as long as it contains all the required information

a "season ticket" - a single waste transfer note that covers a series of non-hazardous waste transfers. The season ticket can last up to one year and be used for regular transfers of the same type of non-hazardous waste with the same carrier. If you have several sites serviced by the same carrier with the same types of waste collected, they can be listed in a schedule to the season ticket. You should keep a record of the collection times and the quantity of waste

A waste information note is not required for non-hazardous waste if the waste holder does not change on the transfer of waste e.g. the waste is moved to other premises belonging to the same business. However, it is best practice that the business understands who has responsibility for that waste and a record is kept of internal transfers for audit purposes.

For hazardous waste you need to use a:

consignment note - this applies to all movements of hazardous waste including collections from businesses by registered waste carriers, movements from one premises to another within the same business and all movements from the waste producer's premises. The only two exceptions where a consignment note is not needed are where domestic hazardous waste (other than asbestos waste) is removed from a domestic household or waste is imported or exported under international waste shipment controls (which uses an equivalent note)

the description contains a statement confirming that you have fulfilled your duty to apply the waste hierarchy as required by regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (see Waste Hierarchy Guidance for England and Wales)

the description of the waste is accurate and contains all the information you are reasonably in a position to provide to ensure the lawful and safe handling, transport, treatment, recovery or disposal by subsequent holders, including:

classification of the waste by using the appropriate codes (referred to as the List of Wastes (LoW) or European Waste Catalogue (EWC)) - Appendix A of the Waste Classification Technical Guidance provides a list of the codes as well as advice on how to assess and classify waste

its quantity and nature and whether it is loose or in a container

if in a container, the type of container

the time and place of transfer

the SIC code of the transferor (current holder of the waste)

the name and address of the transferor and transferee (person receiving the waste) and their signatures (the signature can be electronic as long as an enforcement officer can view it)

the capacity in which the transferor and transferee are acting (e.g. as a producer, importer or registered waste carrier, broker or dealer) and their relevant authorisation to act in that capacity (e.g. their permit number or registration number)

You should also consider whether there are any problems associated with the waste that you need to describe so that subsequent users can handle it properly. Examples include whether the waste:

needs a special container

needs particular treatment or handling, for example batteries or waste electrical and electronic equipment ()

can or cannot be mixed with other wastes

could cause a problem during treatment or disposal (e.g. dusty, smelly or otherwise offensive waste)

has been processed (e.g. undergone treatment) or had certain materials removed from it (e.g. packaging) to meet basic characterisation requirements of wastes destined for landfill

displays a hazardous property (e.g. flammable) or presents a chemical hazard

has other issues (e.g. risk of spillage or leakage of liquids)

If you receive waste, you must ensure the waste matches the written description and that your permit allows you to accept such waste.

If you are operating under a waste exemption, you must ensure that by accepting any waste you are not contravening the exemption criteria e.g. waste limits.

3.6 Retention of waste documentation

You must keep a copy of the waste description for waste you have transferred or received (either electronically or on paper format) for:

two years for non-hazardous waste

two years for season tickets

three years for hazardous waste consignment notes (different retention periods apply for consignees (receivers) of hazardous waste; see further detail in the hazardous waste guidance)

six years if you are a landfill operator for non-hazardous waste (for landfill tax purposes)

the lifetime of your permit if you are a landfill operator for hazardous waste

the lifetime of an environmental permit (when the permit is surrendered, the regulator often requires a history of the types of waste received)

If an authorised officer of the EA, NRW or local authority asks you to provide the written description of waste, or a copy of it, and you fail to do so, they can issue a fixed penalty notice. Where the waste is hazardous waste, a variable monetary penalty for breach of the requirements to supply information may be issued.

4. Other waste laws for waste holders

A number of other waste laws are relevant to waste holders in particular circumstances. Some of these are briefly described below.

4.1 Hazardous waste

If you produce or deal with hazardous waste you must:

4.2 Producer Responsibility Regulations

If you manufacture, import or sell packaging, electrical and electronic equipment ( EEE), batteries, or end-of-life vehicles ( ELVs) you must follow the Producer Responsibility Regulations in England and Wales.

4.3 Separate collection

If you collect waste paper, metal, plastic or glass you must comply with the rules on separate collection (see guidance for England and Wales). The rules require that you collect waste paper, plastic, metal and glass separately from each other and from other wastes where it is both:

necessary to comply with the waste hierarchy and for the protection of human health and the environment, and to facilitate or improve recovery (see the Waste Hierarchy Guidance for England and Wales)

technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) (see European Commission guidance (paragraphs 4.3.4 and 4.4) for guidance on TEEP practicability tests)

Where waste paper, metal, plastic or glass has been collected separately, all reasonable steps must be taken to keep them separate from other waste or materials.

If you are a materials facility and receive household waste (or household waste like material) consisting of mixed glass, metal, paper or plastic for separating out you must:

sample and test the materials you receive and send out

record the information

report every three months to the regulator

See the Materials Facilities Guidance for England and Wales, for details on when, how and what should be recorded.

4.4 Landfill

If you send waste to landfill or operate a landfill site:

If your waste is being disposed of at a landfill site in Wales, you can check on the Welsh Revenue Authority list of landfill site operators to see if the landfill site is an authorised landfill site.

In Wales you may become liable to Landfill Disposals Tax on an unauthorised disposal if you knowingly caused or knowingly permitted an unauthorised disposal to be made. In some circumstances, it will be presumed that a person knowingly caused or knowingly permitted an unauthorised disposal. This is where, at the time of the disposal a person:

controlled or was in a position to control a motor vehicle or trailer from which the disposal was made

was the owner, lessee or occupier of the land on which the disposal was made

If HMRC find you have deliberately supplied false information or withheld information which causes another person to make an incorrect landfill tax declaration, you will be liable to a civil penalty. The maximum penalty for misrepresentation is equal to the amount of the under-declared landfill tax.

HMRC can also recover landfill tax from those who dispose of waste, or knowingly facilitate the disposal of waste, at sites without a permit. This also applies to material deposited at permitted sites if not expressly exempt.

The Welsh Revenue Authority ( WRA) is also able to charge unauthorised disposal rate (initially £133.45 per tonne) on disposals made outside of an authorised landfill site (an unauthorised disposal). A person may become liable to the unauthorised disposals rate on an unauthorised disposal either where they made the disposal, or where they knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the disposal to be made.

In Wales you must be registered as an authorised landfill site with the WRA and you must comply with the Landfill Disposals Tax (Wales) Act 2017 (and legislation made under it) which makes provision for tax to be charged on taxable disposals in Wales.

4.5 Importing or exporting waste

If you import or export waste, you must comply with the European and UK rules that govern how you can ship waste into or out of the country and, in the case of exports, with the rules of the importing country.

5. Occupiers of domestic property: waste duty of care requirements

As an occupier of a domestic property, you have a duty to take all reasonable measures available to you to ensure you only transfer household waste produced on your property to an authorised person.

5.1 Who does this duty of care apply to?

The duty of care to ensure you only transfer waste to an authorised person applies to all occupiers of any domestic property when dealing with their household waste produced on that property.

The wider duty of care detailed in other sections of this code of practice, including the requirement for waste transfer notes (see section 3.5), specifically does not apply to the occupier of a domestic property when they are dealing with their household waste.

5.2 What waste is covered by this duty of care?

For the purpose of applying this duty of care, household waste is generally considered to be any waste produced within a domestic property. This is not just regular black bin bag waste, but other material you want to dispose of from your property such as old mattresses, furniture and household appliances. For the waste duty of care this includes septic tank sludge which is not used on agricultural land within the meaning of the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, and construction and demolition waste.

If a tradesperson carries out work on your property, they are responsible for the waste they produce including its transport and disposal. They must comply with their own duty of care obligations in relation to that waste, and the cost of its disposal should be included in what they charge for the work. As you are not transferring the waste to them your duty of care does not apply. If you have a tradesperson take away waste that you produced, for example if you add your own waste to their skip, the duty of care will apply for that waste.

Waste that comes from a property or part of a property that is mainly used for commercial business is regarded as commercial waste and subject to the duty of care set out in sections 2 to 4 of this code of practice. Waste resulting from the clearance of premises after they have been vacated, such as a landlord or letting agent clearing student housing, is also not considered to be household waste.

5.3 How should you dispose of your waste?

If you have household waste which cannot be appropriately disposed of through your normal local authority waste collection service (this may be provided by a contractor on behalf of the local authority) or within the boundary of your home you can:

see if your local authority's household waste and recycling centre accepts the waste and take it yourself

check if your local authority offers special collection services

use a private business that provides a waste collection service

take your waste to a site run by a private business with the appropriate authorisations

You should check whether a person or business is authorised to take waste before you transfer your waste to them. An authorised person includes:

While important, meeting a local authority's household waste collection requirements is a separate issue not covered by this duty of care.

5.4 What reasonable measures should you take when a private business takes your waste?

If you engage a private business (e.g. skip hire, house clearance) to take away your waste rather than the local authority, in order to meet your duty of care you should check that they are an authorised carrier with up to date and valid upper tier registration. This includes a business which approaches you and offers to take your waste. Each carrier should have a registration number starting CBDU, followed by a set of numbers.

In England you can check whether a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's online public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers using their registration number, business name, or postcode or call 03708 506 506. The site can also be used to find registered carriers near you.

In Wales you can check on the Natural Resources Wales public register of carriers, brokers and dealers or call 0300 065 3000.

An upper tier registration allows a person or organisation to transport other people's waste, while lower tier registrations are primarily for organisations carrying their own waste.

Instances where a private business handling your household waste is exempt from registering, or can do so under a lower tier registration are very rare. However, charities, voluntary organisations and waste collection authorities can use lower tier registrations.

5.5 What reasonable measures should you take when taking your waste to a private waste site?

If you are transporting your own waste for disposal, you will typically want to take it to your local authority's household waste and recycling centre, having first checked that they can accept that type of waste. If however, you take your waste to a site run by a private business, in order to meet your duty of care you should check that they have a registered permit or exemption.

In England you can check if a waste site has a permit or exemptions through the Environment Agency's online public registers for waste operations and waste exemptions using their registration number, business name, or postcode, or call 03708 506 506.

In Wales you can check on the Natural Resources Wales public register of waste, water quality, water resources and installation permits or call 0300 065 3000.

5.6 What evidence can you use to demonstrate you have met your duty of care?

There is no legal requirement to keep records when you check a carrier is registered or a site is permitted or exempt, as described in sections 5.4 and 5.5 above, and a lack of records does not prove you did not meet your duty of care. However, if your waste is subsequently fly-tipped and investigated by the local authority, records can quickly show that you met your duty of care. For example, you could do one of the following:

record any checks you make, including the operator's registration, permit or exemption number

keep a receipt for the transaction which includes the business details of a registered operator

ask for a copy or take a photograph of the carrier's waste registration or site's permit

record details of the business or of any vehicle used (registration, make, model, colour), which can be linked back to an authorised operator

These steps can help ensure your waste will be handled appropriately and not cause harm to others or the environment. These steps can also help enforcement officers catch those responsible if your waste is fly-tipped.

5.7 What happens if you do not meet your duty of care?

It is a criminal offence if you do not take all reasonable measures available to you to meet your duty of care. You could face prosecution and, on conviction, a fine and criminal record.

You may be given a fixed penalty notice for breaching the duty of care. While there is no obligation to pay this, if you choose to do so within the specified period, you cannot be prosecuted for the offence.

You may also provide evidence to the authority at any time that prosecution is not appropriate, either by demonstrating you met your duty of care, or that prosecution is not proportionate. It is at the authority's discretion whether to proceed to prosecute.

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Presented to Parliament and to the National Assembly for Wales pursuant to Section 34(9) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 The duty of care legislation makes provision for the safe management of waste to protect human health and the environment. The code of practice (the Code) sets out practical guidance on how to meet your waste duty of care requirements.

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Circular Creativity: How the Arts are Redefining Waste

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The circular economy is not just about reducing waste and promoting sustainability in manufacturing and business. It is a concept that can…

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Green transport solutions like electrification, smart mobility and urban planning are being used by companies including Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Maersk & UPS

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The Social Benefits of Carpooling and Ridesharing: Meeting New People and Building Connections - Energy Savings Lab

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In today’s world, where people are busy with work and personal commitments, it can be challenging to find opportunities to build meaningful connections with others. One solution to this problem is carpooling and ridesharing, which can not only save participants money and reduce traffic congestion but also provide social benefits. In this article, we will explore the social aspects of carpooling and ridesharing and how they can bring people closer together.

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How to be a greener employer: part two – employee benefits, incentives and disincentives

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This is the second article in our series exploring how employers can work with employees to embed sustainability into workplace culture. Having considered how an organisation’s people and culture can have an impact on its carbon footprint in part one, this follow-up article focuses on how employers can leverage employee benefits, incentives (and disincentives) to make a positive environmental impact. Implementing green incentives and employee benefits Employee benefits can play a valuable role in promoting environmental sustainability in the workforce and, ultimately, supporting a business’s transition to net zero. We have previously written about how employment contracts, including remuneration packages, can be made more sustainable, for example through greener pension schemes. This article builds on these ideas by exploring a broader range of green employee incentives, with a focus on practical steps employers can take and the legal considerations to bear in mind when implementing them. 1. Encourage sustainable commuting and business travel To support sustainable commuting, organisations can encourage employees to consider both the financial and environmental impact of their daily travel choices. Incentives can include a monthly green travel allowance for those who walk, run, or cycle to their primary office – potentially covering costs like trainers or bike maintenance – or a monthly contribution towards commuting costs for those using public transport or park and ride schemes. To further discourage unnecessary car use, especially among employees living within a set radius of the office, a daily parking charge might be introduced (excluding electric vehicles), with proceeds directed to a charitable cause or the organisation’s sustainability initiatives. For business travel, organisations could promote virtual meetings as the default, particularly when maintaining existing client relationships, while recognising the value of in-person meetings at key stages. All business travel could be monitored, with a strong emphasis on using public transport for meetings. Train travel could be favoured over air or coach options wherever feasible to further reduce the environmental impact of business travel. For businesses that have a fleet of cars, transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles – benefiting from tax exemptions and subsidies – could be prioritised, alongside offering incentives for employees to choose low-carbon vehicles that meet sustainability criteria. Before implementing any policies regarding travel, an organisation should assess whether they could unintentionally disadvantage employees with a protected characteristic, particularly disability, who may rely on specific modes of transport, such as driving, due to their disability or protected characteristic. Overlooking this consideration could result in legal risks, including claims under the Equality Act 2010 of direct or indirect discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, or discrimination related to disability. 2. Support flexible and home working arrangements As a means of reducing environmental impact, organisations can support flexible or home working arrangements where appropriate, whether occasionally for specific tasks or regularly on a part-time or full-time basis. This can significantly reduce emissions from commuting, lower office energy use, and support more sustainable work practices overall. When implementing a homeworking policy, employers might require that employees seeking to work from home should demonstrate their ability to manage their workload effectively and maintain communication with colleagues and managers. Importantly, employees might also need to show how their home working arrangement will contribute to reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint, such as by cutting commuting emissions or having another positive environmental impact. Additionally, employees working remotely could be encouraged to operate their home office sustainably, for example, by using 100% renewable energy and avoiding single-use office supplies. 3. Give additional annual leave to encourage sustainable holiday travel To encourage employees to make more sustainable travel choices during their holidays, organisations can offer additional paid leave as an incentive. Accordingly, an organisation’s annual leave policy might be updated to allow employees to claim additional days for holidays of a specified duration if they avoid air travel and opt for low-carbon transport options like trains, ferries, or coaches. These additional days could then be approved by the HR team in advance. Organisations may also consider adopting schemes like Climate Perks, which formalise this benefit by offering a minimum of two paid ‘journey days’ annually to employees who commit to low-carbon travel. While this might be an innovative way to reinforce an organisation’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of leisure travel, when adopting such schemes, employers should ensure that they don’t inadvertently disadvantage those employees who may need to fly or rely on specific modes of transport due to a protected characteristic, such as disability. As noted above, inadequate consideration of these factors could give rise to claims of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. 4. Discourage environmental misconduct through robust disciplinary and whistleblowing policies To discourage environmental misconduct, organisations should ensure their disciplinary and whistleblowing policies explicitly address climate-related issues. We have written before about the importance of updating whistleblowing policies to define environmental damage as a form of reportable wrongdoing, making it clear that disclosures related to climate concerns are protected under UK whistleblowing law. Disciplinary policies should outline that breaches of environmental policies and regulations, or actions that undermine the organisation’s net zero commitments or environmental reputation may constitute misconduct. The deliberate concealment of such actions should also be treated as a serious offence. These measures help create a culture of accountability and empower employees to report environmental concerns without fear of retaliation. The ACAS code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures notes that it is essential that organisations clearly communicate their disciplinary rules. That means any updates to an organisation’s disciplinary policy to include environmental breaches should also be communicated to employees to ensure that any disciplinary measures or dismissals are carried out fairly. Failure to follow the Code can result in legal consequences, such as an uplift of up to 25% in compensation awarded by a tribunal if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with it. By offering incentives that encourage low-carbon behaviours, businesses can actively involve employees in promoting their environmental goals. These benefits not only enhance employee satisfaction and retention but also contribute to reducing the organisation’s overall carbon footprint. In doing so, employers can help build a workforce that is both committed to, and instrumental in achieving, the organisation’s transition to net zero. This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. © Farrer & Co LLP, June 2025

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This Padlet was updated on 01/07/2025. It has sources from the course learning materials and additional sources to enhance your professional development. 

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This Padlet was updated on 01/07/2025. It has sources from the course learning materials and additional sources to enhance your professional development. 

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness | Level 2 | P13586 | Burton and South Derbyshire College

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This course focuses on the study of environmental awareness and carbon footprint reduction and its association with a wide range of workplaces and the lifestyles of individuals.
This course offers breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge that is relevant and can be applied across a variety of sectors.