Professional and Career Topics

The company I work for is attempting to revitalize their sustainability committee after it was put on hold during the pandemic, while almost the entire office was working remotely. I may end up serving on it as a co-chairperson alongside a colleague. 

We are a small company with a limited internal carbon footprint in terms of what we can change. My first thought was to look to contributing to more external sustainability projects such as local trash clean ups/tree-plantings, etc. These may deliver more value than trying to change out a few lightbulbs in the offices that we lease, for example. 

I am interested in hearing from others. Does your company have a sustainability committee? Are there sustainable changes your company has made which were particularly well received? Were some ideas poorly received or didn't work at all? Are there larger groups that would be worthwhile to join?

You ask a great question. A process that you might follow to develop a sustainability plan follows.

• Develop a working definition for sustainability
• Identify actions that are within the control of individuals/company aimed at sustainability
• Prioritize the list, select the top n, and set realistic targets for each
• Develop a scorecard to track and monitor progress
• Regularly communicate the scorecard to drive accountability

To add to the list you started, reducing single driver trips via carpooling or using public transportation for commuting to the office is another action to consider.