Personnel Today
  • OHW+
  • Join
  • Resources
    • Clinical governance
    • Disability
    • Ergonomics
    • Health surveillance
    • OH employment law
    • OH service delivery
    • Research
    • Return to work and rehabilitation
    • Sickness absence management
    • Wellbeing and health promotion
  • Conditions
    • Mental health
    • Musculoskeletal disorders
    • Blood pressure
    • Cancer
    • Cardiac
    • Dementia
    • Diabetes
    • Respiratory
    • Stroke
  • CPD
  • Webinars
  • OHW Awards
  • Jobs
  • Personnel Today

Register
Log in
Personnel Today
  • OHW+
  • Join
  • Resources
    • Clinical governance
    • Disability
    • Ergonomics
    • Health surveillance
    • OH employment law
    • OH service delivery
    • Research
    • Return to work and rehabilitation
    • Sickness absence management
    • Wellbeing and health promotion
  • Conditions
    • Mental health
    • Musculoskeletal disorders
    • Blood pressure
    • Cancer
    • Cardiac
    • Dementia
    • Diabetes
    • Respiratory
    • Stroke
  • CPD
  • Webinars
  • OHW Awards
  • Jobs
  • Personnel Today

Latest NewsESGHR strategyOccupational HealthWellbeing

HR called to champion ‘greener’ workplaces

by Nic Paton 14 Jun 2005
by Nic Paton 14 Jun 2005

HR has been urged to do more to encourage staff to make their workplaces more environmentally friendly – because greener processes can make a real difference to the bottom line.

In separate reports, both the TUC and manufacturers’ organisation the EEF, said that making workplaces more sustainable and “green” should be a top priority over the coming years.

The union body wants workers and managers to explore how they can respond to the challenge posed by global warming.

Philip Pearson, TUC policy officer, said there was “a massive amount HR could do” to help change the way workplaces operate, and how staff travel to work.

In conjunction with unions, HR could be central in helping to change policies and procedures, as well as arguing the business benefits of such an approach, he said.

“It is about helping existing structures to adapt to take on the climate change agenda,” Pearson said. “HR could be involved in things such as revising job descriptions and encouraging green travel, or video conferencing, instead of business travel.”

Meanwhile, the EEF has launched a new sustainable development guide, which uses case studies to show how firms can improve their performance in areas such as waste, water and energy management, and save on operating costs.

Gary Booton, director of health, safety and environment at the EEF, said: “Sustainable development is a concept that tends to be discussed in global terms and, as such, companies tend to feel it doesn’t apply to them, or they become bewildered by the concept.

“The real challenge at a practical level is to help businesses recognise that small step-changes to their operations will contribute to a significant overall improvement in the environment, and to their bottom line.”

The reports come as leading scientists from around the world demand that governments take prompt action to combat climate change, with Prime Minister Tony Blair being urged to put pressure on US president George Bush ahead of the G8 summit.


Nic Paton
Nic Paton

Nic Paton is consulting editor of OHW+. One of the country's foremost workplace health journalists, Nic has written for OHW+ and Occupational Health & Wellbeing since 2001, and edited the magazine from 2018.

previous post
Northern Ireland commuters urged to get on their bikes
next post
Asylum seekers boost local economy

You may also like

Hope for OH role after all in fit...

4 Jul 2022

NHS to end full pay for Covid-19 sick...

4 Jul 2022

Government childcare plans aim to reduce cost of...

4 Jul 2022

Whistleblowing lawyer awarded £423k by Foreign Office

4 Jul 2022

Diversity and inclusion: where does the buck stop?

4 Jul 2022

ILO updates guidance on workplace biological hazards

4 Jul 2022

Quarter of workers feel unsupported after bereavement

1 Jul 2022

Call for better workplace ventilation as Covid cases...

1 Jul 2022

Employment law changes for 2022 and beyond: update...

1 Jul 2022

BT workers vote for strike action over pay

1 Jul 2022

  • NSPCC revamps its learning strategy with child wellbeing at its heart PROMOTED | The NSPCC’s mission is to prevent abuse and neglect...Read more
  • Diversity versus inclusion: Why the difference matters PROMOTED | It’s possible for an environment to be diverse, but not inclusive...Read more
  • Five steps for organisations across the globe to become more skills-driven PROMOTED | The shift in the world of work has been felt across the globe...Read more
  • The future of workforce development PROMOTED | Northumbria University and partners share insight...Read more

PERSONNEL TODAY

About us
Contact us
Browse all HR topics
Email newsletters
Content feeds
Cookies policy
Privacy policy
Terms and conditions

JOBS

Personnel Today Jobs
Post a job
Why advertise with us?

EVENTS & PRODUCTS

The Personnel Today Awards
The RAD Awards
Employee Benefits
Forum for Expatriate Management
OHW+
Whatmedia

ADVERTISING & PR

Advertising opportunities
Features list 2022

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin


© 2011 - 2022 DVV Media International Ltd

Personnel Today
  • OHW+
  • Join
  • Resources
    • Clinical governance
    • Disability
    • Ergonomics
    • Health surveillance
    • OH employment law
    • OH service delivery
    • Research
    • Return to work and rehabilitation
    • Sickness absence management
    • Wellbeing and health promotion
  • Conditions
    • Mental health
    • Musculoskeletal disorders
    • Blood pressure
    • Cancer
    • Cardiac
    • Dementia
    • Diabetes
    • Respiratory
    • Stroke
  • CPD
  • Webinars
  • OHW Awards
  • Jobs
  • Personnel Today