Sustainability in the workplace has become an increasing necessity. For larger companies, Government mandates force reporting on emissions, whilst for SMEs employees want to join and stay at companies that reflect their values. 

Whether you're leading sustainability efforts at a multinational or championing greener practices at a growing SME, the path to meaningful environmental impact starts with practical, achievable initiatives.

This guide breaks down 14 workplace sustainability initiatives into three timeframes: quick wins you can launch in days, coordinated efforts that take a quarter to implement and long-term practices that build lasting change. From EV salary sacrifice schemes that cut emissions while saving employees 30-60% on their commute, to energy-efficient lighting and sustainable procurement policies, each initiative delivers tangible results. Small, consistent steps make the biggest difference, and loveelectric is here to help your business take them.

Why is environmental sustainability important in the workplace?

The business case for workplace sustainability has never been clearer. Companies that prioritise environmental practices don't just reduce their carbon footprint, they unlock measurable advantages in profitability, employee retention, and long-term resilience.

Research from Gallup shows that businesses with highly engaged teams experience 23% higher profitability and sustainability initiatives are a proven driver of that engagement. When employees see their employer taking meaningful action on climate, they feel more connected to their work and more likely to stay. In fact, 71% of employees and job seekers say environmentally sustainable companies are more attractive places to work, according to IBM's Institute for Business Value.

Beyond talent attraction, sustainability delivers hard financial returns. Industries worldwide could save $437 billion per year by 2030 through improved energy efficiency alone. Meanwhile, transport remains the UK's largest source of emissions at 26% of the national total, with 25% of those emissions coming from commuting. Workplace sustainability initiatives that tackle commuting - like EV salary sacrifice schemes - can make an immediate, quantifiable difference.

For UK businesses, sustainability is also increasingly a regulatory requirement. From Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) to upcoming UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, companies face growing pressure to measure, report, and reduce their environmental impact. Those that act now will be ahead of the curve.

5 quick sustainability in the workplace wins you can launch in days

1. Launch an EV salary sacrifice scheme for instant environmental impact

Transport is the UK's largest emissions sector, and with 74% of workers still driving to work and 45% commuting alone, workplace commuting represents one of the most significant opportunities for carbon reduction.

An EV salary sacrifice scheme addresses this head-on. Employees can access brand-new electric vehicles through pre-tax salary deductions, typically saving 30-60% compared to personal leasing. With BIK tax rates for pure electric vehicles at just 4% in 2026/27, the financial benefits are substantial.

More importantly, the environmental impact is immediate. Business fleets are leading the UK's EV transition - 25.4% of fleet purchases in 2024 were battery electric vehicles and 83% of all BEV sales in the first half of 2024 were to businesses. Companies can go live with loveelectric in under a week, with minimal admin and complete employer protection through our Zero Risk Guarantee.

Every electric vehicle on the road through salary sacrifice directly reduces your Scope 3 emissions while providing employees with a tangible benefit they value. To sweeten the deal, loveelectric drivers can access our Charge Card, saving up to 60% on EV charging at home and on public networks.

2. Go paperless and embrace digital sustainability at work

The average UK office worker prints 6,000 sheets of paper annually, with around 62% going to waste. Moving HR forms, payslips, onboarding documents, and internal communications online eliminates this waste while cutting storage and printing costs.

Digital signature tools like Adobe Sign or DocuSign remove the need for physical paperwork entirely. Cloud-based document management systems - Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, Dropbox - make collaboration seamless while reducing your reliance on filing cabinets and printers.

Going paperless also future-proofs your business for hybrid and remote work, where physical documents create unnecessary friction. The environmental impact is immediate, and the cost savings compound over time.

3. Choose eco-friendly office supplies and local suppliers

Sustainable procurement doesn't require a complete supply chain overhaul. Start by auditing your current suppliers and prioritising those with verified environmental credentials - look for B Corp certification, FSC-certified paper products, and suppliers committed to carbon reduction.

Switch to refillable pens, recycled paper and eco-friendly cleaning products. Where possible, choose local suppliers to reduce transport emissions and support regional economies. Many UK-based B Corps offer competitive pricing while maintaining high environmental and social standards - loveelectric is proud to be B Corp certified with an impact score of 102.0.

Small procurement shifts send a clear signal to your supply chain that sustainability matters, encouraging suppliers to improve their own practices.

4. Reduce office energy use with simple behaviour changes

Energy efficiency doesn't always require capital investment. Simple behavioural changes can deliver immediate savings: switch to LED lighting, which uses 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, install motion sensors in meeting rooms and corridors, and power down equipment overnight instead of leaving it on standby.

For hybrid and remote workers, share energy-saving tips for home offices - encouraging employees to use natural light, switch to energy-efficient monitors, and power down devices at the end of the day extends your sustainability impact beyond the office walls.

Track energy usage monthly to identify spikes and patterns, then adjust accordingly. Even a 10% reduction in energy consumption translates to meaningful cost savings and emissions cuts over a year.

5. Create a workplace "green team" to champion sustainability initiatives

Employee-led sustainability initiatives have staying power. Establish a cross-functional "green team" with volunteers from different departments to own small projects - whether it's organising a bike-to-work day, reducing single-use plastics in the kitchen, or coordinating office recycling.

Green teams provide structure and accountability while giving employees agency to shape the company's environmental approach. They're also powerful engagement tools; employees who feel heard and involved in sustainability efforts are more likely to stay committed to the broader mission.

Give the team a small budget, clear objectives, and regular opportunities to report progress to leadership. Recognition matters. Celebrate wins publicly to build momentum.

Plan for the next quarter: 5 sustainability initiatives that need a little more coordination

6. Install EV chargers to support sustainable commuting

Workplace charging infrastructure makes electric vehicles a practical option for more employees. Installing EV chargers demonstrates visible commitment to sustainable commuting while supporting employees who drive company EVs through salary sacrifice.

Government grants like the Workplace Charging Scheme can cover up to £350 per socket (capped at 40 sockets), reducing upfront costs. Pair workplace charging with loveelectric's Charge Card to give employees access to discounted charging rates both at work and across the UK's public network.

Workplace chargers also support visitors and clients with EVs, positioning your business as forward-thinking and accessible.

7. Improve supply chain sustainability and ethical procurement

Scope 3 emissions - those generated by your supply chain - often represent the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint. Conduct a supplier audit to understand where your materials and services come from, then set sustainability criteria for future procurement decisions.

Prioritise suppliers with transparent environmental policies, verified carbon reduction targets, and ethical labour practices. Consider switching to suppliers closer to your operations to reduce transport emissions.

Building sustainability into your procurement process takes time but delivers long-term impact. It also aligns with growing regulatory expectations around supply chain transparency.

8. Incentivise sustainable commuting and flexible working

Encourage employees to choose lower-carbon commuting options by offering cycle-to-work schemes, season ticket loans for public transport, or carpool incentives. Flexible and hybrid working policies reduce commuting frequency altogether, cutting both emissions and employee stress.

Pair these initiatives with your EV salary sacrifice scheme to give employees a full menu of sustainable transport options. Employees who can't cycle or take public transport still have a path to greener commuting through electric vehicles.

Sustainable commuting benefits aren't just environmental—they improve employee wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and support work-life balance.

9. Minimise office waste and improve recycling systems

Most offices generate significant waste, much of which could be diverted from landfill through better recycling and waste management. Start by conducting a waste audit to understand what you're throwing away, then implement clearly labelled recycling stations for paper, plastics, metals, and organic waste.

Consider introducing composting for food waste from office kitchens. Share recycling data with staff monthly to maintain engagement and accountability—when employees see the impact of their efforts, they're more likely to stay committed.

Set ambitious targets like "zero waste to landfill" and track progress over time. Small improvements compound quickly.

10. Host a sustainability awareness week to build momentum

A dedicated sustainability week brings environmental issues to the forefront while giving employees practical tools to contribute. Organise workshops, speaker sessions, or challenges - like a "meat-free Monday" trial, a clothing swap, or a competition to see which team can reduce energy use the most.

Encourage personal pledges where employees commit to one sustainable change per month, whether at work or at home. Use the week to launch new initiatives - like your EV salary sacrifice scheme or an upgraded recycling system - so employees can see immediate action following the awareness push.

Sustainability weeks work best when they're fun, inclusive, and tied to tangible outcomes.

Build for the future: 4 long-term sustainable workplace practices

11. Set science-based carbon reduction targets

Long-term sustainability requires measurable goals aligned with climate science. Frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) help businesses set credible carbon reduction targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Include data from across your operations - office energy, employee commuting (Scope 3), and supply chain emissions. Track progress annually and adjust strategies as needed.

Science-based targets aren't just good for the planet - they're increasingly expected by investors, clients and regulatory bodies.

12. Embed sustainability into employee benefits and company values

Sustainability should be woven into how you reward and retain talent. Position your EV salary sacrifice scheme, cycle-to-work programmes, and flexible working policies as part of your total rewards package - not as standalone perks.

Make sustainability part of your employer brand. 71% of employees say they're more attracted to environmentally responsible employers, and benefits that align with personal values drive loyalty and engagement.

When sustainability is embedded in company values - not just treated as a compliance exercise - it becomes part of your culture and a competitive advantage in the talent market.

13. Introduce a sustainability reporting framework

Transparency builds trust. Implement a reporting framework to track your energy use, emissions, waste, and employee engagement with sustainability initiatives. Communicate progress openly with employees, investors, and customers.

UK businesses should familiarise themselves with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements and upcoming UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, which will standardise ESG disclosure.

Regular reporting keeps your team accountable, highlights areas for improvement, and demonstrates genuine commitment to stakeholders.

14. Work toward B Corp or carbon-neutral certification

Certification programmes like B Corp or carbon-neutral status provide third-party validation of your sustainability efforts and position your business as a leader in responsible business practices.

loveelectric is a proud B Corp with an impact score of 102.0, reflecting our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Certification isn't easy, it requires rigorous assessment of your governance, workforce practices, community impact, and environmental performance. As such though, it's a powerful signal to employees, customers and investors that your commitment is serious.

Certification also provides a north star for continuous improvement, ensuring sustainability remains a strategic priority.

Next steps: make sustainability part of your company culture

Sustainability in the workplace isn't built through one-off initiatives - it's built through consistent, purposeful action. Start where you can, whether that's switching to LED lighting, launching an EV salary sacrifice scheme or setting your first carbon reduction targets. Each step compounds over time.

For UK businesses looking to make an immediate impact, an EV salary sacrifice scheme stands out as one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to reduce workplace emissions while delivering tangible value to employees. With loveelectric, you can launch in under a week, supported by our Zero Risk Guarantee and complete Day 1 protection.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch to learn how loveelectric can help your business reduce emissions, engage employees, and build a more sustainable future.

Sustainability in the workplace FAQs

What is sustainability in the workplace?

Sustainability in the workplace refers to the environmental impact a business has and how an organisation adapts its practices, processes, and systems to reduce that impact. This includes energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, carbon emissions management, and initiatives like EV salary sacrifice schemes that directly cut transport emissions.

What are examples of sustainability initiatives at work?

Examples include launching an EV salary sacrifice scheme, going paperless, installing energy-efficient LED lighting, improving office recycling systems, sourcing from eco-friendly suppliers, installing workplace EV chargers, incentivising sustainable commuting, setting science-based carbon targets, and working toward B Corp or carbon-neutral certification.

How can a company improve sustainability at work?

Start with quick wins like switching to LED lighting, going paperless, and creating a workplace green team. For deeper impact, introduce an EV salary sacrifice scheme, improve supply chain sustainability, install workplace EV chargers, and set long-term carbon reduction targets aligned with science-based frameworks. Embedding sustainability into employee benefits and company values drives lasting cultural change.

How can sustainability initiatives benefit businesses?

Sustainability initiatives deliver measurable benefits: 23% higher profitability for companies with engaged teams, improved employee retention (with 71% of workers preferring environmentally responsible employers), cost savings through energy efficiency (with industries potentially saving $437 billion annually by 2030), and enhanced brand reputation. Sustainability also helps businesses stay ahead of regulatory requirements and attract investment.