StaySafe is now carbon zero
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At StaySafe we have committed to reducing our carbon emissions by an average of 2.5% over the next five years and offsetting our current emissions to achieve carbon zero status.
To achieve this, we partnered with Achilles, who offered us the technology and support we needed to calculate our current emissions and find ways to better understand and reduce our environmental impact. “To achieve our Carbon Reduction Certification, we collated a set of guidelines and policies to reduce our impact, and help our employees to make conscious and informed decisions when it comes to our collective environmental footprint. Anything that we cannot reduce, we now offset, meaning we are now also certified as carbon zero” explains Ellie Lock, QA Lead and Product Owner at StaySafe, who led the project.
“We are extremely proud to be the first lone worker solution to achieve carbon zero status” adds StaySafe CEO, Don Cameron. “It is important that businesses take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Achilles made the process simple, and as a business we are committed to achieving our five year targets and remaining a carbon zero supplier”.
Why does it matter?
We are living in a Climate Emergency, with 16 countries having declared they are in a Climate Emergency state, and numerous others making partial declarations. This is an issue of paramount importance that can not be ignored.
We have a responsibility to ensure our business doesn’t negatively impact the environment. Plus, as pressure to do business ethically and sustainably increases, businesses and consumers are looking for suppliers that align with their own sustainability goals.
Read on to find out how we are reducing our carbon footprint
Beyond Carbon Zero
We had a number of projects defined to reduce our measurable carbon emissions. We were keen to go beyond those projects into areas not included in the certification process. Here are the steps we are taking (and that you can take too) to further reduce our carbon footprint:
Transport
As a hybrid-working company, many StaySafe employees work from home. When travelling to the office or to customer meetings, we encourage employees (and you) to look at the options available including:
- Is the journey essential, could the work/meeting/training be achieved without travel?
- Is it possible to get there on public transport?
- For multi-car households, could the car with the least emissions be used?
- When buying a new vehicle, would a low emission vehicle work for you and your family?
Meetings
Whilst travel accounts for a large part of StaySafe’s emissions, meetings contribute to the need to travel. During the pandemic we switched to online meetings and won’t be switching back except in special circumstances. We encourage our employees (and you) ask the following questions when booking in meetings:
- Is the meeting essential, could it be covered in an email or call?
- Could the meeting be held virtually?
- If a face-to-face meeting is essential, where is the most central location to reduce travel?
- Can more meetings be scheduled for the same day to reduce travel?
- Does everyone need to be invited, or can the meeting be as effective with fewer attendees?
Technology
We are working to ensure technology we use, and how we use it helps us reduce our carbon footprint. As a Saas company, this includes looking at use of active and inactive resources, website hosting, and testing efficiencies.
Disposal of Assets
StaySafe has a responsibility to dispose of our assets safely and responsibly. This looks like repurposing it by selling it on, or recycling it safely. At present we collect assets and send them off in bulk to be disposed of by Terracycle and Apple.
Shipping
The StaySafe solution offers additional devices to the app and hub. As such, we require working partnerships with shipping companies to ensure we fulfil customer orders whilst maintaining our green targets.
Home Working
StaySafe employees spend the majority of their working life at home. Here are the guidelines we provide to our staff to reduce our carbon footprint in these situations, can you also apply them?
Emails
- Reduce the size of your emails
- Send links to documents rather than attaching them
- Use messaging apps instead of email where appropriate
Search Engine
Consider switching to Ecosia. They use the profit they make from our searches to plant trees. Use this link to make Ecosia your default search engine.
Switch Off
The greenest energy is the energy that is saved! There is no need to leave PCs or monitors on overnight, and laptops should be undocked when not in use to avoid drawing power. The first USB port on most docking stations will stay on even with the laptop undocked in case you need to charge anything overnight but remember to unplug it when it is charged.
- Make sure printers and mobile phone chargers are not left on unnecessarily
- Set monitors to go to standby when you are not using your PC for ten minutes or more
- Beware of ‘Vampire Energy’
. Walk around your house, unplugging any chargers, laptops, or equipment left on unnecessarily
Energy Providers
At the time of writing, the Energy Sector is in a state of crisis! The general consensus is to stay with your current provider on their standard tariff. StaySafe knows that this crisis is likely to worsen throughout the year, but if it is possible and financially viable to do so, the EnergyHelpline has a list of green energy suppliers.
Energy Meters
If you don’t have an energy meter why not email your energy provider to ask if one can be installed. If you have a SMET1 meter, ask for it to be upgraded to SMET2. The Energy Saving Trust’s Guide to smart meters has information on the benefits and process involved in getting or upgrading a smart meter.
Natural Light
Choose a bright space to work to eliminate the need for additional lighting. Where that isn’t possible, switch to energy saving bulbs.
Be Space Savvy
Turn off radiators in rooms you aren’t working in.
Banking
Consider switching to an ethical bank that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels. Check Bank.Green to find out if your bank is investing in fossil fuels, and see the recommended banks to switch to.
Our promise for the future
StaySafe is committed to reducing the company and employee impact on the environment. We will continue to work with Achilles to audit our impact, and take the necessary steps to managing and offsetting our emissions as new opportunities become available.
Richard BedworthSales Director, StaySafe
Richard is a lone worker safety expert. He understands the lone worker market and the common challenges customers face.
Before moving into the lone worker arena, Richard started out in the security industry working for Securitas and G4S risk profiling. Outside of work, Richard enjoys travelling with his family, running and competing in triathlons.
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A comprehensive lone worker guide for employers, managers and the self employed.
Guide to lone worker risk assessments
An extensive guide to risk assessments for employers or managers of lone workers.
StaySafe buyers guide
An informative guide outlining everything you need to know when purchasing a lone working solution.
Find out more about StaySafe solutions
Lone Worker App
Our intuitive app allows employees to check in safely following a lone working session and raise an alert in an emergency.
Cloud Based Monitoring Hub
Wearable Technology
