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StaySafe is now carbon zero

Awards
4 min read

StaySafe is now carbon zero

StaySafe has partnered with Achilles to StayGreen and become carbon zero
Written by Richard Bedworth, StaySafe

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. Therefore in 2021, we engaged with Achilles to ensure that we could reduce our Carbon Emissions as a company, and achieve a recognisable certification to show that we would achieve our targets. And we are extremely proud to announce we have 🙌.

As part of our commitment to achieving and maintaining our Carbon Zero status we put together 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.

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:

Banking

We are looking to switch StaySafe over to ethical banks that don’t invest in fossil fuels. Check Bank.Green to find out if your own personal bank is investing in fossil fuels, and see the recommended banks to switch to.

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.

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.

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Looking for more information on protecting your lone workers?

We have a range of expert resources and topical blogs to help keep your lone working staff safe.

Guide to Lone Working

A comprehensive lone worker guide for employers, managers and the self employed.

Lone Worker Risk Assessment
An extensive guide to risk assessments for employers or managers of lone workers.
Three Questions to Ask When Purchasing a Lone Working Solution
An informative guide outlining everything you need to know when considering purchasing a lone working solution.

Find out more about StaySafe solutions

Lone Worker App

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Cloud Based Monitoring Hub
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Wearable Technology
Pairing the app with V.BTTN is a great solution for anyone working at height, with gloves or machinery, where pushing a button may be a more convenient way of using the StaySafe app.
Satellite Tracking Devices
Our satellite tracking devices are designed for those regularly travelling to remote areas where you can’t even get a mobile signal.
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