Green Strategies for Contractors: Building a Sustainable Future

In celebration of World Environment Day this month, it’s crucial for professional contractors to question their role in fostering a sustainable future. According to the Environmental Indicators Ireland 2023 report, Ireland had the second highest emissions of greenhouse gases per capita in the EU27 in 2021 at 12.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Enterprise and the contracting industry have a significant environmental footprint, but with thoughtful adjustments to our daily practices, we can pave the way towards a greener tomorrow. Whether working in a hybrid model, onsite, or remotely, there are numerous strategies that contractors can implement to contribute to a greener future. Here, we explore practical and effective sustainable practices tailored for each working arrangement.

Hybrid Work: Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Commuting Sustainably

Hybrid work models, which combine onsite and remote work, offer unique opportunities for sustainability. Here are some practices to consider:

1. Energy-Efficient Office Spaces:
   • Choose office spaces with energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
   • Implement smart thermostats and lighting controls to reduce energy consumption.
   • Encourage the use of natural light and ventilation where possible.

2. Sustainable Commuting:
   

   • According to the Environmental Impact Indicator 2023 from the CSO, the number of licensed vehicles in Ireland increased by 219% from 915,000 in 1985 to 2.9 million in 2022. Private cars accounted for most of this growth with an increase of over 1.5 million vehicles. To reduce this, we should promote carpooling, public transportation, or cycling for days when commuting is necessary. And look at the TaxSaver tickets and the Cycle to Work schemes available for contractors too!
   • Offer incentives for employees who use eco-friendly transportation methods.

3. Digital Collaboration Tools:
   

   • Utilize digital tools like video conferencing, project management software, and cloud storage to minimize the need for physical travel and paper usage.
   • Encourage paperless meetings and document sharing to reduce waste.

Onsite Work: Employing Eco-Friendly Materials and Reducing Waste

For contractors who spend a significant amount of time working onsite, there are several strategies to reduce environmental impact:

1. Eco-Friendly Materials and Supplies:
   • Use environmentally friendly materials such as recycled or sustainably sourced products.
   • Opt for suppliers who prioritize sustainability and have eco-certifications if you can help make decisions in company suppliers.

2. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
   

   • If available, follow comprehensive waste management plans that include recycling and proper disposal of hazardous materials.
   • Reduce waste by ordering materials in bulk and minimizing packaging.

3. Sustainable Commuting:
   

   • Promote carpooling, public transportation, or cycling for days when commuting is necessary. And look at the TaxSaver tickets and the Cycle to Work schemes available for contractors too!
   • Offer incentives for employees who use eco-friendly transportation methods.

Remote Work: Creating Low-Impact Home Offices

Remote work can significantly reduce the environmental impact of daily operations. Here are some ways to make remote work more sustainable:

1. Energy-Efficient Home Offices:
   • Equip home offices with energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems.
   • Encourage the use of power strips to easily turn off multiple devices when not in use.

2. Digital Sustainability:
   

   • Promote the use of cloud storage and digital collaboration tools to reduce paper usage.
   • Be aware of the importance of managing digital waste, such as deleting unnecessary files and emails to reduce data storage energy consumption.

3. Sustainable Office Supplies:
   

   • Buy eco-friendly office supplies, such as recycled paper, non-toxic inks, and refillable pens if required.
   • Encourage the use of digital note-taking apps to minimize paper usage.

4. Green Habits and Mindset:
   

   • Focus on build habits for reducing water and energy consumption at home.

As we observe World Environment Day, let us recommit to integrating sustainability into our professional lives. Whether you're working from a home office, managing projects on a site, or splitting your time between remote and onsite work, each step towards sustainability makes a significant difference. Adopt these practices, lead by example, and watch as the contracting industry transforms into a model for environmental stewardship.