Citizens Advice lewisham is committed to reducing out environmental impact and making sustainability part of how we work. With many of our staff working remotely or in hybrid roles, we encourage environmentally responsible practices both in our workplaces and at home
What we're doing
We are taking practical steps to reduce our environmental footprint, including:
Reducing waste and recycling: responsibly recycling paper, cardboard, ink cartridges, IT equipment, batteries and mobile phones wherever possible.
Reducing paper use: moving towards digital-first ways of working and aiming for 70% of our services to be paperless by Year 3.
Saving energy and water: encouraging staff and volunteers to switch off lights and equipment when not in use, use energy-efficient devices and reduce unnecessary waste.
Supporting sustainable travel: encouraging public transport wherever practical, while ensuring reasonable alternatives are available when needed, including for staff living with disabilities.
Remote and hybrid working: reducing unnecessary commuting and work-related travel through flexible working arrangements.
Exploring sustainable Advice Booths: subject to funding, we aim to introduce Advice Booths powered by sustainable energy, such as solar power, helping us provide services locally while reducing travel.
Engaging our people: building environmental awareness into staff induction, team communications and surveys, supported by Green Leads or environmental champions.
Our 3 year plan
Over the next three years, we will measure our environmental impact, set targets and embed sustainablity more firmly into our everyday practices
Year 1- establish baseline information on paper and energy use, increase staff awareness and reduce paper consumption by 20%.
Year 2 - review progress, strengthen our digital-first approach, establish Green Leads and, subject to funding, begin piloting a solar-powered advice booth.
Year 3 - evaluate our progress, integrate sustainability into areas such as procurement and project planning, expand sustainable Advice Booths where possible, and aim for 70% of out services to be paperless.
Review
We will review our environmental approach annually, listen to feedback from staff and volunteers, and continue looking for practical ways to reduce out environmental footprint.
Together, we aim to provide high-quality advice and support while making responsible choices for our environment.
