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Quick guide to sustainable working practices

Be part of the transition to more sustainable working, and explore this guide to find out top ways that you can make your work life more sustainable.

Together we can create change

This guide offers suggestions on how to incorporate sustainable practices into our daily work routines for the benefit of people and the planet. Changing well-formed routines can at times be challenging, but at Bath we are a community committed to making change and we all have a part to play in reaching our sustainability goals.

Areas this guide will cover

  • Promoting coworking spaces
  • Revising purchasing habits
  • Conducting more sustainable meetings and events
  • Reducing energy use
  • Exploring alternative travel options

Using space efficiently and sustainably

We have a large community of over 3,500 employees and as we adopt new ways of working, we can transition to more sustainable practices, encouraging a new normal.

Individuals working in a shared workspace

Every individual has a unique commuting pattern, and we encourage departments and academic staff to collaborate and share workspaces whenever possible.

Help progress this new way of working

  • Do you have an office to yourself that could be shared?
  • How can communal spaces be better used?
  • Does your department hot desk?
  • Would it be helpful to have seating sections such as a creative work zone or a quiet work zone?

Investigate and implement suitable solutions: consider discussing with your line manager or head of department to explore how you can initiate change to utilise your space more efficiently.

Buy less, buy better

    A shift towards a sustainable supply chain

    Purchasing goods and services represents 38% of the University’s carbon footprint and so is an important area for us to tackle collectively. Purchasing sustainably can allow us to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce waste and save money.

    Procurement

    It’s important to consider the true impacts of purchasing goods and services to ensure a sustainable supply chain, taking into account social and environmental factors.

    When making sustainable purchasing decisions, it's important to consider the following points:

    Before you buy

    • Do you truly need the product or service in the first place?
    • Can you re-use an already purchased item, via colleagues, another department or the University's Swap Shop?

    When purchasing

    • Consider and plan for the end-of-life cycle
    • Choose energy efficient devices and appliances
    • Reduce the use of hazardous chemicals
    • Seek out local suppliers who go beyond the bare minimum for sustainability

    Review the sustainability credentials of the supplier, such as whether they offer sustainable products or services, however be cautious of greenwash!

    Check out the University's swap shop
    Buy less, buy better

    Meetings and events

    Meetings and events can be great for generating solutions, but we can make more sustainable choices to reduce our environmental impact both in and out of the office.

    Meetings

    Events

    • When ordering food, consider the quantity to avoid waste
    • Choose reusable name badges
    • Ensure your venue is close to public transport links, and promote this as a priority
    • Think about the timing of the event, so that public transport is a feasible option
    • Reduce your catering impact; lookout for certifications such as UK-produced, Fairtrade, or organic
    • Serve more vegan and vegetarian options
    • Refrain from distributing unnecessary free items and choose sustainably where required
    Several people at an event eating food

    Energy use

    The University has committed to achieve net zero gas and electricity emissions by 2030 and we’ll only achieve this with everyone’s help. What may seem like small actions, like switching off equipment, add up and collectively we can make an impact. We've provided here some top suggestions to get you started.

    Switch off all electronics (that you safely can) and lights when you leave a room or when it’s no longer needed.

    In the winter, layer up instead of turning up the heating; space heaters consume a lot of energy and are against the Thermal Comfort Policy. If your office is still cold, speak with the Campus Infrastructure Team.

    During summer months, open up a window and wear lighter layers to keep your workspace cool.

    Lab users can reduce their impact further in other areas by signing up to LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework).

    Download the office and labs switch off checklists
    A picture of 10 East at night

    Travel

    When travelling for work, particularly when it is required to go abroad consider more eco choices.

    The Eurostar has many routes to major cities in Europe. You can also get a train all the way to Edinburgh! This mode of travel complies with the University's Travel and Expenses Policy.

    Give cycling a go; try the Cycle-to-Work scheme or trial an e-bike for two weeks. Don't worry if you are a novice, you can join the Bicycle Users Group. Explore more information on cycling to campus.

    If you live locally consider walking to campus. There are many paths you can take in the area and it's a great way to start your day. There's plenty of advice on walking to campus.

    Discover more information on active travel
    Three staff members are sitting on their bicycles, smiling at the camera. The photo is outside the 10 East building.

    Go further and take action with others

    Get involved with climate action as a member of staff

    Contact us

    If you have any questions or would like to share actions you're taking, please reach out to the Climate Action Team.