Take Action as an Employee

You can become a climate champion at work by advocating for low-carbon solutions and inspiring others to do the same.

image of climate change protest

Why is this important?

  • Businesses of all sizes are critical to achieving a zero-carbon future, and you have the potential to be a tremendous driver of systemic change in your workplace.
  • There is so much you can do - you can use your position, retirement savings, and voice to make a real difference for the planet while also benefiting your company.


Key Actions

Join the climate voice movement

ClimateVoice is an exciting new initiative mobilizing employees to urge their company to enact achievable climate policies. Led by Bill Weihl (ex-Google and Facebook), they have great tips for you and their newsletter will help you stay up to date.

Action:

  1. Sign the ClimateVoice pledge.
  2. Explore ClimateVoice’s mission.

Be a voice for the climate, in appropriate meetings

Leadership can be as simple as mentioning the importance of climate change and how it affects your workplace in meetings.

Action:

  1. Investigate if your workplace has a sustainability plan or use this database to find if your company’s sustainability strategy is on the GRI database. If not, write to your manager to request the creation of such a strategy.
  2. Ask if your product procurement or supply chains have sourcing standards to encourage sustainability and if not, ask your manager for this policy change.
  3. Encourage the use of online meetings to avoid air travel and offset the carbon of air travel needed.
  4. If moving offices or workplace, request prioritizing sustainability or energy efficiency in the new building. This will save your business’ bottom line as well.
  5. Ask about the Social Responsibility Staff’s role with regard to sustainability in your company. If you are not satisfied with their responsibilities, consider suggesting improvements.

Team up with other employees for the climate

We can be powerful and change the climate impact of the companies where we work when we connect and work together either formally or informally.

Action:

  1. Ask if your workplace has a sustainability committee you can join and if not, request if one can formally be established to focus on developing a sustainability plan for the business.
  2. Get together with other employees who want to work towards climate solutions in your workplace and meet regularly to share information and develop plans - like a social club, but for the planet.