ESG Metric: GHG Scope 3 emissions
Ease of implementation: Low
Suitable for: Homeworker employees
Suggested functional lead: HR/ Communications team
Summary
Switching energy supplier can be a great way to reduce costs and support the renewable energy fed into the grid across different countries. However, when considering the homeworking culture that has been increasing since COVID-19, it is increasingly difficult to control the emissions from your workforce. With a few simple steps, we suggest promoting the switch to renewable energy in your employees' homes. This will reduce their working-from-home emissions as well as reduce their personal carbon emissions outside of working hours. It may even put them on a better tariff and save costs as a bonus.
Background Information
Domestic energy usage accounts for 14% of UK GHG emissions, which has been exacerbated by remote working during COVID-19. Homeworker emissions is made up of the energy used for appliances such as motors, laptops and their charging needs. It also takes into consideration the emissions from lighting, heating, cooling, internet access, and any other appliances that may be used to carry out the job at home. This new way of working results in increased homeworking emissions which must be accounted for in Scope 3.
Implementation Steps
Collect information on the employees' current energy supplier
Create and send out a simple Google Form to gather information on the number of employees currently using a renewable energy supplier. Exclude these members from any promotional material to switch their energy supply.
Send out resources to promote renewable energy and how to switch
Send out a resource package on how to switch energy supplier, using resources such as this Compare the Market article and the Eco Expert switching article. Mention price comparison websites such as Uswitch and Compare the Market to help employees identify the best renewable energy supplier for them, as there may be multiple energy companies within energy country.
Send out a form to assess switching rates
Even when all the information is made available, not everyone will make the switch to a renewable energy supplier for their home. Send out a Google Form to assess how many members of staff have made the switch successfully after the promotional material was sent out. Ensure that this form is sent out a minimum of 21 working days after the promotional email as a switch in the UK still takes 21 days to complete.
Assign responsibility for the quarterly energy supplier form to be sent out
Seeing as you can switch energy supplier fairly easily, ensure you keep the data on staff energy suppliers up to date by sending out the google form quarterly requesting their home supplier information.
Estimated Costs
Switching energy supplier should be free unless you are bound to a contract. However, most renewable energy suppliers will refund any exit fees to promote the switch to their supply.