Empowering sustainability from the ground up

Goals

At the heart of their mission lies a simple yet profound aspiration: to instil sustainability awareness in all Unite employees' daily lives and business practices. By fostering a culture of mindfulness and responsibility towards the environment, the team seeks to reduce Unite's carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable future. 

What they do

The Unite Sustainability Team's approach is multifaceted. They employ a diverse array of strategies to achieve their objectives. They strive to empower their colleagues to make ecologically conscious decisions through engaging events and initiatives.

One such initiative is the "Getting Bikes Ready for Spring" event, where colleagues are encouraged to embrace environmentally friendly modes of transportation to come to work, by learning how to maintain and repair their bicycles rather than purchasing a new one. Additionally, the team hosts a vegan buffet, highlighting the environmental benefits of plant-based diets and fostering a sense of community among colleagues.

Moreover, the team organises events such as Fairtrade Day, where colleagues can learn about and support fairtrade initiatives, and carry out other activities such as making seed bombs to promote biodiversity and support bee populations. Every month, they post a ‘Tip of the Month’ in the Coffee Channel, and more recently, they have encouraged people to donate and swap clothes.

Achievements

Through their concerted efforts, the sustainability team has achieved significant milestones in collaboration with other departments within Unite. Initiatives include promoting green energy in German offices, sourcing sustainable office supplies, and creating awareness-raising campaigns to promote energy efficiency and responsible data management practices. These initiatives underscore Unite's commitment to sustainability across all facets of its operations.

Why it matters

The Sustainability Team's work transcends mere corporate responsibility; it embodies Unite's core values and shapes its identity as a socially and environmentally conscious organisation. By championing sustainability, the team not only mitigates Unite's environmental impact but also fosters a sense of purpose and pride among employees, reinforcing Unite's commitment to creating a better workplace.