HR and sustainability

thought leadership

How can HR use the green agenda?

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How can HR use the green agenda to drive efficiencies... Can you become leaner and greener?
A panel of business professionals were recently asked a question: What is green HR? The subsequent answers all pointed towards environmental initiatives to reduce employee carbon footprints. The likes of electronic filing, car-sharing, job-sharing, teleconferencing and virtual interviews, recycling, telecommuting, online training, and energy-efficient office spaces. These ideas are being implemented more often with each passing year, and dovetail with existing green HR efforts focused on increased process efficiency, environmental waste reduction, and revamped HR products, tools, and procedures. These measures dont just ensure compliance and improve productivity, they also have an impact on intangible yet invaluable assets such as brand and reputation.

HR and Sustainability

HR and sustainability whats the link?

Sustainability isnt just about minimising environmental impact its bigger than that. In the context of HR, its more about taking a long-term view, and thats the key characteristic of a sustainable organisation a concern for the future survival of the business, not just of present profitability. So decisions across the business who to employ, which suppliers to use, what products to make, how to respond to economic and social changes should be made having considered the impact today, and in 10 or 20 years time. Part of the UKs climate change strategy, the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme, focuses on energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. A mandatory corporate obligation, it engages with both the public and private sectors. Organisations purchase and trade annual carbon allowances, and strong performers can benefit from recycling payments. Those who refuse to comply face financial penalties and fines, so its important to align this with the overall business strategy. Beyond the green agenda, HR can also play a major part in sustainability in terms of managing the relationship between the business and its workforce. However, the challenge for modern businesses is one of changing workforces because todays workforce is very different to previous generations. The market has shifted towards flexible working since the financial downturn. Younger team members are entering the workplace expecting modern practices and technologies. Many jobs and industries now have a global footprint due to the growth in outsourcing. Job security is not guaranteed; people switch jobs frequently. Working from home has taken off, and the combination of an ageing population and age discrimination legislation has provided the opportunity for people to work well past traditional retirement ages. HR has to mediate effectively between workers and management.

HR and Sustainability

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Logica a case study of ourselves

It became clear to our management team that, without a sustainable relationship between the company and its employees, planning for the future would be tough. Our business thrives off people who are proud of the company, but the company needed to adapt to changing lifestyles and changing workforces. Flexibility is often the driver of change, and its at the heart of our sustainable management initiative. For example, a flexible working programme means staff can work from home for part or all of the week. This takes into account work/life balance, depending on care or parental responsibilities and its reduced office space by 25%, so both parties benefit. It also indicates the growth of collaborative tools, allowing teams to talk wherever they are. For new and younger entrants to the workplace, the distinction between working life and home life is becoming blurred, and tools such as instant messaging are not just an integral part of their work, but an integral part of their life. We were recently listed as the top IT company in the Sunday Times Best Green Companies list. The innovative Stamp Down Our Carbon Footprint campaign has also led to a reduction in emissions. We are now a green leader in the IT and business service sectors. Our carbon footprint has been reduced by 23% in three years, exceeding the 2010 target of 12.5% two years early. All UK sites use 100% renewable electricity and business flights have been halved compared to four years ago which has brought significant cost-savings. Building on our successes so far, we have set ourselves a tough new target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2020 from 2008 figures. This exceeds the governments UK target of 34%. As well as doing things for ourselves, we also do a lot to help our clients. For example, weve helped Ford Motor Company deliver a project to standardise reporting and management of carbon emissions internationally. We worked with CarbonSim to implement a solution that centralised reporting and aligned emissions management with business goals.

HR and Sustainability

Conclusion
Green ideas and concepts are beginning to gather pace within the HR space, often complementing existing sustainability-based initiatives. Increasingly they are delivering tangible benefits to the business, rather than simply adding a gloss to brand and reputation. These new processes, policies, products and tools are actually helping to ensure compliance and improve productivity too. And with legislation now in place to effectively formalise the need for a new corporate approach to the environment, nows the time for HR to embrace the green agenda.

HR and Sustainability

Copyright 2011 Logica Logica is a business and technology service company, employing 39,000 people. It provides business consulting, systems integration and outsourcing to clients around the world, including many of Europes largest businesses. Logica creates value for clients by successfully integrating people, business and technology. It is committed to long term collaboration, applying insight to create innovative answers to clients business needs.

Logica Tel: +44 (0) 207 637 9111 HRS.uk@logica.com

Logica is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext (Amsterdam) (LSE: LOG; Euronext: LOG). More information is available at www.logica.com This document is for general information purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

www.logica.co.uk/hrs
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