Sustainable business practices not only help attract and keep employees, but also cut costs and encourage a healthier, more efficient workforce.

In 1970, the inaugural Earth Day brought together people from diverse backgrounds to kickstart the environmental movement. Over the years, Earth Day has grown into a global phenomenon in homes and workplaces, inspiring billions in 192 countries to protect our planet and strive for a better tomorrow. This year’s Earth Day is another reminder of the importance of exploring innovative ways to promote sustainability, whether setting up a recycling initiative, introducing a carbon savings plan, or launching a sustainability challenge!

At Ford & Stanley, we’ve chosen a different route, one that tangibly demonstrates our commitment to supporting the environment and promoting sustainability. Through our Better Workdays Conservation Trust, we champion the protection and preservation of our planet’s natural resources.

Prioritising ESG goals 

Before we explain a bit more, it’s encouraging to see that even four years ago, sustainability in the workplace was starting to make more of a mark. In a 2020 Porter Novelli survey, 88% of employees believed it was no longer acceptable for companies just to make money and believed that companies must positively impact society as well. It also revealed that 70% of employees would not work for a company without a strong sense of purpose.

In a 2019 poll, 73% of employees said they were more likely to accept a job at a sustainable organisation and 2022 Deloitte statistics showed that 74% of executives are “very concerned” about climate change. With the growing focus on sustainability and how it is becoming more embedded in our consciousness, these figures will almost certainly be higher now, and rightly so.

Better Workdays Conservation Trust

Ford and Stanley established the Better Workdays Conservation Trust in 2018 with the aim of backing conservation initiatives globally. The trust’s main focus lies in supporting projects that advance environmental sustainability, safeguard biodiversity, and decrease carbon emissions. Additionally, the trust plays a vital role in empowering local communities by generating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.

A vital endeavour that the Better Workdays Conservation Trust has actively supported is the revitalisation of natural habitats. It has successfully created a 3-acre conservation site in Derbyshire, which not only contributes to conservation efforts but also provides an excellent platform for the team to enhance their teamwork skills and mental wellbeing outside of their regular work routine.

Over the past five years, the team has dedicated their efforts to completely transforming a neglected piece of land into a thriving ecosystem, teeming with a wide variety of creatures, insects, plants, and animals. In the last year alone, we’ve planted 286 trees demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Ford and Stanley is not only focused on this environmental project, but also on reducing its own carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in its day-to-day operations. The company has taken several measures to achieve this, including the implementation of initiatives to minimise waste, encourage recycling, and reduce energy consumption. For instance, we have introduced a paperless office policy, urging employees to utilise digital documents instead of paper. In addition, a recycling programme has been put in place, encouraging employees to recycle paper, plastics, and other materials.

Committed to conservation

For us here at Ford and Stanley, Earth Day serves as reaffirmation of our dedication to the environment and sustainability. Through our support of the Better Workdays Conservation Trust, we’re making a meaningful impact in safeguarding and conserving the natural resources of our planet. With the support of our respected clients such as CAF, Loram, Siemans, and Unipart Rail, we can collectively shape a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.

If you want to find out more about the Better Workdays Conservation Trust and how you can get involved, check out our link.

#EarthDay