The Leading Edge
Briefly describe your workplace and business.
The Leading Edge is an insights based strategic consultancy. Our consultants work for the worlds leading business and brands around the globe via our Sydney head office or key hub offices in Melbourne, Singapore and London.
What has The Leading Edge done to reduce your CO2 emissions?
In 2005, The Leading Edge committed to reduce our impact on the environment. We embarked on a three stage programme; firstly we measured the business' Carbon Dioxide (CO2) footprint; secondly, we set about reducing this footprint through behavioural and strctural change; and lastly, we 'offset' the residual footprint through Climate Positive's emissions offset scheme. The programme was initiated by commissioning an independent audit to determine the CO2 emissions produced through our commercial operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and London. The audit looked at measures such as electricity usage, paper usage, vehicle use (including taxis) and flights.
How has The Leading Edge organisation worked together to reduce carbon emissions?
Since embarking on the programme we have achieved the following:
- 40 % reduction in paper usage through double sided printing, printing more slides to a page and recycling used paper for note paper
- Reduction fossil fuel consumption through using a partly renewable energy provider
- Reduction in domestic flights by utlising video conferencing
- 80% reduction of lighting emissions by changing to energy efficient light bulbs.
- Reduction in waste through recycling program for cans, bottles, paper and plastic
- Reduction in energy usage by installing energy saver on all office equipment and implementation of a new energy efficient purchasing program
- Empowered and educated all employees on how to reduce emissions through a climate change section on the company intranet which contains tips and hints for work and home and relevant articles for people to read
What plans do you have for future reductions?
In the long term, we are committed to buying more energy-efficient equipment, continuing to educate staff on energy usage and waste management, installing sensor lighting systems, switching our energy usage to 100% green power, reducing our transport usage through increased use and investment in new technology such as video conferencing, and facilitating staff volunteering days for sustainable projects. We will be measuring the success of our reduction through annual audits and every year creating new benchmarks and goals.
Why have you become Climate Positive?
Businesses and consumers today cannot afford to ignore the issues around climate change. But there are no quick fix solutions and we put a lot of effort into becoming a carbon positive business. We are fortunate to have some highly motivated people within the business who are passionate about the issue and championed the cause to get the whole company on board with the programme. We are very proud of what we have achieved and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
