GreenCode supports firms in every sector of the economy

Eco awareness and ethical consumption are changing consumer purchasing patterns, affecting what people buy, who they buy it from and how they relate to retail brands. With GreenCode accreditation, you can improve customer loyalty by showing that sustainability is a core value of your organisation. By identifying where your supply chain can be more environmentally friendly, how to improve your packaging to reduce its environmental impact and ways in which to lower the energy consumption of your outlets, you’ll be able to give customers what they are looking for and potentially reduce costs. On the GreenCode journey, you’ll evaluate your energy consumption and emissions, consider renewable alternatives and address your waste and recycling programmes for a more sustainable future.

The events and hospitality businesses we talk to want to make a positive impact on the planet by running sustainably, but often aren’t sure where to start. From boutique hotels and independent restaurants through to major chains and global events, GreenCode will help you navigate the journey, taking into account energy consumption and renewable alternatives, food procurement and reducing waste, single use plastics versus recyclable or biodegradable options, and the logistical considerations that help lower the environmental impact of large entertainment and corporate events. By identifying the areas where you can improve to make the greatest impact, GreenCode will help you embrace a low-carbon future and achieve the sustainability accreditation that many now look for.

Construction is one of the most challenging sectors from an environmental sustainability standpoint. Firstly, considerations will run throughout your day-to-day operations. Secondly, there are the building materials and methods employed on each project you undertake. Thirdly, each building you construct will go on to have an environmental impact throughout its lifecycle – how can you ensure it operates sustainably? GreenCode will help you identify where to improve across the board, from managing your premises to your procurement policy to waste management and biodiversity considerations. We advise construction firms we work with to align with BREEAM holistic sustainability certification for all the structures they build for clients.

Whatever the cause a non-profit organisation supports – environmental or otherwise – sustainability accreditation shows a commitment to the environment that will attract and engage stakeholders and potential donors. Climate change is a critical factor affecting the global economy, but with GreenCode’s support you can futureproof your organisation by implementing sustainable practices while at the same time providing full transparency via the monitoring and recording of your progress in terms of energy consumption, emissions, waste, managerial approach and even biodiversity. NGOs, charities and social enterprises provide social value as they contribute to the communities they operate in, and embedding sustainability in everything you do will only enhance the social value you are able to deliver. 

Teaching sustainability has increased in prominence at all the Key Stages of the National Curriculum, therefore it’s important for educational institutions to practice what they preach. Meanwhile, in post-secondary education, students one of the most environmentally aware demographics in the population and often expect their courses to be delivered sustainably. GreenCode will help you assess and improve your institution’s energy consumption and move to renewable sources. Other key areas you will be able to address include efficient management of water, reducing food waste and creating more sustainable menus, general waste management and recycling, and the procurement of educational materials. GreenCode accreditation will communicate to your community, regulators, parents, pupils and students that sustainability is embedded in how your institution is run.

Public bodies are responsible for a huge variety of important services in the UK across health, education, adult social care, transport, waste and recycling – and are also responsible for the environment itself. Each activity has different implications for the environment, and the interrelationships between services makes plotting a sustainability roadmap particularly challenging. Across Britain, over 600 councils have declared a climate emergency, and GreenCode is ready with the expertise to help public bodies large and small to address their emissions, reduce waste and tackle sustainability holistically in order to meet not just their legislative responsibilities and the robust targets that have been set, but to plan for a more sustainable future.

UK manufacturing faces significant challenges, ranging from overseas competition to high costs and demand uncertainty. However, we’ve found that focusing on sustainability throughout an enterprise can help overcome these challenges while making your products more appealing to UK consumers. The energy required in the manufacturing process is frequently the largest source of CO2e emissions; running more efficiently and converting to renewable energy can address this and reduce costs. The second biggest factor is often the consumption of materials and designing longer lasting products, using fewer materials, that are more easily repaired, reused and recycled, while reducing waste, can have an enormous impact. Your GreenCode action plan will provide guidance on improving sustainability practices across your operations to reduce your environmental impact and gain globally recognised accreditation.

Sustainability in sports is an area of special expertise for GreenCode, working with a range of organisations to holistically review and improve their environmental impact. The regular hosting of sporting events has significant implications in terms of energy and water consumption, waste and travel-related emissions for both teams and supporters. Food and merchandise sourcing are further considerations for clubs wishing to operate responsibly. Meanwhile, today’s supporters, staff, players and league bodies are more aware than ever of the climate crisis and want to see what clubs and organisations in the field are doing to run sustainably. With GreenCode accreditation, you can show them that sustainability is embedded in the values of your sporting organisation now, and into the future.