Save paper costs by buying recycled paper and reusing discarded paper for notes
Lengthen the life of toner cartridges by adjusting printer settings to default print on both sides and in draft quality
Minimise energy costs by ensuring that all equipment and lights are turned off (ie not left on standy) when not in use
Provide glasses and mugs rather than disposable cups
Ensure all light bulbs are energy efficient
Recycle old computer equipment by giving it to local charities or community groups
Reduce energy bills by turning down the heating when it is not needed and always ensure that this is done before opening a window
Inform staff whether agenda and minutes will or won't be available at meetings to avoid duplication of printing
Limit use of disposable goods eg: pens, in favour of reusable ones
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Maximise savings by putting up signage reminding staff to save energy and reduce waste
Give an active preference to products with minimal packaging
Save time, inconvenience and pollution by using conference calls rather than travelling to meetings where possible
Level 2
Save money and the environment by insulating the building to reduce heating and ventilation requirements
Calculate your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it
Communicate your environmental practices to customers, staff, investors and suppliers
Have a clear environmental policy with responsibility at board level
Look at opportunities to reduce toxic chemicals eg: batteries, copier toner, paints, cleaning supplies etc and if required, ensure their safe disposal
Level 3
Work with suppliers to improve environmental impact at all stages of the supply chain
Set targets - aim for a 5 - 10% reduction in key indicator areas including reams of paper, energy, car/cab/air mileage and update staff regularly
Take steps to improve your environment outside your business premises
Understand the impact of your business on the local area and community and seek to mitigate negative impacts
Implement environmental management systems such as ISO 14001
Workplace
Level 1
Cut recruitment costs by advertising vacancies through local Job Centres
Accommodate flexible working for employees that need to work from home or have flexible hours
Encourage staff involvement in programmes that benefit young people, older people, and the most disadvantaged and excluded groups
Eliminate smoking from business premises and provide information on stop smoking programmes
Promote healthy work practices eg: providing the right chairs and equipment, encouraging breaks and lunch breaks
Proactively encourage disabled people to apply for jobs
Level 2
Use community volunteering opportunities for cost effective staff training and development
Create a company policy to match funding for individual employee community involvement
Commit to recruiting locally where possible, reflecting the diversity of the local area
Review salaries to ensure that you pay comparable pay for comparable work
Volunteer to be a 'job coach' for a homeless person entering work
Level 3
Talk with staff to agree a common set of values to which the company subscribes
Carry out an annual audit of your workplace practices
Recognise employee involvement in the community in your appraisals
Take on Modern Apprentices or New Deal employees
Provide employment opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged or minority groups eg: asylum seekers; homeless; long-term unemployed or ex-offenders
Community
Level 1
Raise the aspirations of young people by providing business role models to assist enterprise teaching in schools and help young people to prepare their CVs and develop their interview skills
Offer long and short-term work experience placements to young people
Provide financial assistance or donate equipment and materials to schools or voluntary groups
Host a visit for young people to your business to learn about enterprise in action
Support local carnivals and community events
Make time to visit a local community centre or place of worship to better understand the diversity of London's communities
Level 2
Offer professional expertise on a pro-bono basis to a voluntary organisation
Provide information about your organisation, which can be used in teaching about the workplace
Help teachers and pupils to develop enterprise skills and knowledge by offering real examples from your business
Provide advisors to enterprise initiatives
Level 3
Become a school governor or join the management committee of a voluntary organisation
Support the managers of education and community organisations by sharing management experience
Spearhead the development of a Business Improvement District
Marketplace
Level 1
Ensure that all staff, suppliers and creditors are paid on time
Ensure your premises are accessible for disabled customers
Ensure your procurement processes are open to local firms and social enterprises regardless of size and ethnicity of ownership
Provide constructive feedback to your suppliers whether their bids are successful and unsuccessful
Treat your customers with honesty and integrity and keep your promises
Communicate your commitment and actions on responsible business practice to suppliers and customers and seek their feedback
Inform your customers and suppliers about London Better Together and encourage them to register
Level 2
Seek to collaborate with suppliers to improve business practices, human rights and labour issues in the supply chain
Ensure your advertising is responsible and based on honest statements
Seek out and remove potential barriers to small and ethnic minority businesses in your purchasing procedure
Take account of the needs of vulnerable customers and take steps to mitigate negative effects
Make sure your staff feel they are working within a culture that supports a responsible approach to every aspect of how business is carried out
Level 3
Create a supplier framework with a set of responsible business practices and give support to them
Minimise social or environmental problems in new product designs
Produce new products that offer social and environmental benefits
Check whether there is a market opportunity for your product or service serving the poorest communities
