NIRIMBA TAFE
Implement and monitor
environmentally
sustainable work practices
Case Study – Better Future BT sustainability review 2011
Shane Butler
11
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
Oct. 6
INDIVIDUAL REPORT ON THE
British Telecom CASE STUDY ON
SUSTAINABILITY
Current practices in relation to resource usage and purchasing at BT
British Telecom has announced several strategies for reducing resource usage for their company and
affiliates. These practices have resulted in noticeable reductions in energy use, and carbon emissions, as
evidenced in the companies sustainability review (BT Sustainability PDF, 2011).
Through these practices the company British Telecom (BT), has managed to:
 Reduce energy use by 2.5% this year, with a further 2% reduction planned for 2012
 Reduce their carbon intensity by 59% since 1997, targeting 80% reduction by 2020
 Allow similar companies across Europe to incorporate their practices in sustainability
 Contract new suppliers to improve their environmental performance, whilst also initiating a new
procurement standard to encourage other suppliers to be more carbon neutral
(GreenBiz, BT Carbon Management 2011)
 Change from using a general waste contractor to a specialist recycling company, vastly
increasing their recycling rates.
Other practices utilized by the company to reduce their carbon footprint are simple yet effective
methods such as staff meetings via audio and video conference, reducing their CO2 emissions by
approximately 54,000 tonnes, as well as paper-free billing schemes through online billing.
(BT, Wikipedia 2011)
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Targets set for improvements at BT
Several targets were set for improvements and sustainability within British Telecom, as evidenced in the
following table demonstrating their key indicators for set targets (BT Sustainability PDF, 2011).
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The previous table, which was delivered in their annual report, shows that whilst there are a couple of
targets not yet met, progression along the practices utilized will see their targets achieved. Also ongoing
targets such as reduction of Carbon emissions by 80% in 2020, show that they have set goals for their
company far into the future. (BT, Sustainability PDF 2011)
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Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
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How did BT implement performance improvement strategies
British Telecoms’ approach to improving performance stems from their better future strategy, as
outlined in their sustainability review. BT is in an extremely competitive industry, therefore certain
approaches must be taken to ensure they remain at the top of their field. A broad overview of their
strategy is as follows:
 Reduce carbon emissions and their impact on the environment through their operations and
products.
 Build stronger communities through the power of their technology and people.
 Behave responsibly towards their customers, people and their suppliers.
By reviewing all of the companies methods of delivery, resource use and communication, British
Telecom were able to implement a number of strategies to help improve performance within the
industry. (BT, Sustainability PDF 2011)
Investing in broadband services around UK, social and economic benefits allowed BT to enhance their
own business whilst attracting new clients also. Providing thousands of jobs around the UK to
apprentices and work experience opportunities helped build stronger ties in the communities. With
their business expanding and more focus was given to carbon neutrality, BT turned to energy efficient
products and services to reduce their own emissions, whilst also running campaigns for other companies
to do the same. New procurement policies for materials and service allowed BT to further approach
their target for reduction in their carbon emissions, at the same time causing other businesses to take
the same approach. (Youtube, Economist Sustainability Summit (2011)
BT
Approach
to
developing
and
delivering
a better
future.
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How did BT monitor performance
British Telecom monitors performance through the use of a leadership panel of independent
sustainability experts, who meet four times a year to review BTs annual sustainability report.
Also, twice a year BT has a Corporate Responsibility (CR) Risk panel that reviews the companies risk
management as well as a review by the board and external leadership panel annually. These risks are
covered by a manager who incorporates a risk mitigation strategy for the company.
The CR risks are as follows:
 Climate change adaptation (Site locations to minimise risk)
 Climate change mitigation (Reputation risks in the event reduction targets are not met)
 Diversity (Meeting ethical standards for a diverse workforce)
 Supply chain labour standards (Supplier assessment and monitoring)
 Health and Safety (Exposure to regulatory and business risk)
 Business integrity and Ethics (Vulnerabilities such as bribery and corruption)
 Privacy and Data protection (Protecting sensitive client information)
(BT, Sustainability PDF 2011)
The structured reviews and revisions of the companies strategies and practices are important to help
keep the company on track, and also enables quick action to find a solution should the need arise.
The company British Telecom has managed to incorporate several innovative new strategies and
practices to help keep their company on the rise, and also help insure a more sustainable future through
these methods. By keeping track of their impact on the environment, BT has managed to successfully
take the lead in running a sustainable large business, and will do so for many years to come.
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References
BT, Sustainability PDF (2011) [Online] Available from;
http://www.btplc.com/Responsiblebusiness/Ourstory/Sustainabilityreport/pdf/2011/Better_Future_BT
_sustainability_review_2011.pdf
[Accessed 6th October, 2011]
BT, Wikipedia (2011) [Online]
Available from; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BT_Group
[Accessed 6th October, 2011]
Youtube, Economist Sustainability Summit (2011)
Available from; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0kVeOUkCcE
[Accessed 6th October, 2011]
GreenBiz, BT Carbon Management (2011)
Available from; http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2011/03/07/bt-require-carbon-management-suppliers
[Accessed 6th October, 2011]
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