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How Small Actions Across a Company Drive Big Environmental Change

As we head into ISO audit season, MD Tracy Meakins shared this year’s Environmental Update Report, and wow, it really made me stop and appreciate just how environmentally conscious our company is, in ways both big and small.

We often hear about sustainability as a corporate buzzword, but when you see it lived out across departments, from the print room to the project sites, it becomes something much more real and meaningful.

A Team-Wide Commitment to Better Habits

Here are just a few highlights from the report:

Carbon footprint down by 3.9 tonnes, with full offsetting in place.
Water usage reduced by 13% — that’s even better than the 5% target!
1,200 trees planted through our Tree Appeal partnership. https://www.treeappeal.com/Greenacres/Greenacres.html
Steel and aluminium offcuts are recycled, and toner cartridges are now handled by Circular Planet. Take a look at what they do here: https://circular-planet.com/
Crisp bag challenge (because who doesn’t love crisps!) collected 1,610 bags before the programme ended.
Electricity usage during the day dropped by 7.28%, thanks to mindful habits like switching off monitors, printers, and lights.

What I love is that it’s not just about one department or ticking boxes for ISO — it’s truly a company-wide mindset. Even the smallest habit, like choosing greyscale printing or reusing scrap paper, is part of a bigger picture.

What Sustainability Looks Like for Remote Workers

I work fully remotely as part of the business development team, so my day doesn’t include printers, waste bins, or photocopiers. But that doesn’t mean I’m disconnected from the company’s sustainability efforts — in fact, it’s made me more mindful in my own space. Some small things I do:

I don’t print at all, ever — it’s all digital.
Plastic containers from our kitchen get reused or recycled, and we’ve got local collectors in the community who repurpose them.
No commuting means a lower carbon footprint by default.
I’m also more conscious of things like unplugging devices, limiting water use, and reusing packaging.

It might seem minor, but it’s comforting to know that even from afar, I can contribute to a culture that values environmental responsibility.

It’s About Culture, Not Just Compliance

Tracy mentioned in her report that these efforts help us maintain our ISO 14001 Certification — but honestly, what stood out to me more was the tone: it’s all about continuous improvement, shared responsibility, and creating a work culture where sustainability feels natural.

And I think that’s what really sets Able Canopies apart. Whether you’re on-site, in the office, or working from your kitchen table, everyone is encouraged to do what they can, where they are.

Small Steps, Big Difference

So often we think sustainability has to come from huge gestures or massive change. But this report reminded me that small, everyday decisions stack up, especially when an entire company are making them together.

If you haven’t yet, take a moment to reflect on what your team is doing to tread more lightly. You might be surprised at how much impact you’re already having and how much more is possible when we all pull in the same direction.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails, awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure, healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.
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