Meet Lauren Stevens, Senior Project Officer at Cosmic. In 2018, Lauren joined the Positive People Project, bringing a focus on sustainability through meticulous research, recording, and reporting. Her contributions helped shape early efforts that informed the development of Cosmic’s Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
These collective efforts marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Embarking on a journey to enhance environmental sustainability within an organisation is both challenging and rewarding. My involvement in building Cosmic’s Environmental Management Systems (EMS) has been a transformative experience, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to positive change.
The Beginning: Joining the Positive People Team
My journey began when I joined the Positive People Team, a project dedicated to engaging in a culture of sustainability and social responsibility, and it was my role within Cosmic to research, record and report on these areas. Our mission was to integrate cross-cutting themes, including sustainability, into every department of the business after piloting and trialling methods within this team.
Pilot Reporting and Research
One of my first major projects was to initiate pilot reporting and research on sustainability data. This involved:
- Identifying Key Metrics: We started by identifying the key metrics that would help us measure our environmental impact. This included energy consumption, waste management, and carbon footprint.
- Data Collection: Gathering accurate data was crucial. We tested various data collection methods and tools to ensure comprehensive data collection.
- Analysis and Reporting: Once the data was collected, we analysed it to identify trends and areas for improvement. This analysis formed the basis of our pilot reports.
Reporting Methods and Data Capture
To ensure accurate and efficient data capture, we utilised a variety of tools and methods:
- Excel Spreadsheets: These were used for tracking and analysing data. The flexibility of Excel allowed us to create detailed charts and graphs to visualise our progress.
- Xero: We extracted expense reports from Xero to track financial data related to our sustainability initiatives. This includes mileage reports and reviewing who our suppliers are.
- Microsoft Forms: These were used to gather feedback and data from employees and stakeholders, ensuring we had a comprehensive view of our environmental impact.
- Detailed Reports in Word: All findings and analyses were compiled into detailed reports using Microsoft Word. These reports were crucial for communicating our progress and plans to the wider team.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Integrating cross-cutting themes was a critical aspect of our work. We focused on:
- Sustainability: Ensuring that our operations were environmentally sustainable.
- Social Responsibility: Promoting practices that benefit both the environment and the community.
- Economic Viability: Balancing environmental goals with economic considerations.
Achievements and Milestones
Throughout this journey, we achieved several milestones:
- Implementation of EMS: Successfully implemented the Environmental Management Systems across various departments.
- Increased Awareness: Raised awareness about sustainability issues among employees through workshops and training sessions.
- Positive Impact: Made significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint and improving waste management practices.
Reflections and Future Goals
Looking back, I am proud of the progress we have made. However, the journey is far from over. Our future goals include:
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously improving our EMS to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
- Broader Engagement: Engaging more stakeholders in our sustainability efforts.
- Innovative Solutions: Exploring innovative solutions to further reduce our environmental impact.
Conclusion
Being part of building Cosmic’s Environmental Management Systems has been a rewarding journey. It has taught me the importance of collaboration, innovation, and persistence. I am excited about the future and the positive impact we can continue to make.
Starting this journey years ago has been immensely beneficial in establishing a strong foundation for our current environmental initiatives. Early on, we were able to identify key sustainability goals and begin the process of integrating them into our operations. This proactive approach allowed us to gain valuable insights and experience, which have been crucial in selecting the right certifications, such as ISO 14001, and engaging with knowledgeable consultants who understand our unique needs. Additionally, the systems and processes we developed over the years, including our Environmental Management Systems, have provided a robust framework that supports continuous improvement and innovation. This foresight and groundwork have positioned us well to tackle current and future sustainability challenges with confidence and clarity.