Environmental impact Low
Employer/employee ranking 13/39
Staff numbers 1,100
Energy reduction 15%
Recycling n/a

It’s good to talk. Just ask staff at Liverpool Direct Limited (LDL), a joint venture partnership between British Telecom and Liverpool city council, who are consulted on the firm’s continuing environmental efforts. Founded seven years ago, the consultancy offers services to improve communication within businesses. Staff think their employer’s environmental impacts are improving and give a 73% green score for this question. They aren’t the only ones to have noticed — LDL has recently achieved the international standard ISO 14001 for environmental management. However, not all LDL employees understand what ISO 14001 is, judging by the 64% score for this question.

A specially designed “save the planet” area on the company’s intranet keeps staff up-to-date on environmental efforts and targets. A 73% score shows employees think LDL has made a serious commitment to helping the world around them.

The intranet’s “busy person’s guide to saving the planet” section says the workforce should try to “reduce, reuse, recycle and repair” waste. This message is getting through. Employees give their highest green score of 87% for knowing exactly where to put rubbish for recycling. They support the company’s green initiatives and don’t think they are a waste of money (86%). Nonetheless, a 62% score for being kept abreast of green issues suggests people would like more feedback.

The firm’s energy reduction target for 2006 was 20%, and it actually reduced consumption by 15%. A more ambitious target of 35% was set for 2007. At LDL, being environmentally responsible is part of the job (80%). Designated managers on each floor of the building make sure staff are proactive about switching off electrical equipment, and recycling. People say their colleagues think green (78%).

The “bright ideas” scheme awards points to employees who suggest ideas which could reduce the firm’s impact on the environment. These points can be swapped for a range of gifts including shopping vouchers, champagne and flowers. Staff say their boss is open to suggestions for environmental improvements (75%).