There's a good energy about this renewable electricity supplier's efforts to be a green company. Good Energy doesn't jump on carbon offsetting bandwagons without looking, or obsess about numerical targets, but takes a sensible approach, aiming to cut its energy use and waste production to the minimum, while recycling as much as possible.

The company, based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is a 100% renewable electricity supplier, buying energy from more than 500 independent generators and selling it on to 25,000 customers. Of course, its own energy is all renewable, but the firm is monitoring in-house gas and electricity consumption to set reduction goals for the future.

Almost all waste paper, card and other food waste is recycled or composted on site. Good Energy has calculated its carbon footprint at just 32 tons, and has taken time to research an offset provider, which will soon be used. "When attempting to reduce our carbon footprint, we believe that every action should be taken to reduce and avoid emissions where possible first, before making use of the offset market," the company says. "We have identified a non-profit organisation selling gold-standard certified emission reductions that offer not only emission reductions but also excellent sustainable development benefits."

The 60 employees are encouraged to take public transport or get to work under their own steam with a special bonus scheme, free parking for car-sharing and the government's cycle-to-work programme. Staff affirm in our survey that they are encouraged to use public transport (a 95% green score), that the firm has facilities for those who cycle, walk and run (99%), and that they consider the impact of work-related travel (87%), all the highest scores for these questions.

Good Energy comes third overall in our employee survey (after finishing top last year) with an 87% total green score: staff agree that environmental commitment is at the heart of how the company operates and that the environment is an everyday consideration (both 97% and the top scores).

The firm thinks about its own energy use, too. It doesn't use air-conditioning to stay cool in the summer (99%), and people who are cold in winter put on a jumper instead of turning up the heating (88%).

Last year, the company invested more than £16,000 on green initiatives, upgrading the building to include loft and floor insulation and heat-keepers to reduce heat loss. There was an environmental audit of the whole office, an upgrade using environmentally friendly paint and a switch to stationery from a more expensive but greener supplier. Even the pension fund has an ethical investment policy (84%).

There are environmental training courses for all, and this has made employees think differently about what they do at home, too (91%). Good Energy has won various national and local awards for its green actions and recognises staff contributions with certificates awarded at company parties. It campaigns for more renewable energy generation and worked closely with Ofgem to develop new guidelines for green tariffs before signing up to these. The friends and families of staff members think this is a green organisation (95%) — and the workforce agrees.