How Companies Can Take Actionable Steps Towards Net Zero: Practical Moves for a Sustainable Future

At Talego, we're passionate about more than just connecting great people with tech-for-good opportunities. We’re committed to creating a greener, fairer world. That’s why sustainability isn’t just something we talk about - it’s a principle we’re trying to push and achieve ourselves whenever we can.

Having recently achieved our carbon literate certification through our Marketing Manager Josh, we’re aware that it doesn’t start and end with us though – As well as recruiting in the industry we want to try and help beyond just that.

 Organisations of any size can play a key role in the global mission to reach net zero with just a few steps.

Whether you're a scaling start-up, an established enterprise, or somewhere in between, you have the power to drive change not just within your four walls but across your entire business, team, squad or otherwise

With the COP (Conference of the Parties) setting ambitious targets for complete carbon neutrality, companies are under increasing pressure to achieve net zero emissions - and quickly.

But where do you start? It can seem like a daunting task and how can you make real changes without overwhelming your teams or breaking budgets?

We’ve pulled together a practical guide to actionable ways you can get serious about sustainability.

 

1). Plan for Complete Shutoff by COP: Power Down, Save Energy

It’s easily one of the most overlooked but effective tactics to cut your office's daily energy consumption – ensuring a complete shutoff policy for all electronics at the end of each workday from wifi router to lights to dishwasher and otherwise.

This simple action ensures that no unnecessary energy is wasted overnight on idle computers, monitors, lighting, printers, or other devices.

Why it matters:

• Electronics left on standby can account for up to 10% of an office’s energy use.
• Fully shutting down equipment not only saves power but also extends the lifespan of your tech hardware.
• It's a straightforward behavioural shift with no upfront cost and instant results.

How to implement it:

• Create a shutoff checklist: Computers, monitors, printers, coffee machines, chargers, lights nothing should be left running unless absolutely necessary.
• Automate where possible: Use timers, smart plugs, or power strips with automatic shutoff features.
• Assign 'Energy Champions': Nominate team members responsible for ensuring full shutdown compliance each evening.

You may thing the potential savings maybe insignificant at first but, recent research indicates that actively managing PC power settings and implementing shutdowns at the end of the workday can reduce a single PC's energy consumption by 60-80 kWh per year. For an office with 100 computers, this translates to a potential saving of 6,000 - 8,000 kWh annually, highlighting the significant cumulative impact of a consistent shutoff policy.

By consistently switching off all electronics at the end of each day, your company can take immediate, measurable action toward a more sustainable future—and significantly lower your energy bills at the same time.

 

 

2.) Tackle E-Waste Responsibly: Donate, Don't Dump

Every year, tonnes of perfectly usable technology ends up in landfill, contributing to toxic waste and unnecessary carbon emissions from producing new devices.

Which to some extent can be explained quite easily in the tech sector – the industry moves quickly and whilst modernisation has its advantages, it also poses serious debate about the amount of waste generated when systems become outdated.

Instead of discarding out-of-date laptops, phones, and tech equipment, donate them to schools, charities, and community groups that can breathe new life into them.

At Talego, we can help support you with this. We work with partners who refurbish old tech, ensuring it's securely wiped and responsibly redistributed to people and causes that really need it.

Why it matters:

• Reduces landfill and hazardous waste.
• Supports digital inclusion in underserved communities.
• Lowers the demand for manufacturing new devices, cutting down raw material extraction and emissions.

Next Steps:

• Inventory your devices: What can be refurbished instead of replaced?
• Partner with recycling and refurbishment specialists: We can connect you to our contacts
• Embed a circular economy mindset: Make reuse and repair the default.

 

In 2022, a record 62 million tonnes of electronic waste was generated worldwide. Less than a quarter (22.3%) was properly recycled, highlighting the urgent need for responsible e-waste management. This trend is expected to continue, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030 if current rates persist.

 

3.) Make an Easy Win: Switch Your Lightbulbs

Small actions add up fast. One of the simplest changes you can make today is replacing traditional lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives.

This isn’t just greenwashing: companies that have switched have reported energy savings of up to 25% on their electricity bills.

Why LEDs?

• Use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lighting.
• Last up to 25 times longer, reducing waste and replacement costs.
• Lower cooling costs because they emit less heat.

Top Tip: Pair LED bulbs with motion sensors and timed lighting for even greater efficiency—perfect for communal spaces, meeting rooms, and warehouses.

Businesses can save up to 75% on energy bills by switching from incandescent or fluorescent lighting to LEDs. LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more, significantly reducing replacement and maintenance costs.

 

4.) Go Completely Paperless with Hiring & HR Processes

Another area where many companies can make instant, impactful changes? Recruitment and HR.

Every CV printed, every onboarding form filed, every signed contract stored in paper form—these all add up to an unnecessary environmental cost.

Optimising your recruitment process to be completely digital is not only better for the planet; it’s more efficient, faster, and easier for candidates.

Action Plan:

• Use e-signature tools for contracts and offer letters.
• Conduct video interviews by default to reduce travel emissions.
• Store all documentation securely in cloud-based systems.
• Train your recruitment and HR teams on paperless best practices.

At Talego, we pride ourselves on running entirely paperless recruitment operations—setting an example for the companies we partner with.

Digital transformation remains a top priority for organisations, including HR functions. AI is increasingly being integrated into HR processes for efficiency and effectiveness. By 2025, it's projected that a significant percentage of organizations will be using AI in HR, automating tasks and improving candidate experience through digital processes.

 

5.) Be an Agent of Change Beyond Your Borders

It's not enough to "do your bit" behind closed doors. Real leadership in sustainability means influencing your suppliers, clients, candidates, and partners to do the same.

If you're serious about achieving net zero, you need to push your peripheral network to rise to the occasion, too.

Ideas for Driving Wider Change:

• Set sustainability expectations for vendors and partners.
• Choose to work only with companies that align with your environmental values.
• Offer free sustainability workshops or co-branded eco-initiatives with clients.
• Publicly celebrate success stories in your network to inspire others.

The goal? Create a domino effect where your commitment becomes contagious.

A significant 62% of respondents in a recent survey consider access to supplier data essential for achieving their sustainability goals. This highlights the growing recognition of the importance of supply chain engagement in broader sustainability efforts.

 

Additional Actions You Can Take Today

Here are a few more tangible ways you can build momentum towards net zero:

1. Encourage Green Commuting

Offer cycle-to-work schemes, subsidise public transport, and invest in EV charging points. The way your people travel matters.

1. Rethink Your Office Space

Consider green leasing models, choose energy-efficient office spaces, and install smart meters to monitor usage.

1. Offset What You Can’t Yet Eliminate

While reducing emissions should always be the priority, you can also invest in verified carbon offset programs to balance out what remains.

At Talego, we plant a tree for every hire we make in partnership with Carma, contributing to reforestation efforts worldwide.

1. Power Down When Not In Use

Encourage employees to shut down computers, turn off screens, and unplug chargers at the end of each day.

 

Final Thoughts: Start Today, Not Tomorrow

The path to net zero isn't paved with grand statements—it’s built on thousands of smart, determined choices made every single day.

At Talego, we're proud to stand alongside companies ready to lead the charge towards a better, greener future. Whether it’s helping you optimise hiring processes, rehome your old tech, or find tech-for-good talent who shares your sustainability values, we’re here to help you turn ambition into action.

Let’s not wait for change to come. Let’s be the change.

👉 Need help becoming a greener business?

Reach out to us at Talego. We’ll connect you with solutions, and talent, that make sustainability a reality.