Behaviour change is the process by which change is communicated and adopted by organisations and their staff. As well as communications, it includes a range of interventions that help to bring about permanent changes in behaviours.
What is environmental behaviour change and how can it be achieved?
Behaviour change is the process by which change is communicated and adopted by organisations and their staff. As well as communications, it includes a range of interventions that help to bring about permanent changes in behaviours.
Organisations can do a great deal to reduce their environmental impacts through changes to their infrastructure, equipment and processes, but an element of behaviour change is required in almost all improvements.
Environmental improvement is an increasingly important factor for businesses to stay competitive. Increasing resource scarcity; rising raw material, transport and utility costs; and pressure from customers, legislation and society to reduce environmental damage are combining to force businesses to improve their environmental performance.
The key to successfully implementing and sustaining environmental behaviour change is to develop a programme that enables, engages and encourages staff at all levels to support environmental initiatives over the long term.
How can I change behaviours in my business?
Zero Waste Scotland’s Environmental Improvement Through Behaviour Change – An Introduction will provide you with an understanding of why behaviour change is crucial to long-term resource efficiency and environmental improvement; the ability to develop an integrated package of interventions that will change workplace behaviour; the know how to develop communications designed to motivate people; and the ability to create a behaviour change communication plan. Download this guide here.
If you are an office-based business, Zero Waste Scotland has developed a guide designed to meet your specific needs and opportunities. Green Office, A Guide to Running a More Cost-effective and Environmentally Sustainable Office, covers the common environmental impacts of a typical office. It will help office workers and managers to quantify current practice, and take practical action to reduce environmental impact and costs by improving the use of office resources. Download this guide here.
How can I get Behaviour Change training?
Zero Waste Scotland’s On Course For Zero Waste is a series of FREE accredited distance training modules. Each module provides in-depth training in a key topic for improving the environmental performance of your organisation.
Module 6, Behaviour Change, can be accessed here.
Guidance is provided on the practical application of the skills you will learn. Downloadable tools and templates are provided, so you will be well equipped to bring about change.
