Empowering colleagues to take climate action.

When the opportunity to work on the Eco-challenger sustainability programme arose shortly after I joined last year, I couldn't wait to get stuck in. Working on launching an internal colleague programme was a brand new challenge outside of my usual day-to-day. The prospect of empowering our employees to live more sustainably, both at home and in the office, is a mission I wholeheartedly embrace. It’s vital that we create the networks and resources to support each other in making not just our workplace, but our world, a better place.

Teaming up with AWorld, the United Nations' official platform for their 'Act Now!' Campaign, has been a fantastic opportunity to kickstart colleague climate action. I have already learnt so much about climate change, carbon footprints, and ways to reduce my impact. With the launch of our campaign all our colleagues can do the same.

The Eco-challenger sustainability programme is our groundbreaking pilot, launched in collaboration with the AWorld app. We are running our initial trial with 500 employees. Our goal is to inspire and empower our Nexties to make small manageable changes that will help to reduce their impact on the planet, through unique educational journeys and sustainable actions.

Throughout the pilot program, we are aiming to record 5,000 sustainable actions within the AWorld app from our amazing Nexties. A testament to the power of teamwork, showing that every change really can make a difference. Better yet, if we reach this milestone, E.ON Next has committed to replant 200 pieces of coral through the Oceancy—a vital lifeline for biodiversity in our planet's oceans.

And if you’re one of our lucky first 500, we’re not only giving back to the planet. We'll also be rewarding the top performing Nexties at each of the participating offices around the UK. So watch out for some exclusive merch, including reusable travel mugs, water bottles, and tote bags to help you ditch those nasty single use plastics.

Being a part of this initiative means leading by example. So far, I've learned to embrace simple yet effective actions. I'm a sucker for unplugging vampire devices - no pun intended. Switching off appliances at the plug helps to reduce my energy consumption for lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Since the start of the year, I’ve also been working on improving my awareness of food waste. December is a lot of festive fun, but it also really got me thinking about my habits. Now I am making conscious efforts to minimise waste through more efficient food prep and some clever recipes to help make use of my leftovers.

Recording my progress in the app and expanding my knowledge through the Eco-challenge sustainability programme has really opened my eyes to the simple reality of climate action. Anybody can be a part of the solution.

What's easy for one person might not be as simple for another, but we can all find our own way to take part. My main encouragement for my fellow Nexties has just been to download, sign up, and engage in the challenge. It's a platform that not only educates but demonstrates just how easy it is to make small changes that can have a BIG impact on carbon reduction.

The best thing about joining the Eco-challenger sustainability programme is that it’s more than your individual actions. As Nextie’s we’re all already part of a team, and it’s as that team that we're collectively transforming E.ON Next into a more environmentally conscious workplace. Through the joint commitment of the business and all our wonderful colleagues, we are fostering positive change not only within the company but for the planet we all share.

I might be biased, but to me the Eco-challenger sustainability programme is more than just a campaign—it's a movement. It's a call for every Nextie to work together for a more sustainable future. As we embark on this journey, always remember that every change, no matter how small, makes a difference. Find the actions that resonate with you, join the movement, and together, let's create a more sustainable world for generations to come.

Want to join a business that strives to support colleagues to take positive climate action? We’re hiring.