Clare works in the Early Talent team, and as sustainability lead, has had the freedom to turn her passion for it into tangible change. She says, “Accenture is a place that not only lets you explore your interests but actively supports you in driving positive improvements and change”. She’s currently studying a sustainability course at Cambridge Judge Business School, where she’s specialising in how to drive sustainable change in the professional landscape. Accenture's culture isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about empowering individuals to follow their passions and lead the way in transforming the workplace.
The dark truth behind your organic cotton tote bag
Picture yourself navigating a bustling career fair, pondering the bounty of free pens, stress balls, and water bottles. In a quest for greener choices, you might opt for an organic cotton tote bag. Brace yourself for this revelation: Did you know that you'd need to use a cotton tote bag every day for 54 years (that's 20,000 times!) to offset the overall impact of its production? Mind-blowing, right? At Accenture, we've bid farewell to merchandise and embraced edible alternatives from local suppliers. We actively communicate our choice to be proudly merchandise free at events and have signs sharing our commitments. Feast your eyes on our plant-based doughnuts at a recent Bright Network event!
Pioneering Sustainable recruitment
We firmly believe that a commitment to sustainability is the cornerstone of any successful business. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, our definition of sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. From transitioning to a zero-carbon economy to championing human rights and inclusion and diversity, we're dedicated to making a positive impact.
At Accenture, we're not just talking about sustainability; we're living it, especially when it comes to recruitment. To ensure transparency and accountability, we've pledged to The Sustainable Recruitment Alliance, in 'Reviewing, Reducing, and Reporting' our carbon impact. From strategic recruiting approaches to candidate assessment centres and targeted program initiatives, sustainability isn't an afterthought; it's seamlessly integrated into our operations. Some of these include:
- Replacing brochures and leaflets with QR codes
- In-person student events are ‘meat free’ or plant-based
- Opting for edible items from local suppliers instead of traditional merchandise
- Making climate-smart travel decisions and sourcing volunteers locally to reduce environmental impact
- Integrating sustainability into insight days and internships
Virtual Assessment Centres and the Power of Carbon Consciousness
Our transition to Virtual Assessment Centres not only streamlines our process but is a substantial environmental win. Over a typical year, the move translates to an impressive saving, equivalent to 4.8 million phone charges in carbon emissions. And we've got the data to prove it, thanks to our very own custom-built carbon calculator, a tool that allows us not only to monitor our performance but also to communicate the impact of these substantial savings. We’ve made savings easy to understand by making them relatable. For example, instead of saying, "we saved 1.06 tCO2e," we break it down to relatable terms: "That's the equivalent carbon savings of 5 flights to Barcelona."
Shaping the Future with Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability training is seamlessly woven into Accenture’s learning learning and development strategy through Sustainability Quotient modules – an online initiative ensuring all employees have a fundamental understanding. Accentures unique ‘side of desk’ approach means many colleagues are actively involved in sustainability. Vicki, one of our consulting analysts, shares more about this in a Bright Network blog.
Imagine being part of a workplace where your interests are not just acknowledged but actively nurtured, where you have the chance to champion meaningful change. At Accenture, it's not just a job; it's a journey of personal and professional growth, where your passions can truly make waves. Ready to be a catalyst for change? Your adventure begins with us!