Our operations
At Engineers Without Borders UK, we recognise that global responsibility must be reflected not only in the programmes we deliver, but in how we operate as an organisation day to day.
We are committed to continually improving the social and environmental impact of our operations by questioning our practices, reducing unnecessary resource use, and embedding more responsible ways of working across the organisation. While we know there is always more to do, we believe organisations should lead by example and remain open about both progress and areas for improvement.
Our office
Engineers Without Borders UK operates from the Society Building in Fitzrovia, London – a collaborative workspace designed to bring together organisations and individuals working across the built environment sector. The space was created to encourage collaboration, learning and positive social and environmental change across disciplines.
The workspace has been designed with wellbeing, flexibility and collaboration in mind, incorporating greenery throughout the office alongside reused, recycled and locally sourced materials within the interior design.
Our central London location is well connected by public transport, enabling staff, partners and visitors to access the office without relying on private vehicles. We also continue to promote hybrid and flexible working practices to reduce unnecessary travel while supporting staff wellbeing and collaboration.
Energy and resources
Across the organisation, staff use laptops rather than desktop machines to reduce energy consumption and improve flexibility in how we work. We encourage staff to minimise unnecessary energy use by switching off devices when not in use and making thoughtful decisions about equipment and resource consumption.
We aim to reduce material waste across our operations through digital-first systems and more efficient ways of working. This includes minimising printing where possible, reducing duplication of files and documents, and encouraging the reuse of materials and equipment.
Waste and recycling
We aim to minimise waste generated through our day-to-day operations and events. Recycling facilities are available throughout our office environment, and we encourage reuse wherever possible before purchasing new materials or disposing of unwanted items.
Across the organisation, we have significantly reduced paper-based processes through the adoption of digital systems for HR, finance and internal collaboration.
Food and drink
Engineers Without Borders UK is committed to reducing the environmental impact of catering and hospitality across our activities and events. Where possible, we prioritise vegetarian or vegan catering options and seek to work with suppliers who align with our values around sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Within our office, staff use reusable mugs, plates, bowls and cutlery instead of disposable alternatives. We also encourage staff to reduce unnecessary packaging waste by preparing food at home where possible.
Digital
We recognise that digital activity also carries an environmental impact. As an organisation, we aim to use digital tools thoughtfully and efficiently, including improving file organisation, reducing duplication of stored data and streamlining our digital systems over time.
Our website was designed by Wholegrain Digital with accessibility, efficiency and environmental performance in mind.
Services and supplies
Where possible, we seek to work with suppliers, venues and partners whose values align with our commitment to global responsibility. This includes considering environmental and social factors in purchasing decisions, event delivery and organisational services.
We continue to prioritise recycled, reusable and lower-impact materials for printed and promotional items where these are required.
Travel
We encourage staff, partners and participants to use lower-carbon travel options wherever possible. For UK business travel, public transport is the preferred option.
We also continue to use virtual meetings and hybrid collaboration approaches to reduce unnecessary travel while maintaining accessibility and participation across our network.
Looking ahead
We know there is still more to do. Over the coming years, we aim to continue strengthening the environmental and social responsibility of our operations by:
- Reducing unnecessary waste and resource consumption
- Continuing to improve the sustainability of our events and catering
- Encouraging lower-carbon travel and collaboration practices
- Working with suppliers and partners who align with our values
- Supporting wider conversations and action around sustainability and global responsibility across the engineering sector
- Continuing to learn, adapt and improve our practices over time
