SDG goal 7- Clean energy aims to correct enormous imbalance by ensuring everyone has access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services by the end of the year 2030. Clearly only 10 years left to prevent irreversible damage from climate change. Certainly, some of the damages are irreversible but surely not unstoppable.
The ocean level is rising, glaciers are melting, CO2 in the air is increasing, forest and wildlife are declining and the undeniable truth is that climate change clearly poses a threat to human survival. The impact that we humans have had on the world has literally changed the climate. As a result, we are heading for an unsustainable energy future. Understanding the multiple benefits of committing towards Sustainable Development Goals targets and climate action, staffs of SWN have taken numerous initiatives in creating environmental sustainability at workplace. We at SWN address this global emergency with ambition and urgency. Each one of us have come forward and made an effort to adapt ways that can reduce and control our bad habits that affect the environment, especially the habits of extravagant energy consumption.
According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), office buildings account for 19 percent of all commercial energy consumption. More specifically, 70 percent of office building energy consumption is electricity, which is used for lighting, heating, cooling and use of other office equipment.
Considering the limited quantity of non-renewable energy resources available, SWN has internalized the significance of preserving energy. One of the ways we offshoot our carbon footprint is by generating our own clean energy. We have installed cost-effective and energy efficient solar panels in our office which we use to cover our energy needs. The power generated through our solar panels is also used in our e-scooters. In order to cut down air pollution and avoid traffic congestion our employees also use bicycles as a mode of transportation. At our workplace, we promote 100% sustainable and carbon free way of commuting to work.
In addition, SWN has an elaborate waste management system for recycling office waste. Our office produces about 8 to 10 kgs of food waste per month which is put into the compost pit. It takes an estimate of 2 weeks for the earth worms and micro-organisms to convert the organic matter into compost which is an efficient way to nurture flora and fauna. SW Nepal has tied up with Doko recyclers, a private venture who provide services to offer series of waste management solutions to support growing green and sustainable circular economy. Doko provides unique and innovative recycling solutions which we recommend to all our clients.
We have a fully functioning water harvesting system with a storage capacity of more than 5000 litres. To support climate action, we have put continuous efforts to increase the efficiency of energy conversion of renewable sources and reducing our daily CO2 emission has been our office goal. We practice rainwater harvesting at our office which is integrated with all our hygiene facilities. We make sure the runoff water is properly filtered and reused for all purposes whether it is drinking or cooking. The use of rainwater harvesting system has proved to be an economical way to save water and prevent rainwater wastages within our office premise.
Deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion are just few of the many reasons that industrial agriculture is negatively affecting the earth. Taking into account the negative impacts of food production to the environment we have taken a collective initiative in setting up hydroponic garden at our office. The use of hydroponic has made our office environment much more sustainable.
Making environmentalism a lifestyle is a part of SWN`s mission. If all of us are able to inspire someone, this global threat will be responded globally. However, no one person, office managers, concerned employees can undertake CO2 emission reduction activities alone. All our staffs have demonstrated responsibilities and contribution to climate change by measuring and reducing our emissions. In order to avert the challenges associated with climate change, we consider saving energy at workplace very essential. We promise to save energy, we promote to save the resources and we promise to raise the awareness amongst all to live a sustainable lifestyle. As a society we perform our roles in the greenest ways possible.

“Climate change is definitely upon us.”