OVO Energy: Embedding Sustainability into Workplace Culture
Sustainability at OVO Energy is more than a corporate goal - it’s ingrained in their company identity. We spoke with Ella Thompson, Senior Sustainability Analyst at OVO, to explore how the company engages over 5000 employees in its sustainability mission and the initiatives making a difference.
OVO Energy has always positioned itself as industry challenger, embracing agility and bold decision-making. Ella says, “We are quite early movers in a lot of things and we’re not afraid to do the hard things”.
How OVO Engages its Workforce in Sustainability
So, how do you embed sustainability into such a large and diverse workforce? According to Ella, it requires a combination of structured learning, ongoing engagement and integration into work life. Here’s how OVO makes it happen:
E-Learning Modules
These online courses cover key sustainability topics, including climate change, OVO’s net zero targets, and the company sustainability strategy.
Plan Zero Week
Once a year, OVO dedicates an entire week to deep-diving into sustainability topics.
Lunch-and-learns, Roadshows, and Connects
Keeping the conversation going throughout the year is key, strengthening engagement by making sustainability discussions accessible to all employees, regardless of their role.
Onboarding Integration
From day one, new employees are introduced to OVO’s sustainability mission to help develop a culture where sustainability is a collective effort rather than a separate corporate goal.
Overcoming Engagement Hurdles
One of the biggest hurdles is helping employees see how their specific role contributes to sustainability. Ella noted that: “There’s always that struggle to be able to link so many different types of roles and so many different types of teams back to this sustainability strategy. But actually, they all do deliver it - it’s a collective effort.”
Employees in field and customer service roles may struggle to attend lunch-and-learn sessions, so OVO offers flexible formats and tailored learning tools to bridge the gap.
From Individual Actions to a Culture Shift
Instead of focusing on personal lifestyle changes, OVO is shifting the conversation towards workplace impact.
“It’s a really interesting development that we’re seeing where the sustainability conversation is moving away from that lifestyle side. It seems kind of like old school sustainability in a way - like the word ‘eco-friendly’, which has kind of died out as a trend”.
Small work-based actions can add up to big results, as Ella highlighted: “Someone in customer service can help customers get off paper communications, and that’s a simple change that you could help people do in your role that is important and drives change.”
The company also supports sustainable choices through initiatives like the cycle-to-work scheme and sustainability pledges during Plan Zero Week.
Keeping the Conversation Open
OVO also prides itself on being open to questions and challenges from employees. “It keeps us accountable”, Ella says. When OVO moved away from selling 100% renewable energy as standard, employees were quick to ask why. It reinforced the importance of clear communication and ensured that employees are included in the sustainability journey.
When employees understand the ‘why’ behind decisions, they are more likely to engage, advocate, and incorporate sustainable practices into their own roles - turning strategy into real, lasting behaviour change.
Nature-Based Volunteering
At OVO, sustainability isn’t just about policies - it’s about action. Encouraging employees to take part in nature-based volunteering, OVO partners with organisations such as the Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust, and the Conservation Volunteers to offer a range of opportunities.
Employees are given one “Plan Zero” day per year, along with three additional volunteering days, to take part in these initiatives.
“For some, taking a full day out of work can be a challenge, especially in senior roles, but we find that when people do it, they really enjoy it”, Ella shares. “In London, you might wonder where you’d even go for nature-based volunteering, but there are so many amazing spaces, and we get great uptake”.
Whether its tree planting, habitat restoration, or conservation projects, these opportunities not only support biodiversity but also provide employees with a refreshing change of pace from the office.
It’s a hands-on way to reinforce OVO’s commitment to sustainability whilst encouraging a stronger connection between employees and the natural environment.
As companies are exploring ways to engage employees in sustainability, nature-based workplace initiatives are the key to developing deeper connections and long-term impact.
