Hello, I’m Karen Spreadbury, BT Wholesale’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) manager. If you’ve made it here, you’ll already know that we’ve just launched our new sustainability website – I hope you like it so far.

I want the site to help us all think more clearly about what we need to do and how we can work together – within our own organisations and in partnerships – to encourage a real commitment to sustainable working. If there’s more the site could do for you, just let me know.

So what’s BT up to?

There are four main strands, to BT’s CSR strategy - long standing commitment to maintain responsible business practice – sustainable economic growth, climate change and social/digital inclusion – and we’re now taking action on all fronts. We have reduced our carbon footprint in the UK by 58% since 1996 but we have now set our sights on achieving an 80% UK reduction by 2016 – a massive target!

I believe strongly that ICT is one of the key enablers for developing practical and sustainable solutions – and we’re keen to build shared platforms and develop initiatives in collaboration across the industry.

I believe we can make a bigger difference working together, without impacting our natural competitiveness. I also believe that sustainable development pays off on the triple bottom line – benefiting people, planet and profit. But there’s much more to successful sustainable working than fine words and in principle corporate commitments.

Posted by KAREN SPREADBURY on May 02, 2008  |    Send me an email    |    Bookmark this page




Start small and build your own sustainability credentials

It’s all too easy to think the problems are so big that no one person can make a difference. But that’s just lazy thinking!

I influenced BT Mobile to add handset recycling to its reverse logistics tender, which was up for renewal. The contract now in place includes a recycling process for all employee and customer handset returns, and a ‘return for recycling’ bag will be enclosed with every new mobile sold.

The new process will generate much needed sustained fundraising for ChildLine, BT's corporate UK charity.

Why not take a closer look at what goes on in your department or organisation – there’s always something you can do that will enhance sustainability!

Posted by KAREN SPREADBURY on May 16, 2008  |    Send me an email    |    Bookmark this page




Let’s start talking … let’s start working together

I believe that to truly succeed, we have to embed sustainable thinking into every aspect of our operations, with every employee actively engaged. I’m keen to share our experiences and challenges with you; to chat send me an email.

Best wishes,



Karen