Two Years of the Good Business Charter: Renewing our Commitment to Ethical Business Practices

At Energy Oasis, our mission goes beyond simply cutting costs, consumption, and carbon. We believe in doing business the right way—fair, transparent, and aligned with the greater good of society and the planet. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate our two-year anniversary as a member of the Good Business Charter (GBC). Renewing our membership solidifies our commitment to ethical business practices and reminds us why responsible business is at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re wondering what the GBC is and why it matters, this blog will break it all down for you. You’ll also learn how it aligns with our values as Your Net Zero Partner and how it impacts our team, clients, suppliers, and the broader community.

What Is the Good Business Charter?

What is the Good Business Charter 10 Components

The Good Business Charter is an accreditation scheme that sets forth 10 key components designed to help businesses operate ethically and responsibly. Companies that join the GBC demonstrate their commitment to fair treatment of employees, environmental protection, ethical sourcing, and much more.

Unlike other schemes that may only focus on one or two areas, the GBC provides a holistic approach to doing business responsibly—covering everything from employee well-being to tax compliance.

Here’s why this matters:

  • It gives businesses a framework for making a positive impact on society.

  • It helps build trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders.

  • It sets an example for other businesses to follow, creating a ripple effect of better business practices.

At Energy Oasis, these principles are not just boxes to tick—they’re the foundation of how we operate every single day.

Energy Oasis and GBC Alignment

Our vision at Energy Oasis has always been about more than just energy. We’re passionate about creating a fair, sustainable, and inclusive future. Joining the GBC was a natural step for us because their ethos perfectly matches our approach to business.

We’re not just Your Net Zero Partner—we're also your partner in building a better business environment. Here’s how the GBC’s 10 components align with our own values and practices.

1. Paying the Real Living Wage

At Energy Oasis, we’re committed to compensating our employees fairly. This means paying the real living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation, not just the national minimum wage.

Why it matters:

  • It fosters loyalty and motivation among team members.

  • It ensures no one is undervalued or left struggling with financial insecurity.

Want to know more about the Living Wage Foundation? Read their standards here.

2. Fairer Hours and Contracts

Zero-hours contracts can often exploit workers, which is why we only use them in specific, mutually agreed circumstances. Our scheduling is fair and transparent, with no last-minute changes that leave staff in the dark.

3. Employee Well-Being Matters

Our team is our most valuable asset, and their well-being is top priority. We encourage both physical and mental health support through open communication and access to impartial resources.

At Energy Oasis, we:

  • Ensure flexible sick leave policies.

  • Promote wellness initiatives within the workplace.

  • Maintain an open-door policy for suggestions and issues.

For more on building a mentally healthy workplace, see Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Guide.

4. Employee Representation and Feedback

We believe every employee deserves to have a voice. Energy Oasis provides:

  • Regular opportunities for staff to share ideas and feedback.

  • Platforms like suggestion boxes and one-on-one meetings to ensure everyone feels heard.

5. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

We’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by:

  • Analysing our recruitment practices to remove unconscious bias.

  • Promoting from a wide range of backgrounds.

  • Ensuring that harassment or victimisation is not tolerated.

For resources on building an inclusive workplace, check out Business in the Community.

6. Environmental Responsibility

Working towards Net Zero is more than just our slogan—it's an ongoing commitment. Beyond helping our clients reduce energy waste, we work to minimise our own impact.

Our environmental initiatives include:

  • Sourcing eco-friendly office supplies.

  • Monitoring and reducing waste across our operations.

  • Supporting renewable energy across all stages of business.

The Durham Carbon Reduction Project is an example of one of our recent initiatives to create a more inclusive Net Zero transition for businesses of all sizes.

7. Fair Tax Practices

Paying taxes ethically is non-negotiable for us. We avoid tax avoidance schemes and maintain transparency with HMRC. Supporting public services through fair tax contributions is a vital part of being a responsible business.

8. Commitment to Customers

Our clients trust us to guide them towards sustainable solutions, and we take that responsibility seriously. We:

  • Gather and monitor client feedback.

  • Use insights to consistently improve our services.

  • Take immediate steps to address concerns and resolve issues.

Want to know how we’ve helped businesses like yours? Explore our case studies.

9. Ethical Sourcing

From office supplies to collaborative partnerships, everything we purchase takes ethics into account. We follow the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, ensuring fair labor practices across our supply chain.

To learn more about ethical sourcing, visit the Ethical Trading Initiative website.

10. Prompt Payment to Suppliers

We value our suppliers and commit to paying them promptly, always within 30 days. Ethical business starts with respect, and that includes partnerships across all levels.

Why Ethical Practices Matter More Than Ever

Renewing our GBC membership is not just about keeping accreditation. It’s about showing that ethical business practices are the future. With environmental and social challenges growing more urgent every day, businesses have to step up.

Being part of the GBC inspires us to:

  • Lead by example in our community.

  • Show our team and partners that sustainability and ethics go hand in hand.

  • Push for industry-wide change by challenging the status quo.

Join Us on the Journey

Want to know more about the Good Business Charter or how we’re making strides towards a Net Zero future? Check out the Good Business Charter website or take a closer look at Energy Oasis’s service circle.

Renewing our membership is one step of many in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. If you’re ready to partner with a business that values the planet and people as much as profits, Energy Oasis is here for you.

Together, we can build a brighter, fairer, and greener future.

Have any questions about our ethical practices or sustainability services? Get in touch with Energy Oasis today, we’d love the opportunity to be Your Net Zero Partner.

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