Dressing cool to save the planet

Melanie Kramers

07 June 2011

Super Cool Biz! A comic book hero? Some kind of minty fresh gum? In fact, it's a campaign for summer office wear led by the Japanese government.

It's hard to imagine David Cameron advising us what to wear to work (although his wife's style is pretty influential for some people.)

But the motivation of Japan's politicians is less fashion and more eco. With blackouts looming due to the damaged nuclear network, businesses are being asked to save energy by turning down the air con and letting men wear pedal pushers to work.

I think Super Cool Biz is a great idea. Even though I'm not entirely sold on the rolled up linen chinos and khaki blazers being suggested.

Each summer in London I wince for the men in suits and ties suffering in the heat. I don't believe wearing a smart shirt makes you more professional if it's drenched in smelly sweat.

I've always worked in environments with laidback attitudes to office attire. Shorts are common at Friends of the Earth HQ when the sun's out. I feel fortunate to have avoided any kind of uniform since an itchy school kilt put me off tartan for life.

Japan's energy-saving crusade may be spurred on by necessity but I think it's an inspiring model.

Businesses there are also exploiting longer daylight hours to start work at 7.30am. This saves electricity and means you can leave at 4.15pm to enjoy the balmy afternoon.

And there's room for flexibility in the traditional working week. Japan's carmakers have moved their weekend break to Thursdays and Fridays to use energy at off-peak times.

There are plenty of easy ways to save energy at work and home. I was surprised to find out leaving a computer monitor on overnight wastes enough power for six microwave dinners. I've now got into the habit of turning mine off when away from my desk at a meeting or lunch.

Sadly, Japan hasn't issued Super Cool Biz guidelines for women. But I'm thinking of other ways to keep cool during the hot weather - ice cream rounds instead of tea anyone?

Melanie Kramers, Communications & Media team

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