Running our Offices

We have carried out a carbon assessment and implemented many changes in the way we run our workspace. These include motion-sensitive lighting, recycled paper and improved recycling.

Energy

We have assessed the energy use in our office and undertaken the following measures to minimise use:

  • Motion and daylight-sensitive lighting
  • Boiler and air con set to be used only when necessary
  • Encouraging all staff to turn off monitors and computers when not in use
  • Moving to the latest air con technology which re-uses heat to condition fresh air
Paper
  • We use recycled paper for all office printing and any externally printed material
  • All printers are fitted with duplex mechanisms to enable double-sided printing
  • Since 2008 we have reduced the number of invoices printed on paper and posted to customers from 45% in August 2008 to 9% in October 2011
Waste and recycling
  • To encourage recycling we have removed all waste paper baskets from around the office; each floor has a recycling and waste point in the kitchen
  • Our waste and recycling partner is able to collect not only paper, card and glass but many plastics too
  • We encourage staff to re-use plastic bags where possible
  • We now recycle around 65% of our waste
Electrical equipment and other waste
  • All electrical equipment is disposed of according to the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) directives
  • Fluorescent tubes are disposed of separately to landfill
  • Batteries are disposed of separately and there are collections for staff to bring in their own batteries
Travel
  • The use of taxis is discouraged
  • Driving to work is discouraged unless employees are able to car share
  • We have set up a Ride2Work scheme which enables employees to purchase a bike almost tax free and shower facilities are provided if they decide to do so
  • All users of company vehicles adhere to the eco driving guidlines set out by The Energy Savings Trust.
  • Some flights are necessary in our business but unnecessary flights are avoided, especially internal UK flights.
Warehouse/ and logistics
  • Drivers use latest technology to route vehicles in order to reduce delivery miles
  • We encourage customers to move to larger, less frequent deliveries to reduce carbon emissions
  • Our logistics partners uses backhaul to transfer stock between depots (utilising empty vehicles that are on return legs)
  • All depots recycle cardboard and plastics
  • Our logistics partner are exploring new fuels and technologies for our future fleet (LPG, Bio, Electric)