As a company which recognises and treats seriously its environmental responsibilities, we are committed to minimizing any impact our operations may have on the environment and, to this end, have commissioned a detailed, independent audit of our performance.
The resulting report, produced by Groundwork Leeds Environmental Management Services) covered everything from legal compliance and technical issues to an agreed action plan. Following is a summary of the key points of the report; a full copy is available for inspection at our head office.
• AB Co. have a relatively low environmental impact
• Efficiently run operation
• Formalised Health & Safety committee in place
• Waste arisings small, recycling carried out
• Some risk assessments need to be undertaken and committed to paper
• Lighting produces some glare and could be improved
• Lack of environmental purchasing policy
We are now implementing the actions suggested to improve on these areas. Following is a selection of the more detailed findings of the report.
Paper is the most significant waste item and this is recycled. The paper is stored in cages for collection by SD Waste. Waste processing chemicals are collected quarterly as special waste and there are no consents to discharge to sewer.
Whether or not paper for printing is from a recycled source is probably less of an issue than ensuring that any virgin paper used is from a source which ensures that the wood pulp used in production comes from a responsibly managed forest.
The company has a Health & Safety policy which has been circulated to all staff… A Health & Safety Committee meets once per quarter to consider actions which may be required in the light of any incidents. This is good practice.
It was understood that noise levels in some areas could exceed the first action level of 85 dBA. This therefore requires that ear defenders be issued and … this was the case.
The report also identified areas such as energy (heating and lighting), employee awareness of environmental responsibilities and a formalised Environmental Management System as areas where we could further improve our ability to meet clients’ environmental purchasing requirements.
We recognise that this is an ongoing process requiring real commitment and, as well as working to implement the specific recommendations made, we will continue to improve the environmental operation and strategy of our business.