Greenwashing is a serious concern for our industry, and the last thing we want to do is make vague, unsubstantiated claims about our ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ practices, without, in laymen’s terms, practicing what we preach.

So, we’re taking actionable steps towards operating more sustainably, and – with the help of our external sustainability consultant, Mel Ellis at PIQ Ltd – cleaning up our act as far as we possibly can.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the measures we have put in place so far to improve our green credentials.

Using eco-friendlier cleaning chemicals, as standard

We’re ahead of the curve when it comes to using cleaning products that help us maintain exceptional hygiene standards without causing unnecessary damage to our environment.

With help from our health and safety consultants at Botson Daniels, we have selected a range of cleaning substances that have been carefully chosen not only for their effectiveness, but to ensure the health and safety of our staff. We have used our non-toxic products for many years and all our operatives have received COSHH training. We have also been certified to ISO 14001, which means our environmental management systems are externally audited for compliance.

Recycling our waste as a matter of course

We have a long-established partnership with a local waste disposal company. This provider collects our waste for recycling on a weekly basis and repurposes our parts and packaging where possible.

Reducing fuel consumption and emissions

In a bid to save fuel, we manage our teams to ensure they use their time wisely, and their journeys are efficient. Additionally, our vans are fitted with speed governors to ensure they do not speed and they use fuel efficiently. We are planning to invest in electric vehicles in the near future.

Creating a more sustainable working environment

We’ve made a series of improvements to our HQ to deliver a more comfortable space for our staff and lower our carbon footprint.

• All traditional lightbulbs have been swapped for energy-saving LED alternatives
• Double glazing and insulation has been fitted throughout the premises to help retain warmth and keep heating bills low
• Energy efficient radiators have been installed to limit energy usage
• Our central heating system is serviced regularly to ensure it’s performing at its best

Our work in all these areas will help to create a greener environment for our staff and reassure our customers that we’re committed to making sustainable changes in the long term. But, as Mel Ellis explains, there’s more to be done: