There’s no getting round it.
As a Gas and Power company we impact the environment. Therefore it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to limit and if possible eliminate any negative repercussions to our home planet.
When searching for jobs a few years ago a number of options presented themselves to me. Surprisingly so, considering my degree is in animation. Don’t go to art college people.
It was Total that really stood out as they had a number of environmental policies that other companies simply did not prioritize.
These are all detailed in our environmental policy and certified by our ISO 14001 certificates.
I’m going to tell you about some of them now. To be honest they’re pretty swell, so let’s get on with it before the swelling goes down.
Reducing waste.
Did you really need to print that document? Buy that drink in a plastic bottle? Eat that over packaged meal deal lunch?
Try and picture how much waste you produce in your working day. Shocking, isn’t it?
Recycle, recycle, recycle. We recycle on site - not just the standard paper, card, glass and plastic, but also our fluorescent tubes and every toner cartridge.
A single PC left switched on for 24 hours will emit up to a tonne of C02 each year. Switching off ten computers could save in the region of £600 each year and reduce C02 emissions by 3,750kg. Do your bit by turning your computer off after work every day.
As a company we encourage paperless billing and other correspondence can now be viewed via the e-billing portal.
Read reminders can be sent by text and reads entered online, and our SME customers can even process contracts through Docusign – a completely paperless app.
Considering the effects that our operations may have on the local community.
How much time did you spend stuck in traffic this morning with an idle engine? Could you realistically walk it or take public transport? Bet you could. Your waistline will thank you too but this is about the environment not personal health. It isn’t all about you, you know. Jeez.
But hold the phone! If you do drive in to work why not consider a car share, if you are interested in halving your car pollution, drop Office Services a line. They’ll check against their list of interested folks and see if they can match a car share in your area.
While we’re talking about cars and Office Services, if you own a hybrid car or are considering purchasing a hybrid, please let office services know. You might just find it beneficial.
Taking action to eliminate or reduce, as far as practicable, any potentially adverse environmental impacts.
This encompasses all our current practices really. When we come up with something new, or identify room for environmental improvement we act. If you have a concern or an idea make sure you raise it.
Promoting environmental awareness amongst our customers, suppliers, contractors and partners by implementation of operational procedures.
Customers can choose green products and we communicate our policies and achievements. We even offer certificates to those customers who want to display their greenness proudly “Big up yo’self! Your carbon footprint is now a size 4!” or words to that effect.
Seeking to work in partnership with the community by behaving in a considerate and socially responsible manner
Have you heard of the Better Energy School Awards? A short summary is that we roll up our sleeves and pitch in with local schools to improve their environmental awareness and physical green spaces. Mighty fine pursuit if you ask me.
Also, for every basket of fruit we receive from Fruitful Office a tree is planted on our behalf.
There you have it. The only way to halt the rapid depletion of the world’s natural resources and reduce the greenhouse effect is to recycle waste in a professional manner. Better yet, don’t use resources you don’t need in the first place.
To conclude, in the wise words of Mr. Tim Minchin:
“Take your canvas bags to the supermarket”
But make sure you walk there with your recycling and plant a tree on your way in.
