Integration of environmental issues at Balfour Kilpatrick
Balfour Kilpatrick believes that it has a duty to instruct and set a good example of environmental management. It aims to incorporate environmental issues into the workings of the business, from subcontractor inductions to inclusion in meeting agendas. This includes raising awareness of environmental issues among employees.
Each office made local reviews and implemented changes to meet the company's target of a reduction in energy consumption of 5% over five years. Changes include turning down thermostats by one degree, switching off items rather than leaving them on standby, or nominating an energy champion.
Balfour Kilpatrick has encouraged reduced paper usage through double-sided printing and copying, advice to 'print only when necessary' and registering with a mail preference service to reduce junk mail, amongst other initiatives. Through further awareness campaigns, water usage is also being reduced.
A reduction in waste is being achieved through recycling and 'take back' arrangements with suppliers. Posters and bins have been provided to encourage staff to think 'recycle?' before they bin rubbish.
Green travel and reduced fuel consumption is promoted through use of videoconferencing facilities and car sharing, for example. Some employees with high business mileage have been given a personal objective to reduce mileage by 10% in the next year.
Since 2003, Balfour Kilpatrick sites and offices, where figures have been available, have recycled over 311 tonnes of paper, cardboard and packaging materials. On top of this, 964 tonnes of metals have been recycled from manufacturing units and sites. Through recycling toner cartridges, £448 has been raised for charity.