Elizabeth Michael Associates: Environmental Policy

Purpose

To inform on our objective to deliver a superior service to our stakeholders that is business focused, sustainable and committed to improving our environmental performance.

Scope

This policy is applicable to all direct employees working under a Contract of Employment. A summary version is posted on the EM website for the information of all stakeholders.

Policy Statement

EM seeks to achieve service excellence in all aspects of our work. We conduct our business in an ethical way, taking account of the impact we have economically, socially, environmental and in terms of human rights. We abide by environmental legislation and seek to improve our environmental performance, specifically by defining those areas in which we can make a difference, setting targets and measuring what we achieve. We believe that doing the right thing, and working with like minded people delivers significant benefits, not only to EM and our immediate connections, but also in the wider community.

Procedure

EM has identified the following key environmental areas where we can make a difference

• Consumption of resources
• Energy
• Transport
• Education
• Procurement

We deliver in the following ways

Consumption of resources and energy

1. We work with our clients and temporary staff to migrate all job applications, timesheets, payslips and invoices to an electronic base, minimising printing costs and paper usage. We conduct most written communication by e mail. This also impacts on the transport dimension, as our reliance on the postal delivery service is minimised
2. We seek to reduce waste. For example, we get things right first time and reuse non confidential waste paper where possible and shred confidential waste
3. We discourage the printing of documents unless it is absolutely necessary. When we do print we use efficiency options where possible such as two sided copying
4. We turn off, hibernate or stand by equipment such as PCs and photocopier when not in use
5. We manage our use of independent environmental controls such as heating and air conditioning. We turn off unnecessary lighting
6. We seek to reduce our consumption of energy in real terms year on year through monitoring, effective management and power efficient appliances
7. We recycle our computer equipment in a responsible way, cleansing of data and providing to schools or charities. Where disposal is the only option we do this through an authorised third party contractor
8. We recycle mobile phones, print cartridges and all consumables that have recycling potential

Transport

1. We use a small low emission, fuel efficient vehicle to attend client meetings and take great care in planning client visits and diary management to avoid, where possible, single person or single purpose journeys
2. We identify public transport connections to our office and client sites and inform our candidates and temporary staff accordingly
3. We minimise transport impacts through telephone interviews where practicable

Education

1. We aim to encourage and support environmental initiatives in our adopted school
2. We make all our employees aware of our environmental objectives and encourage their commitment in making things happen
3. We build awareness with our suppliers, clients  and other stakeholders as to our environmental values

Procurement

1. At EM we have a local focus and support people and businesses in our community. Our policy is to procure goods and services from neighbouring organisations that share our environmental values
2. Our procurement decisions are based on price, quality, service and environmental factors
3. We buy, wherever practicable, goods from sustainable sources or recycled material

Responsibility

All those persons referred to within the scope of this policy are required to adhere to its terms and conditions.

Management are responsible for ensuring that this policy is applied within their area. Any queries on the application or interpretation of this policy must be discussed with the HR Consultant prior to any action being taken.

Environmental performance measurement is the responsibility of the Managing Director.

The HR Consultant has responsibility for ensuring the maintenance, regular review and updating of this policy. Revisions, amendments or alterations to the policy can only be implemented following consideration and approval by the Managing Director.