Our Carbon Footprint
We have a comprehensive carbon management system in place across the whole of BPR Group as well as at Carbon Smart in particular. The full breakdown of the BPR Group carbon footprint over the past three years is shown above. The group is experiencing significant growth which explains the increasing footprint.
The carbon footprint per employee is shown below, followed by the carbon footprint per employee at Lant Street, where Carbon Smart is based – this excludes some of the operational emissions of the group which are not relevant to our business, such as the fleet of recycling vans.
BPR Group carbon reduction initiatives
Highlights of 2010
Over the last 12 months, BPR Group acquired Juniper, The Laundry and Magpie Recycling allowing the Group to expand significantly into the SME and food recycling market.
These acquisitions, combined with an increase in business demand have contributed to an expansion in our fleet. We have inherited 8 new vehicles in 2010 and plan to replace a number of older ones with more efficient technologies in the year to come.
Carbon Smart has also been experiencing significant growth and in the autumn of 2010 we moved to a new office to accommodate our expanding team. Please check our office fit out case study for innovative ideas to reduce cost and carbon while relocating offices.
After reducing our carbon emissions as much as we realistically can, and only after all carbon reduction efforts have been made, we purchase credible carbon offsets to cover the remainder of our footprint.
Fleet
We equipped our fleet with a telematic system which helped us achieve a 3% reduction in fuel usage and reduce the number of accidents by 10% in 2010. We fitted telematics in our trucks to monitor harsh braking and over acceleration of each driver. By analysing engine diagnostics, real MPG, odometer readings and emissions compliance status we have been able to improve the efficiency of the fleet.
Electricity
Between 2008 and 2009 we achieved a 30% reduction in electricity consumption by installing timers and making boiler adjustments at our depot.
Waste
We have achieved a 92% recycling rate in our office. Our recycling scheme covers the following materials: paper, cardboard, paper, glass, cans, plastic, food waste, batteries, and WEEE. All non-recyclable waste is sent to an energy-from-waste facility.
Staff commuting
We relocated our head office three years ago, choosing a site that is within 10 minutes walk from 3 underground stations and within 3 minutes walk from 6 major bus routes. We also provide cycle storage facilities and showers. As a result, 25% of staff walk or cycle to work. The remaining staff use public transport – no car parking is provided on site. We have also signed up for Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme and we encourage our staff to use the bikes when attending client meetings.
Staff engagement
The group has a dedicated green team with members from both Carbon Smart and Paper Round. The team meets quarterly to discuss energy saving strategies in the office, rewards green work habits among staff and periodically runs a number of workshops.
Please click here to read the Carbon Smart environmental policy.