The environmental impact of business is high on the agenda here at Armstrong Watson.
The Future Vision project launched in 2008 which focuses on minimising this impact, and actively seeks out ways in which we can do business with the least impact on the environment.
Future Vision concentrates on the five areas where our business has the most environmental impact: transport, waste, paper, water and energy. Below are some of the ways in which we are reducing our environmental impact.
- Transport - staff are encouraged to car share where possible or use public transport. Videocon and telephone conferencing facilities are available across the firm.
- Waste - the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle code is followed across all offices. Each office recycles paper and card, toners, light bulbs, batteries, cans, plastic and glass. Staff reuse old stationery and furniture where possible.
- Paper - Armstrong Watson uses 100% recycled paper across all offices for printing, copying and for letters. Marketing materials are produced on cocoon uncoated stock paper that is approved by the FSC commission and 100% recyclable. Electronic communication is used over paper and clients are also communicated with in this fashion.
- Water - as an office based company, Armstrong Watson's water consumption is not particularly high. This does not mean that improvements can't be made though. Water Hippos have been installed across the firm which save one litre of water per toilet flush. Monthly health and safety checks are done across each office which pick up on any leaks.
- Energy - Armstrong Watson implemented a Switch off, Turn down policy in 2009. This involved the turning off of equipment during lunch breaks or extended time away from desks. Each office has a procedure for checking that all equipment is turned off at the end of each day. The temperature of every Armstrong Watson office is regulated and reduced appropriately outside the normal working hours.
Since the implementation of Future Vision, we have gained bronze and silver awards from Cumbria Business Environmental Network (CBEN) and are now looking to achieve the gold award.
The project is constantly evolving and future plans are looking at working towards paper free offices, duplex printers and copiers throughout the firm and a review of the firm's transport policy.
We have recently introduced Canon multifunction devices throughout the firm saving on toner and paper. To see Canon's case study based on Armstrong Watson, click here.