Environmental Policy
Introduction
Our business is committed to lowering the carbon footprint of the business and its people, whilst ensuring positive environmental and social impacts can be made on the journey to net zero.
This policy covers 9 key programme areas, as per net zero framework which is used to assess, plan and take action in order to make positive change for the planet and its people. The nine key programme areas are: Governance, Energy & Emissions, Food, Procurement, Transportation, Facilities, Resource Use & Waste, Water and Projects & Workforce
The information gathered has been and will be used to set annual objectives and targets. We recognise improving environmental performance requires changes in the way we carry out our day to day business, which must nevertheless be consistent with our health and safety obligations, and also requires the support of every member of staff.
Supportive of Global Action on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainability
Climate change is a global emergency that goes beyond national borders. It is an issue that requires international cooperation and coordinated solutions at all levels. Our policy supports the global commitment made by 192 countries and the EU towards the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty, to substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions and pursue efforts to limit the increase beyond 1.5 degrees. Our policy also supports the 2019 UK law requiring net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our commitment supports NASAs view that humanity must respond to climate change through mitigation and adaption.
In support of Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 we will act to further the conservation of biodiversity. Taking the impact on biodiversity into account in all aspects of its decision-making e.g. operations such as purchasing of supplies, disposal of waste, use of paper, and water and energy resources.
In 2015, world leaders at the United Nations (UN) agreed on 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) that would create a better world by 2030. These goals focus on eradicating poverty, fighting inequality and ending climate change. This policy recognises sustainability and net-zero are two different terms. Net-zero means leaving no carbon footprint (greenhouse gasses put into atmosphere = greenhouse gases taken out). Sustainability is a wider concept, that includes climate action, that looks to the 17 UN SDGs as a road map to greater sustainability. As these 17 goals are not only focused on the environment, but include greater equality, fair wages, and investing in diversity, our support to these areas are covered in other policies.
Zest Promotional operations deliver positive action on 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 10 through the tree planting with Eden Reforestation: 1 No Poverty, 2 Zero Hunger, 3 Good Health and Well-being 5. Gender Equality, 8 Decent Work & Economic Growth, 10 Reduced Inequalities, 13 Climate Action, 14 Life Below Water, 15 Life on Land and 17 Partnership for the Goals. The 11th SDG to be met is 4: Quality Education, as we provide regular weekly education on sustainable and environmental action.
The 9 key programme areas that will take our business to net zero:
Governance
The business is committed to having sustainability within the strategy, setting long terms and annual objectives in this area. To ensure continuity of delivery, training and measurement there will be sustainability lead on the board, the staff and a sustainability team. There will be a commitment to education, regularly measuring our status and appropriate policies being put into place e.g. Anti-Slavery, Equality & Diversity, Environmental etc. We recognise to succeed sustainability must play a key role in our governance, operations and outward profile
Energy
The business is committed to less energy waste and greener energy. This includes assessing energy use, energy supply, opportunities to self generate and ensuring energy efficiency within buildings and initiatives to reduce energy use.
Food
Where appropriate the business is committed to reducing the footprint of food intake and use by using vegetarian meals, vendors, local and ethical produces of food, growing our own and reducing food waste by not overordering and commitment to composting.
Procurement
Eco and ethical assessment of supply chain, working with suppliers on shared sustainability goals, choosing greener products and services including a commitment plastic alternatives. Implement a sourcing policy that prioritises: Reuse over single use, Renewable over finite resources, Certified compostable products (where they exist) and prioritising products with the highest recycled content available (min 30%).
Transportation
A commitment to lowering the footprint of all aspects of transportation involved in the business. This includes its vehicle fleet, pool cars, charging points, compliance with ULEZ standards, using venues with good public transport links and staff support e.g. car sharing, bike to work, ebikes, walking and encouraging use of public transport.
Facilities
Exploring opportunities to self-generate own energy – wind, solar, biomass power, within the facilities. Monitor, maintain and improve the biodiversity and biosecurity within the grounds of the facility. A commitment to creating green areas (inside and out), improving air quality and maximising the use of natural light.
Resource Use and Waste
A commitment to measure waste impact then target zero waste to landfill through reuse and recycling options. Asses the use of packaging on the same principles and where appropriate avoid single use plastics and go paperless. Promoting the circular economy with a positive green message refuse, repair, reuse and recycle.
Water
To minimise water consumption and waste, exploring reusing grey water, providing water for refillable bottles and supporting innovative tech and engineering in this area.
Projects and Workforce
A commitment to educate the workforce, customers and partners on sustainability and the environmental policy. If appropriate encourage working from home, teleconferencing over face to face meetings.
