Environmental Policy and its' Implementation @ F1
F1 is committed to producing an Environmental Policy which is clear and
auditable in its objectives and achievements. This page details our work so
far.
Evidence in practice
Over the years F1 has take several steps to implement good environmental
best practices. These include:
- Providing bicycles tax free to encourage more environmental
commuting by its staff.
- Achieve target of recycling 100% paper, cardboard, cans, plastic &
glass bottles.
- Encourage our customers to save paper while using our web site by
ensuring that all key web pages have an alternative 2 page PDF document
and a message 'Multiply pages!, why not Save Paper & Print 2 Page PDF
Instead'.
As a relatively small company the impact of our environmental activities
are small, but the joint effort with other like-minded companies could have
a significant impact on the environment and the way we all work and live.
Environmental Policy Statement
F1 Computing Systems aim to minimise the impact that our business has on
the Earths ecosystems and to make employees aware of the contributions
they can make to improve the environment. This challenge should present all
businesses with an important opportunity.
Key areas:
- Educating the workforce
- Paper
- Recycling
- Energy & Building Design
- PC Equipment
- Monitor impact of Suppliers Business Practice on Environment
- Transport Policy - using public transport where available
- Local Projects - tree planting & hedgerow management
- BS7750 Environmental Management System
Educating the Workforce and Other Parties
Each new F1 employee attends an environmental training course which
outlines problems, solutions and how F1 formulates and implements it's
environmental policy. F1 believe in promoting a business culture where
employees, customers and suppliers participate in environmentally
sustainable commerce.
Training includes changing the mindset of everyone to evaluate the
environmental impact when making both strategic and day-to-day business
decisions within the company.
F1 Computing Systems and Paper
F1 Computing Systems recognised over twelve years ago the need for
secure data management using computer storage on magnetic disks. Much was
talked about the 'paperless' office. However, with the increasing dominance
of computer systems came an accompanying increase in the quantity of paper
output.
Computers made it easier to print marketing material which frequently
was addressed incorrectly or missed the mark and was promptly thrown away.
So in effect, the size of the paper mountain has not been significantly
reduced.
How does F1 propose to reduce paper consumption?
Now that increasing numbers of users have access to the internet, it is
worthwhile reviewing the situation again. Companies can come up with
environmental policies which would educate the company and its employees to
think green at every opportunity. This process does not need to be an
expensive operation, cost savings may be achieved through reducing energy
requirements and lower paper consumption.
Paper Sourcing
There are major concerns about the processes involved in the manufacture
of paper because of the impact on the environment. The issue is a complex
one and involves the life cycle analysis of the many stages in the
production and use of paper. In the near future, the Eurolabel may be able
to guide the consumer as to the most environmentally acceptable source of
office paper. F1 Computing are sourcing paper which has the FSC label
approved by WWF. This paper uses a maximum of 70% recycled paper and 25%
virgin pulp from sustainable forests.
F1 are now actively encouraging our customers to accept the replacement of
paper based marketing information with increased use of new technology;
environment friendly use of communication media such as emailed
newsletters, web based product flyers and encouraging the access of
information directly onto our web site.
In addition, to cater for customers who do not currently have access to the
web we offer a fax-on-demand service to allow customers to select and print
the specific product and services information they require.
F1 Computing and Recycling
Because of the trend for replacing PCs every 3 years, there is now a
growing mountain of obsolescent PCs across the world. F1 source new PCs
from suppliers who have a proven record of waste management and have
demonstrated utilisation of recycled materials. Where possible, older PCs
are donated to schools or charity organisations.
F1 trys to minimise the amount of waste paper produced. Paper and toner
cartridges are recycled in all our offices.
F1 Computing Systems and Energy Resources
F1 Computing Systems recognise the importance of fuel-efficient designed
buildings. Gas and electricity bills are monitored to establish whether
usage is excessive.
PC purchases - Our policy is to purchase PCs with energy saving screens.
Desktop computer purchases include screens incorporating CRTs. CRTs will be
phased out in favour of LCD screens when these become widely available, as
they have much lower power consumption. All PCs are switched off at night
except for the Internet server.
F1s Suppliers
F1 will assess the environmental policy of suppliers and source alternative
supplies where necessary. Fluorocarbons in cleaning products are avoided
because of their reaction with the ozone layer.
Other cleaning products are assessed as to their effect on the environment.
Transport Policy
F1 encourage the use of public transport where available. Several employees
cycle to work and also make local deliveries. Employees are helped with
purchase and maintenance of their cycles.
F1 policy is to not encourage the purchase of any further company cars and
when current leases end to encourage staff to use public transport whenever
possible and only use their own cars if absolutely necessary.
F1 tries to limit face to face meetings between employees from different
offices relying instead on telephone conferencing. F1 is investigating the
use of real-time on-line learning to permit us to conduct instructor led
training courses over the internet reducing the need for customers and
trainers to travel long distances in order to attend training courses.
Local Community Projects
F1 employees are involved in a number of local community projects. These
include tree planting & hedgerow management and the Stepping Stones City
Farm in Stepney.
Environmental Management System
F1 have appointed an Environmental Officer (Len Fawcett) to oversee
compliance with BS7750.
Feedback
If you have any comments or suggestions for how we could improve our
environmental policies and activities please email
lenf@f1comp.co.uk
F1 Computing Systems 2009