The initiatives that are currently active we have listed below.
Have a cuppa; an initiative to replace disposable cups with a simple china mug in two sizes (8oz and 12oz) which will reduce the amount of non-compostable wastage in the land fill, whilst reducing the cost of disposables on the client account. The customer simply brings back the dirties and takes a clean mug. There is a slightly higher use of dishwasher energy and chemical, but this far outweighs the reduction over a one year period on the disposables and wastage.
Regional/local suppliers; our net purchasing policy allows us to deal with local suppliers so we always try to find the best local suppliers so that our customers benefit from regional and local produce as well as supporting the local economies nearby our client’s business. Our Technical Services team check out the HSE factors of traceability, storage and delivery and thereafter the supplier can log onto our Caternet e-procurement system to show their prices, specials and availabilities. Doing this reduces food miles, stimulates local interest and economy and reduces the carbon emissions related to long haul supply.
‘g’-procurement; it is a company target to purchase the majority of our products used in our operations within a twenty mile radius of each operation. This is a target that will be achieved using the e-procurement module within our in-house Caternet MIS and is aimed to be achieved by September 2010. We are naming this ‘g’-procurement in line with our ‘green’ policies.
Recyclable packaging; it is a company target that our suppliers are encouraged to use recyclable packaging materials when delivering our products to our operations. We are working with our suppliers on this initiative and we aim to have our fresh products delivered like this by September 2008, with the remaining suppliers working towards this requirement by September 2009.
Disposables; we are currently working with our clients and disposables suppliers to a target of 100% recyclable or fully compostable disposables in the business by 1st September 2007. This is a small step in terms of the overall impact that Host has in the delivery of a catering service, but a fairly easy one to knock off the environmental agenda.
Vehicle emissions; we have amended our company car policy with immediate effect so that all cars purchased through our tax efficient scheme will have 160g/km or less emissions. We will widen the policy to include variable fuels and electric power as the technologies are developed and other innovations are brought into operation.
New office technologies; we will shortly be moving to a new purpose built Head Office and we will be refurbishing the premises with a view to adding solar power to assist with the general heating and power requirements. We will also be upgrading the main lighting to modern energy efficient systems, and if we can work with consultants on heat exchange and grey water systems (subject to planning and practicalities) then we will be doing so. Plans are currently being developed.
Development kitchen; in our new office we will also be installing a development kitchen and staff restaurant so that all our environmental ideas and innovations can be tested ahead of rolling them out to our clients complete with a case study on the specific ideas’ environmental credentials and financial implications.
Power and Water; we are working with clients to see how we can reduce the use of power and water within our operations. |
We take our responsibilities towards the environment seriously, so we thought the best thing to do was to flag all our initiatives on our web site so visitors can see how active we are towards creating a better environment for all.