Greenlinks Badging Scheme
Business members (who have completed the 10-point questionnaire in order to put their ad on the website) are invited to answer 4 additional questions - (see RH column)
Each 'yes' gives an extra star rating against your ad, while 2 or
more stars enables you to use the Greenlinks logo on your
stationery, shop window, etc.
The 4 questions relate to nationally recognised criteria, giving your achievements a public profile.
We are aiming to get enough 'badged' businesses to become the
first 'GreenTrade' County, similar to 'FairTrade' which has become well-known.
Details;
1. Text of Environmental Policy below.
2. If you need a copy of Gov't criteria, email us and we'll send you a copy. Note; the first question they ask is 'do you have an Environmental Policy'.
3. We are working with the Prince's Mayday Network on this, so that your pledge will entitle you to use their logo as well as Greenlinks.
4. If you need support achieving ISO140001 etc, we have professional experts for this within the Greenlinks network.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
This policy is intended as a guide to reducing the environmental and subsequent social impact that day to day working has locally and globally. All workers, volunteers, tenants and visitors are encouraged to carry out the following measures:
Waste
Our company aims to minimize waste generation by:
- maximizing the use of reclaimed materials
- composting food waste
- recycling all paper, cardboard, glass, metal, ink cartridges, batteries etc in the appropriate recycling bins
- collecting tin foil (including bottle tops), used stamps and re-usable envelopes
- crushing all other waste to minimize space
Energy
Our company encourages workers and volunteers to minimize energy use by:
- switching off lights when leaving a room
- turning radiators down when leaving for the weekend
- closing windows at the end of the day
- when not in switching off computers and other appliances
- using high efficiency systems and equipment where possible
- using water saving measures and recycling water
- using insulation reduce heat loss
Resource Use
Our company aims to:
- include environmental requirements at all stages of tendering
- minimise use of polluting fuel sources
- maximize renewable energy resources by purchasing energy from renewable sources (check www.energylinx.co.uk and other similar websites for comparing prices). This will go a long way to helping our business become carbon neutral
- convert (at least some) company vehicles to run on bio-diesel made from recycled waste oil. This is another good step in the direction of carbon neutrality. Should a carbon trading scheme be introduced in the future for businesses this will stand us in good stead
- using appropriate metering and feedback devices for all resource usage
- purchase and use recycled paper and card
- ensure any printing ordered for the company is on recycled paper using vegetable based non-toxic inks.
- assess all materials in the following order: non-toxic, reclaimed, renewable, locally produced, reusable, recycled, recyclable
- avoid PVC folders and wallets and instead use other plastic and card substitutes
- avoid over packaging
- ask suppliers to provide environmental and ethical information about products and practices so that those who disregard the environment, human well-being or animal welfare may be avoided
Transport
To minimize use of polluting fuel sources and methods, vehicle use will be kept to a minimum. We encourage walking, cycling and using public transport
Air Quality
To reduce indoor air pollutants our company
- avoids harmful and toxic materials eg aerosol paints and cleaners
- avoids solvent correction fluids, marker pens, paints etc and uses water based ones
- holds a preference for products made from renewable natural materials like wood
(FSC certified)
- avoids foam backed carpets and other synthetic furniture made from MDF etc
Catering
We probably have our greatest impact on the environment and on our health through the food we eat and therefore should encourage employees as much as possible to purchase local produce, organic, and cruelty-free food.
All venues used for our company’s events should be asked to use only locally produced organic food for meals or refreshments if possible.
Coming soon; Greenlinks Online Shop;
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Badging Scheme
