Environment
VMI has taken great strides to reduce its impact on the environment.
VMI only uses recycled paper and recycles all paper waste that it produces.
VMI has reduced the amount of plastic that it uses and no longer seals cables in plastic, checking them and fastening then with velcro tabs. It only seals items in plastic that are deemed necessary.
By reducing transit charges to clients for non timed deliveries, increases the number of drops per van trip and thus reduces trips saving fuel and emissions.
VMI is also discarding the use of water coolers, which increase fuel use (for deliveries), plastic production (for the bottles) and electricity consumption (for keeping the water cool). Instead, it is installing water fountains that supply ground-cooled water straight out of the water main for staff and clients to drink.
VMI also encourages its staff to use public transport and sponsors staff to buy bicycles. At VMI today, at least 3 members of staff ride to work by bicycle as does Barry Bassett, VMI's Managing Director.
VMI Environmental policy statement
VMI also takes its environmental impact very seriously. The Board of Directors determines the overall environmental policy for VMI paying due regard to the protection of the environment, the effective and efficient use of energy and raw materials, and the minimisation of waste.
The aim of the policy is not simply legislative compliance, we wish to enhance our corporate social responsibility by supporting the development of best practice and innovative solutions to deliver sustainable growth whilst continually improving environmental standards.
VMI commits to:
- The education and training of employees in environmental issues and the environmental effects of their activities.
- To continually improve on environmental performance and review this annually.
- VMI only uses recycled paper and recycles all paper and cardboard waste that it produces. Faxes are now received and filed electronically avoiding unnecessary printing them – likewise with electronic mail.
- Promoting the use of sustainable transport amongst its staff. Included in this is the provision for home-working which reduces commuting journeys which is supported by at least 3 members of staff on a regular basis including VMI’s Managing Director.
- VMI also encourages its staff to use bicycles to commute and supports the bicycle to work scheme.- at least 2 members of the team frequently ride to work.
- VMI promotes the merits of tape-less technology to avoid stock waste.
- The minimising of unnecessary journeys of delivery vehicles through efficient planning and scheduling and have reduced transit charges to clients for non-timed deliveries to encourage enable multiple drops to be possible on round trips.
- VMI also promote to West-End clients a subsidised delivery service providing they book their deliveries and collections in advance, thus enabling VMI to efficiently schedule multiple trips to W1 and avoid unnecessary duplicitous journeys.
- Where possible, VMI try to sub-hire equipment from local companies to VMI to minimise on road delivery miles.
- Minimising on wasteful packaging, such as the unnecessary bagging of cables, which though they improve presentation, they actually serve no practical purpose.
- VMI is also discarding the use of water coolers, which increase fuel use (for deliveries), plastic production (for the bottles) and electricity consumption (for keeping the water cool). Instead, it is installing water fountains that supply ground-cooled water straight out of the water main for staff and clients to drink.
- Efficient use of water and energy by installing water meters to monitor and regulate water usage and avoid costly air-conditioning in the offices where possible.
- The use of biodegradable chemicals where possible.
- Minimising use of solvents and lead-based paints,
- In building projects, VMI require that builders only use timber from sustainable (managed) forests.
- Minimising noise disturbance to neighbours.
- The phasing out of CFCs and ozone-depleting substances. VMI use very few chemicals but are sensitive to the environmental damage of using them and so restrict their use. VMI no longer buys canned air but instead uses a compressor to deliver pressurised air to the work benches.
- Ideally, VMI would choose to work with clients and suppliers to achieve the common aim.
The Board accepts responsibility for the overall effectiveness of the environmental policy and recognises the essential role that employees at all levels need to play in the development of environmental awareness and efficiency.
September 2008
