Environmental Policy
Introduction and aim
Universal Lighting Services Ltd is a family-run supplier of commercial and decorative lighting to the public, trade and lighting specifiers from its offices, warehouse and showroom situated in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
We recognise that our operations result in emissions to air and water, and the generation of waste. We comply with all current legislation and all other lawful requirements. We are committed to continue to reduce the environmental impacts of our business and operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
This policy describes how we will achieve our aim.
Responsibility
This environmental policy applies to all of our operations including management, retail sales, packing, despatch, printing, delivery and procurement. Mr S. Yehya is responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented. However, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.
Resources
We will ensure that resources are available to enable us to achieve our objectives and targets.
Objectives
During 2012 and 2013, we will:
- Further reduce the amount of packaging we use by recycling more cardboard
- Further reduce the generation of general waste
- Inform all customers and suppliers of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact
- Continue to comply with all aspects of the WEEE 2007 Directive (The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive).
Targets
To achieve our aims, we have set ourselves the following targets:
- Inform all customers and suppliers about our environmental policy by December 2012 and thereafter, all new customers and suppliers.
- Further refine best practice for the use of packaging by ensuring that employees involved in the despatch of items are suitably trained and understand the issues and by incorporating this training into the induction programme for new starters.
- Monitor our energy consumption and make further savings wherever possible.
- Monitor vehicle use and fuel consumption in order to further reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary journeys.
Monitoring and auditing
Progress against these objectives will be monitored continuously by Mr S. Yehya.
Communication
This environmental policy is available on request. If you wish to obtain a copy or would like to discuss our progress against our objectives, please telephone 0151 650 2138.
Key Achievements
During 2009 we recognised that we were using too much cardboard and other packaging. We introduced a policy whereby delivered boxes and packaging are stored in our despatch warehouse and reused when possible. This has reduced our consumption of boxes and packaging by 50%.
During 2009 we sourced a local manufacturer and supplier of new cardboard boxes within five miles of our premises. This has considerably reduced the transport requirements and subsequently reduced our carbon footprint.
During 2009 we changed the way that we dispose of our waste cardboard. We found a local social enterprise that employs local people with learning difficulties. We deliver our waste cardboard to them and they recycle it by removing the staples and tape before shredding it and packing it into bales for use as horse bedding. This has considerably reduced our landfill waste whilst providing employment for local people.
We own our showroom, offices, storage warehouse and despatch warehouse. These amount to an area of over 1000m2 and were previously heated using storage and warm air heaters. There is no gas supply to our premises.
During 2010 we invested in a considerable number of Mitsubishi air heat source heat pump inverters. They take air from outside and extract the residual heat from it then heat the inside space with warm air. These are extremely energy efficient with a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3.83. This has resulted in a 40% reduction in our energy consumption for heating the premises.
During 2011 we recognised that the larger local delivery vans were being little used. The larger vans have been disposed of and newer more fuel-efficient 1.3 turbo diesel vans have been sourced and limited to 70mph. This has resulted in a reduction of 40% in our diesel costs, with a similar reduction in CO2 emissions.
We use DPD for all of our national and international deliveries. DPD are the leaders within the parcel delivery industry in reducing CO2. From July 2012 DPD will ensure that every parcel sent through its network will be carbon neutral at no extra cost to the customer.
During 2012 we have completed a full refurbishment of our showroom. We have installed occupancy sensors for all of the lights on display. These automatically switch sections of lights on as a person walks around the showroom. This has reduced the display energy consumption by 60%.
At the same time we installed LED lamps to all showroom lighting that is permanently on. This single action has resulted in an energy saving of 90% compared to incandescent lamps and 60% in relation to low energy fluorescent lamps.
We recognise that sourcing products locally can play a great part in reducing our company’s carbon footprint. To that end we are always looking for UK based manufacturers. This provides work for people who contribute towards the UK’s economy and considerably reduces our carbon footprint through greatly reduced transport requirements. I am pleased to report that throughout 2010 and 2011 we have been successful in our endeavours and have managed to double our UK based manufacturers.
Social Responsibilities
We have long recognised our local social responsibilities and have always tried to put something back into the local community. During 2011 the directors made a commitment to support a local charity. They chose Claire House Hospice, a local charity that offers bereavement and other support. It is a registered charity that provides seriously ill children with respite, palliative and end of life care.
At the end of each month, Universal Lighting Services Ltd donates a fixed percentage of the previous month's web sales to Claire House. This is a long-term commitment to a local children’s charity that will continue as long as the current directors are able to so do.
© 2012: Sye Yehya. Universal Lighting Services Ltd: Tel 0151-650-2138. All rights reserved.