The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a national organisation set up to improve the image of construction. The core business is monitoring member sites’ performance against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.

The Scheme offices have a predominantly administrative function. There is also a small print room where Scheme posters are finished, boxed and distributed.
As a service provider, the majority of waste is paper. The Scheme has implemented several initiatives to ensure its impact on the environment is considerably reduced. These initiatives are reflected in our plan for 2008.
Environmental Policy

The Scheme offers an advisory service to member sites from a central administration office.


Environmental Policy

The Scheme will conduct its business with respect and care for the environment. Specifically the Scheme will:

• At all times comply with all applicable legislation relating to the environment and incorporate the best available technology that is economically achievable.
• Make continuous efforts to minimise the environmental effects of its operations.
• Limit waste generation and handle waste in a responsible manner, re-using and recycling materials and packaging (where possible and economically viable) to minimise the need for disposal.
• Promote the education and training of all its employees in environmental effects and issues, as applicable to their activities.
• Keep its Monitors informed of latest environmental issues and developments.
• Conserve resources by efficient use of energy and water.
• Monitor on a continuous basis the environmental impact of its operations.
• Work with suppliers, customers and contractors to promote awareness of the importance of environmental issues and the need to work in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Report on environmental performance annually.
  

Environmental Plan 2008
In 2008 we intend to carry out the following initiatives in support of our policy:

• Recycling of paper: All paper, once used, is recycled via ‘Keltonstone Recycling’. A member of staff will be given responsibility for providing a report to show the amount of paper recycled, so the amount of waste can be monitored and thereby reduced.
• Re-use of all single sided printed paper before recycling: All paper that has been printed on one side only is kept to allow the plain side to be printed on. This will be monitored to ensure all paper is printed on both sides before recycling.
• Double sided printing of all documentation wherever possible: All published documents are to be printed on both sides. Any that are not are to be re-used before recycling.
• Collection of all postage stamps to be sent to charity: All stamps are collected and sent to the ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’ charity. Staff are encouraged to bring in stamps from home to add to the collection.
• Use of recycled cardboard for poster and banner boxes: All poster boxes are made from recycled card and display the ‘recyclable’ logo to encourage the end user to recycle.
• Encourage the return of Scheme banners for recycling or re-use: Sites are encouraged to return Scheme banners after use to be recycled. The banner manufacturer has been asked to look into recycling banners that cannot be re-used.
• Set up returns, recycle or re-use policy for the Scheme posters and site information sheets: As above.
• Measurement of energy usage: Meter readings taken at quarterly intervals and compared with historic records (as they build up), with consideration being given to making suitable reductions in usage, in proportion to company growth.
• Where possible, replace all postal distribution to Site Monitors with email: All Monitors will be asked if they can receive information via email, to reduce post.
• Reduction of packaging imported from suppliers: All suppliers, where possible, are asked to either deliver packages un-wrapped or in re-usable packages. All boxes are kept for re- use.
• Provide staff with appropriate training on sustainability and environmental issues: All staff are trained and regularly updated on office environmental policy and are asked to look for environmental improvements within their roles.
• Provide email bulletins to staff and Monitors to highlight sustainable ways of travelling in a work capacity: All staff are asked to consider environmental impact when travelling to and from work.
• Where possible all light bulbs will be replaced with either lower wattage or energy saving alternatives.
• Whenever possible all unused computers and monitors will be turned off.
• Collect and recycle all used ink cartridges from office printers: A company has been sourced that collects all used ink cartridges for recycling.

In 2008 we intend to implement the following new initiatives:

• In all cases recipients of any information will be asked if they are able to receive it via email to reduce postage.
• Recipients of Scheme documentation or other produced goods, such as Scheme diaries, will be asked prior to issue whether the item is in fact required.
• Staff members will be encouraged to use the paper and ink cartridge recycling facilities provided at the administration office.
• Office staff will be told to use smaller fonts and reduced margins where appropriate and possible to reduce paper usage.