Finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment is one of our key initiatives for 2019 and beyond.
Rampant deforestation, wide ranging use of single plastics, and record-breaking carbon emissions are taking their toll on the environment, and we recognise that business has a duty to help protect our planet.
Early in 2018, we evaluated the use of single-use plastics in our offices and the numbers astounded us. In response to our findings, we launched our Ditch the Plastic campaign to our colleagues and clients. This included distributing reusable metal water bottles, installing more recycling points, adding more reusable items and containers to the kitchen, along with a promotional campaign with our clients to help spread the word.
But we don’t want to stop there. As part of Reed Global group of companies we are involved in a wider range of environmental policies. Our sister company REED was the first recruitment company in the UK to become CarbonNeutral® – they’ve been so since 2005.
In November 2016 we supported our most recent project, the West India Wind Power Project (VCS) in India. The project covers 3 districts in India and consists of 242 wind turbines. The project is estimated to deliver approximately 375,000 MWh of clean renewable energy to India’s national grid, instead of electricity that would have otherwise come from fossil fuel stations.
As well as improving access to renewable energy, this project created permanent roles for approximately 120 people and an additional 270 temporary roles during its construction period.
Another example is our Jubilee Tree Project. To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the company planted 6,000 trees in Oxfordshire, England, 100 for every year of the Queen’s reign. This was done with the help of the Forestry Commission who ensured that all trees planted were native to English woodland.
We’re rolling out even more environmental policies across this year, because every business has the power to help drive positive change. We hope our clients will join us on the way.
Problem not solved, but we’re working on it.
